Shading Effect of Photovoltaic Panels on Growth of Selected Tropical Vegetable Crops

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has grown rapidly over the years, which has led to land competition between installing PV for generating energy and utilizing land for agriculture to meet rising demand in human population consumption. As a result, agrivoltaic systems have become a promising way to grow food crops and produce electricity at the same time. This research assessed the potential crops that can be planted in a solar park in order to determine the possibility in combining energy and food production on the same land. This study observed growth responses of selected vegetable crops (okra, eggplant, green spinach, Chinese cabbage, Chinese kale, Brazilian spinach and pennywort) planted in the outskirt and row between the solar panels while under the panels, there were three distinct locations assessed: the highest elevated area, moderately inclined area, and the lowest point area. Results showed that light restriction in the highest elevated area under the panels reduced the growth of the okra by 18%, eggplant and Brazilian spinach by 50%, Chinese cabbage by 70%, while green spinach and Chinese kale by 90% yet pennywort grew 52% higher compared to the outskirt area. No significant differences in height and fruit yield for all crops grown between rows and outskirt area. Eggplants, Brazilian spinach and Chinese cabbage favor condition between rows as growth parameters were slightly higher compared to outskirt, while Okra, green spinach and Chinese kale prefer otherwise. Only pennywort performed best under panels of highest elevated area. These results suggest that different crops have distinct preferences on light requirement. Although the solar park was built close to the ground, it is still possible to produce vegetables and this study may pave the way for simultaneous generation of food and energy in tropical climate of Southeast Asian countries.

Automated summary

Agrivoltaic systems, which combine food crop cultivation and electricity generation, have been explored in solar parks. This study assessed the growth responses of different vegetable crops under solar panels, finding that different crops have distinct preferences on light requirement. This research may pave the way for simultaneous generation of food and energy in tropical climate.