Reviewed by Lexie CornerMar 17 2025
A study published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy investigated a method for optimizing solar panel placement in German apple orchards. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) used the APyV tool to simulate light distribution. This simulation helped align solar panel positioning with the specific light requirements of crops, while also evaluating the impact on agricultural growth and solar energy production.
Agrivoltaics integrates solar power generation with agriculture. Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) are exploring different scenarios to optimize both the photovoltaic panel positioning and the underlying crops. A pilot project in Nussbach will contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of agrivoltaic systems on apple orchards and the surrounding environment. Image Credit: Bruno et al.
Agrivoltaic systems, which combine solar power generation with agricultural practices, offer a promising solution to the increasing demand for renewable energy and food production.
These systems address the land use conflict between agriculture and energy production. They provide benefits such as reducing crop water stress and offering protection from extreme weather conditions.
Agrivoltaics also support biodiversity by producing forage and providing habitats for pollinators. Research shows these systems can increase flower production and delay blooming in water-scarce ecosystems, supporting late-season pollinators.
Studies also indicate that the microclimate beneath solar panels in agrivoltaic systems can enhance their performance.
As agrivoltaic systems become more integral to the global energy transition, customized tracking strategies are increasingly necessary. Horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) systems, which adjust the angle of solar panels throughout the day, show significant potential in this area.
Balancing agricultural yields and optimizing energy generation can be achieved through efficient solar panel placement control. Agrivoltaic systems must meet yield loss thresholds to qualify for subsidies, enhancing their economic viability, which makes optimization particularly important.
The study suggests that solar panel placement can be optimized to achieve this balance. While the study focuses on apple orchards in southwest Germany, the conclusions can be applied to various agricultural settings.
The researchers propose a novel approach to dynamically optimizing solar panel placement based on crop light requirements. This method uses specific irradiation targets to meet the light needs of different crop varieties, in contrast to traditional shading strategies based on general guidelines or structures like hail nets.
Using the APyV tool, the research team ran simulations to determine how different solar panel positions affected the light available to crops.
APyV uses sophisticated ray tracing techniques to assess the distribution of solar radiation and its effects on photovoltaic panels and crops. The tool automates the design optimization of agrivoltaic systems by integrating crop models and key performance indicators, allowing for precise calculations of light exposure and its effects on the system.
According to the case study, 91 % of the light needed for the apple trees was provided with customized solar panel control, leading to a small 20 % reduction in solar energy production.
The study also identified instances when the apple trees' light requirements were not fully met, highlighting the challenges of achieving optimal crop and energy performance simultaneously. Despite these challenges, the study offers a solid foundation for ongoing research.
Our study shows that the combination of solar energy and farming can be enhanced by smart PV trackers that adjust the position of solar panels based on weather conditions, crop types, and their growth stages. This approach ensures an optimal balance between light available for photosynthesis and light available for electricity production.
Maddelena Bruno, Study Corresponding Author, Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme
Bruno led the study as a Doctoral Candidate.
He notes that the suggested irradiation targets and tracking plan will be tested in the field during Nussbach's current growing season, providing an opportunity for researchers to validate or challenge the published findings.
These field tests will offer a deeper understanding of the impact of agrivoltaic systems on apple orchards and the environment. Ultimately, this study will provide valuable insights that can guide the optimization of agrivoltaic systems, enhancing their ability to support the ongoing energy transition while balancing agricultural productivity and renewable energy generation.
Journal Reference:
Bruno, M., et al. (2025) Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies. Journal of Photonics for Energy. doi.org/10.1117/1.jpe.15.032703.