The concept of agrivoltaics: A dual system
Agrivoltaic is a double system combining a crop and a photovoltaic structure on the same surface. Positioned in height and controlled according to the physiological needs of the plant, the panels make it possible to provide plant protection by modifying the climate above the plants and to produce clean, renewable and competitive electricity.
Agrivoltaic technology uses the principle of cultivation in stages, several varieties are cultivated on the same surface and on several levels thus creating a synergy between the productions: one level for agricultural production and one level for electricity production.
The agrivoltaic structure is built 4 or 5 m from the ground, so that it allows agricultural machinery to move between crops and perform agricultural work.
The possible pole spacing is between 7 and 9 meters in order to maintain the “standard” spacing of the rows of planting and therefore the density of plants per hectare.
The system is implemented using steel impact pile technology with no impact on agriculture. No concrete is installed, dismantling is facilitated and soil pollution is minimized.
In order to improve agricultural production, the shade provided to plants can be controlled in real time by controlling dynamic photovoltaic panels.
In the maximum shade position, the plants are protected from excess sun and do not suffer from water stress. The panels are erased to bring maximum sunlight to the plants. Finally, during spring frosts, the panels positioned horizontally allow the temperature on the ground to be preserved (+1 to 3 ° C).
The panels are movable at + or – 90 ° (second generation), and the size of the structure allows total erasure.