Agrivoltaism - Double Photovoltaic Solar Panels System
Agrivoltaism is a double system combining, over one surface, a crop and photovoltaic solar panels, raised above ground and controlled according to the physiological needs of the plants. The panels protect the plants by modifying the climate over the crops and producing clean, renewable and competitive energy.
The agrivoltaic technology uses the same principle as intercropping. Several varieties are farmed on one surface of land and over several levels, thus creating a synergy between the crops. In the case of agrivoltaism: one level for farm production and one level for electric production.
The agrivoltaic structure is installed 4 or 5 meters above ground to let farming machinery circulate between crops and perform agricultural work.
The possible distance between poles is from 7 to 9 meters in order to keep the standard spacings of crop rows and of the plant density per hectare.
The system is installed on steel-forged poles without any impact on the environment. No concrete, easy dismantling and minimum ground pollution
To improve the agricultural production, the shadow over the crops is controlled in real time by piloted dynamic solar panels.
When the panels are position in the shadow position, plants are protected from excess of light and do not suffer from hydric stress. When panels are positioned vertically, they let all the sunlight shine on the crops. When there is hail, the panels are positioned horizontally to preserve the ground temperature (+1 to 3°C).
The solar panels are mobile in an angle of +/- 90°C and the size of the structure allows a total absence of shadow.