Agrivoltaic system design for sugar beets and wheat in central Anatolia

Abstract

Agrivoltaic systems, which integrate photovoltaic (PV) panels with the usage of agricultural land, emerge as a promising strategy by facilitating the simultaneous generation of renewable energy alongside the cultivation of various crops within the same area. This research is centered on the design and implementation of an agrivoltaic system that is specifically customized for the cultivation of wheat and sugar beet in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The primary objective of this research is to optimize the spatial arrangement of the PV panels to achieve a balance between the generation of energy and the productivity of the crops. Through a detailed assessment of shading effects and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) levels, this investigation will endeavor to unravel the complex interplay between panel configuration and its consequential impacts on both plant growth and energy output. In this investigation, the shading impacts attributed to three distinct configurations—specifically, the conventional solar power plant (SPP), the intermittently arranged panel layout, and the intermittently arranged V-shaped panel configuration—were assessed, and their appropriateness for the cultivation of wheat and sugar beet was evaluated. The V-shaped design, which additionally facilitates rainwater collection, yielded an enhanced PPFD value across the three designated regions beneath the panels. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd