Agrivoltaics in Crop Production: from Models to the Field

Agrivoltaics defines land used simultaneously for agriculture and solar photovoltaic power generation, thus allowing landowners to cultivate crops and produce clean energy simultaneously. However, the microclimate created by photovoltaic panels can affect plant growth and development, including leaf morphology and physiology, thus playing a significant role in whole-plant physiological activity. Although the shade provided by the panels could limit photosynthetic activity, plants have considerable adaptability to different light regimes, so that some crops may respond well to exposure to reduced solar radiation. Additionally, shading has benefits, such as reduced temperature and evapotranspiration, which may result in less water needed for irrigation. Panels can also help make the crops less vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as strong winds, hailstorms, and severe cold and heat conditions. In times of high demand for renewable energies and food production often compromised by adverse climatic conditions, agrivoltaic systems are a promising approach to combine both food (and no food) production and photovoltaic energy production on the same land to sustain both productive chains.

This research topic aims to report the results of novel studies, tools, approaches, cultivation conditions, etc., in addressing some aspects related to the production of horticultural crops within solar arrays. The main goals of the Research Topic will be to provide an overview of the crops that are more suitable to be grown in agrivoltaic systems, the possible establishment and cultivation methods, and a projection of how these crops will fare over time. Additional topics include microclimatic modifications induced by the panels, qualitative and quantitative effects on yield, genetics and crop adaptability, economic aspects, sustainability assessments, and other cultural and technical innovations that can improve crop cultivation beneath or along photovoltaic displays. The information collected in the present research topic aims at reporting recent advances to a growing number of scientists, farmers, and consumers thus increasing motivation towards the cultivation of crops in combination with the production of clean energy, thus contributing to alleviating the increasing demands for food and energy.

We welcome submissions of original research papers and review articles from horticulturists, agronomists, eco-physiologists, and other researchers working on Agri / Agrivoltaic sector and Horticulture on the following topics (but not limited to):
• Crop selection and cultural practices;
• Long-term effects on crop production and solar arrays;
• Light management under solar panels;
• Transparent solar panels for agriculture;
• Water management and possible water collection to be used during periods of scarcity (summer);
• Changes in plant metabolic pathways;
• Temperature variations;
• Agrivoltaic options and effects on quality of fruit and other harvested plant organs;
• Types of monitoring systems and sensor technology;
• Adaptability of species and cultivars;
• Interactions with mechanization in agriculture;
• Interaction with precision agriculture;
• Economic benefits for farmers;
• Development of models for the different crops;
• Environmental aspects by also using LCA;
• Effects on biodiversity: advantages and drawbacks.