Effects of solar photovoltaic installation on microclimate and soil properties in UiTM 50MWac Solar Park, Malaysia

Abstract

Combining solar photovoltaic panels with agricultural crops on the same land were recently proposed as to maximise land use. However, most researchers were based on temperate climate whereas studies in the tropics have yet to be initiated. Thus, this study investigates the microclimate properties and soil properties for potential agricultural crops to be planted. We monitored photosynthesis active radiation (PAR), light intensity (LI), air humidity (RH), air temperature (AT), and wind speed (WS) in outskirt panels, under panels and row between panels at three different locations: highest point area, moderately sloped area and lowest point area. We also sampled the soil for analyses of chemical and physical properties. We found that PAR, LI, and WS remained low beneath the panels at all locations. Interestingly, no significant difference was detected in AT at different treatments. The accumulation of organic matter, moisture content, and soil bulk densities showed similarities between different treatments irrespective of locations. Soil infertility is reflected by low pH, CEC, exchangeable bases, available phosphorus. Besides, the result showed almost no amount of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen was found. This research might be the starting point of a potential agrivoltaic system in Malaysia that will benefit both farmers and engineers.