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Economic Analysis of Biofuel Production in Agrophotovoltaic Systems Using Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in South Korea

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Listed:
  • Youngjin Kim

    (Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea)

  • Sojung Kim

    (Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Agrophotovoltaic (APV) systems represent innovative agricultural farms and solar power plants, capable of producing electricity and crops simultaneously. Since the solar radiation required to optimize harvests varies by crop type, traditional PV panels face challenges in efficiently adjusting the shading ratio of APV systems. This study evaluates the economic viability of APV systems integrated with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems for biofuel production. Specifically, it assesses the production forecast for corn-based biofuel—demand for which is rising due to the mixed-fuel use policy of the Korean government—and the economic feasibility of production in the APV system enhanced by BIPV integration (i.e., the APV–BIPV system). To this end, LCOE (levelized cost of energy) and NPV (net present value) are employed as performance indicators. Additionally, yield data from corn and corn stover harvested in actual APV facilities are utilized to predict bioenergy production. Consequently, the study will analyze the impact of renewable energy production from the proposed APV–BIPV system on achieving the Korean government’s renewable energy production goals and will provide guidelines on the potential benefits for farmers involved in renewable energy production and energy crop harvesting.

Suggested Citation

  • Youngjin Kim & Sojung Kim, 2025. "Economic Analysis of Biofuel Production in Agrophotovoltaic Systems Using Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in South Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:1949-:d:1632386
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sojung Kim & Sumin Kim, 2023. "Economic Feasibility Comparison between Building-Integrated Photovoltaics and Green Systems in Northeast Texas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Costa, Andrea & Keane, Marcus M. & Torrens, J. Ignacio & Corry, Edward, 2013. "Building operation and energy performance: Monitoring, analysis and optimisation toolkit," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 310-316.
    3. Sojung Kim & Sumin Kim, 2023. "Agricultural Research and Development Center Design with Building Integrated Photovoltaics in Fiji," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Linghui Li & Chunyan Dai, 2024. "Internal and External Factors Influencing Rural Households’ Investment Intentions in Building Photovoltaic Integration Projects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-20, February.
    5. Kanagawa, Makoto & Nakata, Toshihiko, 2008. "Assessment of access to electricity and the socio-economic impacts in rural areas of developing countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 2016-2029, June.
    6. Sojung Kim & Burchan Aydin & Sumin Kim, 2021. "Simulation Modeling of a Photovoltaic-Green Roof System for Energy Cost Reduction of a Building: Texas Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-13, September.
    7. Andrea Colantoni & Danilo Monarca & Alvaro Marucci & Massimo Cecchini & Ilaria Zambon & Federico Di Battista & Diego Maccario & Maria Grazia Saporito & Margherita Beruto, 2018. "Solar Radiation Distribution inside a Greenhouse Prototypal with Photovoltaic Mobile Plant and Effects on Flower Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-17, March.
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