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HAyHHbIM WyPHAfl « IN SITU »
ISSN (p) 2411-7161 / ISSN (e) 2712-9500
№9 / 2024
Agajanova Mahriban,
International Horse Breeding Academy named after Aba Annaev
Arkadag, Turkmenistan
AGRICULTURE AND SOLAR ENERGY Abstract
The increasing global demand for food and renewable energy has led to innovative solutions that combine both sectors, one of the most promising being the use of solar panels in agriculture, also known as agrivoltaics. This approach optimizes land use by integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with agricultural activities, allowing farmers to produce crops while generating solar energy on the same land. This article explores the application of solar panels in agriculture, focusing on their economic, environmental, and social impacts. It examines how solar panels can improve farm productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the global shift toward sustainable energy. Additionally, challenges such as installation costs, land competition, and technological limitations are discussed. Through case studies and emerging trends, this article highlights the potential of solar panels to transform agriculture into a more resilient and energy-efficient industry.
Keywords
agrivoltaics, solar energy, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, land optimization, photovoltaics, dual-use farming
The global agricultural sector faces significant challenges in the 21st century, including the need to feed a growing population, mitigate climate change, and adopt more sustainable practices. Simultaneously, the demand for renewable energy is rising as countries strive to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy, as one of the most abundant and sustainable energy sources, has emerged as a key player in this transition.
Agriculture and solar energy may seem to be competing for land use, but recent advancements have enabled the integration of these two sectors through a system called agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics involves the use of solar panels installed above crops, livestock areas, or other agricultural systems, creating a dual-use model where the same land is used for both farming and energy generation. This innovative approach offers a solution to the problem of land scarcity while providing economic and environmental benefits.
This article explores the role of solar panels in agriculture, including their design, benefits, challenges, and future potential. By analyzing case studies and technological advancements, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how solar energy is reshaping modern agriculture and contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
The Concept of Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics, also known as dual-use farming, refers to the co-development of solar energy and agricultural production on the same land. Unlike traditional solar farms, which often require vast areas of land and compete with agriculture, agrivoltaic systems are designed to support both crop growth and energy generation simultaneously. The solar panels are typically elevated on structures that allow sufficient sunlight to reach the crops underneath while also generating electricity from the sun.
The design and configuration of agrivoltaic systems can vary depending on the type of crops, geographical location, and energy needs. In some cases, solar panels are installed in rows with spacing that allows sunlight to penetrate between the panels, while in others, they are placed higher above the ground, casting partial shade on the crops. These configurations can create microclimates that benefit certain crops by reducing heat stress and water evaporation.
АКАДЕМИЧЕСКОЕ ИЗДАТЕЛЬСТВО «НАУЧНАЯ АРТЕЛЬ»
Agrivoltaics is not limited to crop production. Solar panels can also be integrated into livestock farming, providing shade and shelter for animals while generating electricity. Additionally, solar-powered irrigation systems are becoming more common, using solar energy to pump water to fields without the need for conventional power sources.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Agriculture
1. Optimizing Land Use
One of the primary advantages of agrivoltaics is the efficient use of land. In many regions, land is a limited resource, and the competition between agriculture and energy production is a significant concern. By combining solar energy generation with farming, agrivoltaics maximizes the use of available land, allowing farmers to diversify their income streams without sacrificing crop production.
This dual-use approach is particularly beneficial in regions with high solar irradiance, where large tracts of land are required for both agriculture and solar farms. Agrivoltaics can help reduce the pressure on land resources while contributing to food security and energy independence.
2. Increased Farm Productivity
Solar panels can improve agricultural productivity by creating microclimates that benefit certain crops. The shade provided by the panels can reduce the intensity of sunlight, which is particularly advantageous for crops that are sensitive to high temperatures or require moderate sunlight. The reduced heat can also lower water evaporation, helping to conserve water resources in regions prone to drought.
Research has shown that some crops, such as lettuce, spinach, and certain berries, thrive under partial shade provided by solar panels. By carefully selecting crop types and adjusting panel configurations, farmers can achieve higher yields and better crop quality while generating renewable energy.
3. Renewable Energy Generation and Cost Savings
The most obvious benefit of solar panels in agriculture is the generation of clean, renewable energy. Farmers can use this energy to power their operations, such as irrigation systems, machinery, and storage facilities. In remote or off-grid areas, solar energy can provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators or traditional power grids.
Moreover, farmers can sell excess electricity generated by the solar panels back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream. This not only reduces the farm's energy costs but also provides a financial buffer during periods of low agricultural productivity or fluctuating crop prices.
References
1. Barron-Gafford, G. A., Minor, R. L., Allen, N. A., Cronin, A. D., Brooks, A. E., & Pavao-Zuckerman, M. A. (2019). The Photovoltaic Heat Island Effect: Larger solar power plants increase local temperatures. Scientific Reports , 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-47803-3
2. Dupraz, C., Marrou, H., Talbot, G., Dufour, L., Nogier, A., & Ferard, Y. (2011). Combining solar photovoltaic panels and food crops for optimising land use: Towards new agrivoltaic schemes. Renewable Energy , 36(10), 2725-2732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j~.renene.2011.03.005
3. Amaducci, S., Yin, X., & Colauzzi, M. (2018). Agrivoltaic systems to optimize land use for electric energy production. Applied Energy , 220, 545-561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j~.apenergy.2018.03.081
4. Hernandez, R. R., Hoffacker, M. K., & Field, C. B. (2014). Land-use efficiency of big solar photovoltaic systems. Environmental Science & Technology , 48(2), 1315-1323. https://doi.org/10.1021/es4043726
5. Weselek, A., Ehmann, A., Zikeli, S., Lewandowski, I., Schindele, S., & Hogy, P. (2019). Agrivoltaic systems: applications, challenges, and opportunities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews , 105, 268-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.01.047
© Agajanova M.,2024
