AUTHOR=Padilla Javier , Toledo Carlos , Abad José 

TITLE=Enovoltaics: Symbiotic integration of photovoltaics in vineyards

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2022.1007383

DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2022.1007383

ISSN=2296-598X

ABSTRACT=In this study, we propose the symbiotic integration of photovoltaic systems into previously built agricultural structures, so as to reduce land intervention, visual impact and costs while suppressing impact over crop production and quality. For this purpose, we have identified grape trellises as an ideal crop type to implement this concept. Our proposal consists in the vertical integration of photovoltaic surfaces over the vines, using the same trellis structure, therefore minimizing cost and land building. Distance between lines allows for the PV integration without generating significant shadowing between consecutive lines, while vertical orientation of the panels allows complete irradiation to the plants below. Different module configurations have been proposed and evaluated, resulting in a range of 40-60 % installable capacity (compared to a ground mounted installation) with negligible shadowing over the leaves and grapes. Land equivalent ratio for the proposed architectures ranges between 1.27-1.5, therefore confirming the viability of this proposed agrivoltaic solution.