Agrovoltaico®: 10 years design and operation experience
Laura Svanera, Giancarlo Ghidesi, Ronald Knoche
Abstract
Agrovoltaico® is a particular type of agrivoltaic system based on a concept “Food & Energy” developed by REM Tec in Italy since 2009. The system first worldwide first large plants were installed in Italy in 2011 for a total capacity of 6.7 MWp and have been since then improved in order to optimize costs and performance. Different parameters come in place during the design process, such as location, main axis orientation, distance between the rows and crop species. Great attention is given to the compatibility with agriculture and preservation of agricultural land. Several studies have been conducted, both theoretical and on site, to investigate the response of different crops to different configuration of Agrovoltaico® trackers. Finally, Agrovoltaico® can be considered a valuable system to produce renewable energy on farm without negatively affecting land productivity.