A recent study has revealed the potential of agrivoltaics to optimize both crop yield and energy generation by investigating the effects of photovoltaic shading on mungbean plants (Vigna radiata) in tropical Nigeria. Researchers from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, conducted experiments on five mungbean genotypes to explore how various orientations of solar panels could influence growth parameters, photosynthesis, and microclimatic conditions.
Global pressures on agricultural land due to the increasing demand for renewable energy have sparked debates over land use. Farmers are now faced with the challenge of balancing food production with the establishment of photovoltaic power plants. Given these concerns, the research team aimed to explore whether integrating crop production under solar panels—through agrivoltaics—could offer a sustainable solution. By assessing the impacts of this innovative approach, the study could potentially pave the way for new agricultural strategies aimed at achieving food security alongside energy needs.
Conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, the study utilized the Center for Energy Research and Development at the University of Nigeria as its experimental site. The researchers focused on three different photovoltaic configurations: East-west facing panels (WPV), West-east facing panels (EPV), and control conditions where no photovoltaic systems were installed (NPV). This split-plot design, replicated five times, allowed for rigorous comparison of plant responses across the different treatment setups.
The results indicated significant reductions (5-47%) in photosynthetic active radiation for plants grown under the photovoltaic systems, highlighting how shading can modify light availability. Importantly, relative humidity increased by up to 8%, and leaf temperatures decreased significantly under the EPV arrangement. These favorable microclimate changes contributed to enhanced growth metrics, such as greater plant height and leaf number, alongside significant yield improvements under the EPV orientation.
One of the most noteworthy findings was the increase in yield components such as pods and seeds per plant, particularly under the west-east orientation, which showed statistical parity with unshaded conditions yet outperformed them for several yield indices. The research suggests the positive impact of PV orientation on plant physiological processes, with the EPV configuration fostering greater photochemical efficiency and lower non-photochemical energy losses.
Significantly, this research marks the first comprehensive assessment of how agrivoltaics can benefit crop performance within the tropics, where prior investigations have typically focused on temperate regions. By demonstrating the compatibility of crop cultivation and energy production, this study offers fresh insights and practical solutions to mitigate the pressing challenge of land conflicts.
Overall, the outcomes of this investigation could inspire future agrivoltaics designs, advocating for optimal panel positioning to maximize both agricultural yield and renewable energy capture. Such advancements could be instrumental as nations strive to reduce energy poverty and hunger simultaneously, promoting sustainable agricultural practices amid climate challenges. Future research is encouraged to validate these findings across diverse crops within similar agrivoltaic systems.