Performance evaluation of agrivoltaic system for the synergy among greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) production and solar electric power generation

Abstract

The concept of agrivoltaic, combining agriculture and solar photovoltaic system, is ideal for populous countries like India as it provides access to eco-friendly power and crop production from the same land. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of agrivoltaic systems for different geometry of solar photovoltaic strings and their suitability for agricultural practices for the greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) crop under North-Gujarat agro-climatic conditions of India. Eight equal-capacity strings with different geometry were designed to evaluate power generation and crop production beneath the strings. The experiment involved eight strings taken as eight treatments and the traditional system of greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) cultivation practices is taken as the ninth treatment. The greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) was shown and all other cultural practices was kept same upto grain yields. The results revealed that 10.5 feet height string with continuous solar panel pattern) provided the highest gross income (Rs. 24,364.00) from power generation and greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) yield. In terms of net realization, a 6.0-feet string with continuous solar panel pattern provided the highest net return of Rs. 12,417.00, as the capital cost was less for the system. Treatment-5, which involved transparent panels, was found to be better for the photosynthesis process of the greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) crop, as it provided the highest yield (12.99 kg) under the agrivoltaic system.