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Solar energy modelling and proposed crops for different types of agrivoltaics systems

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  • Jamil, Uzair
  • Hickey, Thomas
  • Pearce, Joshua M.

Abstract

Canada can radically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by aggressively deploying agrivoltaics and reach its goal of cutting emissions by increasing the non-emitting share of electricity generation to 90 % by 2030. To help reach this goal, this study evaluated the potential energy production for vertical bi-facial solar photovoltaic arrays as well as the solar irradiation reaching the ground with three different spacings (5 m, 15 m and 45 m) and three different Canadian farming locations (London, Calgary and Winnipeg) using irradiance modeling with Ladybug tools plug-ins for Grasshopper and Honeybee. The crops currently grown in each region were identified and their sunlight requirements were analyzed. Based on the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground surface and the solar requirements of the crops, inter-row spacings that were suitable for agrivoltaic applications for the three locations were identified. Next the land acreage of a select few crops, which were proven to be satisfactory for agrivoltaic systems, were identified for each province and their electrical energy potential was ascertained using the open-source System Advisor Model. The results indicate that more than 84 % of the total national electricity requirements can be met by employing agrivoltaics on agricultural land where these crops are cultivated in the three provinces.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamil, Uzair & Hickey, Thomas & Pearce, Joshua M., 2024. "Solar energy modelling and proposed crops for different types of agrivoltaics systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:304:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224018486
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132074
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    1. Vaverková, Magdalena Daria & Kousal, Martin & Kosakiewicz, Michał & Krysińska, Karolina & Winkler, Jan, 2026. "Agrivoltaics for sustainable land use: A critical review of synergistic and antagonistic effects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PE).
    2. Szarek, Magda & Jouttijärvi, Sami & Karttunen, Lauri & Hynnä, Teemu & Ranta, Samuli & Miettunen, Kati, 2026. "Performance evaluation of high latitude agrivoltaic systems with vertically mounted bifacial panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 402(PB).
    3. Leonardo Sollazzo & Giulio Mangherini & Valentina Diolaiti & Donato Vincenzi, 2025. "A Comprehensive Review of Agrivoltaics: Multifaceted Developments and the Potential of Luminescent Solar Concentrators and Semi-Transparent Photovoltaics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-49, March.
    4. Adam Fennessy & Vasile Onea & James Walshe & John Doran & Marius Purcar & George Amarandei, 2025. "Suitability of Existing Photovoltaic Degradation Models for Agrivoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-31, April.

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