How to design an Agri-PV system?

Choosing the right Agri-PV structure involves considering several factors to ensure it meets both your agricultural and energy generation needs. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1.Crop Compatibility:

Determine the type of crops you are growing. Different crops have varying light and shade requirements, which can influence the design of the Agri-PV structure.

2.Shading Patterns:

Assess how much shading your crops can tolerate. Agri-PV systems can be designed to provide partial shading, which can sometimes benefit certain crops by reducing heat stress.

3.Structural Design:

Choose a structure that fits your land layout and farming practices. This includes considering the height, spacing, and orientation of the panels to ensure they don’t interfere with farming equipment and activities. Such as the operational height and width of the tracker, what is the route of tracker practices.

4.Energy Needs:

Estimate your energy requirements. This will help determine the size and capacity of the PV system needed to meet your goals.

5.Local Climate and Soil Conditions:

Consider the local weather conditions and soil type, as these can impact the choice of structure and the type of PV panels used.

6.Installation and Maintenance:

Think about the ease of installation and maintenance. Some structures are easier to install and maintain than others, which can save time and costs in the long run.

7. Regulatory and Incentive Programs:

Check local regulations and available incentives for Agri-PV projects. Compliance with local laws and taking advantage of financial incentives can significantly affect your project’s feasibility and cost.

8. Budget:

Determine your budget for the project. While Agri-PV systems can be a significant investment, they often provide long-term savings and benefits.

Let's look at a few more examples of Agri-PV projects from different parts of the world, demonstrating the flexibility and range of applications these systems offer.

Example 1: Berry Farm Agri-PV System

Location: California, USA

Project Details:

• Crop: Blueberries and strawberries
• System Design: Solar panels mounted on high structures to provide shade.
• Shading: Adjustable panels that can provide more or less shade depending on the sunlight intensity, which is crucial for berries sensitive to excessive heat.
• Energy Output: Generates power for on-farm use, including irrigation pumps and cooling facilities.

Benefits:

• Reduces water usage by decreasing evaporation rates.
• Lowers the temperature for heat-sensitive berry crops, potentially extending their growing season.
• Generates enough energy to offset most of the farm's electricity use, reducing utility bills.

Example 2: Organic Vegetable Agri-PV Farm

Location: Japan

Project Details:

• Crop: Organic vegetables, including lettuce and spinach
• System Design: Rows of solar panels interspersed with crop rows.
• Shading: Carefully calculated shading to optimize light exposure for plants that require limited direct sunlight.
• Energy Output: Powers farm operations and surplus is sold back to the electricity grid.

Benefits:

• Enhances the growth of shade-loving vegetables.
• Protects crops from extreme weather conditions, reducing crop loss.
• Provides a sustainable model for organic farming by reducing carbon footprint.

Example 3: Integrated Aquaculture and Agri-PV System

Location: South Korea

Project Details:

• System Design: Solar panels installed over fish ponds.
• Shading: Provides shade, reducing water temperature and promoting a healthier environment for fish.
• Energy Output: Used for pumping and filtration systems in aquaculture operations.

Benefits:

• Reduces algae growth in ponds by limiting direct sunlight.
• Energy-efficient solution for aquaculture farms, lowering operational costs.
• Improves fish growth rates and health due to better water conditions.

These examples highlight how Agri-PV systems can be adapted to different types of agriculture and climatic conditions, maximizing both crop yield and energy production.

Goomax can propose 1P system and also 2P+ system for different request.

** All parameters are only for references, they will be updated according to site conditions.

Main material can be Aluminium and also ZAM-Steel or HDG-Steel if site conditions allowed.

If you're considering implementing an Agri-PV system, these cases can serve as inspiration and a starting point for designing a system that meets your specific needs. Would any of these setups be relevant to your interests, or is there another type of setup you are curious about?

Would you like more detailed information on any of these aspects or assistance with designing a system that fits your specific needs?

Please shoot me via email: [email protected]