Solar energy analysis for agrivoltaic system design in tropical climates: A new integrated modeling framework
Agrivoltaic performance in tropical climates is evaluated in this study by coupling high-resolution ground-level irradiance mapping with detailed photovoltaic system modeling. The proposed framework links fine-resolution canopy light analysis to energy generation outcomes and computes the land equiv...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/47190/1/Solar%20energy%20analysis%20for%20agrivoltaic%20system%20design.pdf https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.139970 https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/47190/ |
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| Summary: | Agrivoltaic performance in tropical climates is evaluated in this study by coupling high-resolution ground-level irradiance mapping with detailed photovoltaic system modeling. The proposed framework links fine-resolution canopy light analysis to energy generation outcomes and computes the land equivalent ratio (LER). Two array geometries (south-tilted “shed” rows and vertical east–west bifacial rows) are simulated at 10, 20, and 30 m spacings across dry and wet seasons for three Malaysian localities (George Town, Kuantan, Johor Bahru). Annual specific PV yields are high: near 1.30–1.50 GWh/MWp per year for shed and 1.25–1.45 GWh/MWp per year for vertical, corresponding to ≈320–900 MWh per hectare per year depending on density. Vertical arrays raise under-row minima and reduce deep-shade area at a small energy penalty, yielding a more uniform spatial and spatial crop-plane light field. Geometry and spacing dominate outcomes in the analyzed TMY climate years, while seasonal differences are comparatively smaller across the three sites. LER estimates based on crop light-suitability fractions exceed unity for a broad set of crop–layout pairs: shade-tolerant leafy greens, herbs, and fungi achieved ≈1.15–1.40 across spacings; at 20 m, most moderate- and full-sun crops reach LER ≈1; vertical rows often raise them slightly above unity. These results provide design-relevant guidance for low-latitude, high-diffuse climates similar to those modelled: ∼20 m spacing emerges as a balanced option for mixed crop portfolios; 10 m is best suited to shade-tolerant portfolios; and 30 m is justified mainly when higher under-canopy light is prioritised over PV energy density. |
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