Investigating the scalability of agrivoltaics as an alternative to monoculture photovoltaics

Eliška Pechlátová

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to investigate the viability of a sustainable approach with agrivoltaics as an alternative to monocultural and conventional use of photovoltaic systems. It addresses the aspects that affect the possible spread of this technology throughout the world, offering a new innovative approach to sustainable development. With the current demand for renewable energy development, agrivoltaics, a technology utilising land underneath photovoltaic structures for agricultural purposes, is a strong candidate for future use. Interviewing field-experts, from researchers to project managers within the sector, is a major component of the methodology, which seeks to inquire about said viability. The results of this study point to the barriers that most affect the possible use across different regions, with financing being the biggest obstacle, as well as the farmers’ interest and legislative frameworks. However, the study concludes that if agrivoltaics are kept at a small-scale level throughout the landscape, it can act as a viable alternative to both conventional photovoltaic farming as well as monocultural agriculture. This could suggest a paradigm shift in the renewable energy sector, offering a new set of opportunities as well as possible innovative research.

Keywords

Photovoltaic, Energy generation, Alternative agriculture, Agrivoltaic

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Reader: Dan French, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Bachelor programme:
Environmental Engineering