Scientists from Swansea University have developed a brand new tool to assist discover optimal photovoltaic (PV) materials able to maximising crop growth while generating solar energy.
In a recent study published in Solar RRL, academics from the University’s Department of Physics have been exploring the effect of semi-transparent PV materials placed over crops — an exemplary application of agrivoltaics (solar panels combined with agricultural settings).
As a part of this work, the team has developed an revolutionary freeware tool that predicts the sunshine transmission, absorption, and power generation of various PV materials nearly anywhere on the globe using geographical, physical, and electrical measurements.
Austin Kay, lead creator of the study and a PhD candidate at Swansea University, said: “This technology, which allows us to check many varieties of PV material, could help us determine how we balance food production and renewable energy generation.”
A key factor for optimising agrivoltaics is choosing the suitable PV material, which requires an understanding of how the fabric absorbs different wavelengths (colors) of sunshine, in addition to its bandgap. A wider bandgap means the fabric can absorb light that’s higher-energy and has a shorter wavelength (blue), while a narrower bandgap allows the absorption of lower-energy, longer wavelength (red) light.
By rigorously choosing PV materials with specific bandgaps and absorption properties, researchers can fine-tune the ‘color’ of sunshine transmitted through semi-transparent PVs to hit the crops, which mainly absorb red and blue light to photosynthesise, reflecting green light.
Project lead, Associate Professor Ardalan Armin, said: “By optimising the mixture of solar panels and agriculture, agrivoltaics has the potential to significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the agricultural sector. This approach not only generates clean energy but in addition enhances food security.”
Solar panels or PVs could be introduced into agricultural settings in some ways to supply locally generated power with minimal effect on a farm’s output. They could be attached to the roofs of greenhouses or polytunnels and will also be used to supply shelter for livestock. In return, the livestock can reduce maintenance costs by eating vegetation across the panels. Nonetheless, careful consideration of the sort of livestock is crucial as some species, like goats, can jump onto the PVs and cause irreversible damage.
