SCAPV Creates the Possibility of Less Irrigation and Higher Productivity

Abstract

In agrivoltaic (APV), photovoltaic (PV) panels are positioned above farmland to produce energy and food simultaneously. However, PV panels above farmland block most sunlight from reaching plants for photosynthesis. Plants require sunlight for photosynthesis. We proposed Spectrum-splitting and Concentrated APV (SCAPV) to address contradictions between photosynthesis and energy production simultaneously. This study examines the effect of SCAPV on the evapotranspiration and growth of peanuts and soybeans. Peanuts and soybeans were planted under SCAPV and open-air (CK) treatments, and a weather station was placed in each treatment. Results showed that evapotranspiration under SCAPV significantly decreased by 31% compared to CK. Thus, it improved physiological characterization, enhanced quality, and increased the yield of peanuts and soybeans. Peanuts' protein, fat, and linoleic acid increased by 5.54%, 0.28%, and 1.14% under SCAPV compared to CK. Fat, soluble sugar, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid of soybean were increased by 6.75%, 15.24%, 13.72%, and 15.14%, respectively, under SCAPV compared to CK. The average land equivalent ratio of SCAPV is 1.7. We trust that SCAPV could provide food and energy while reducing irritation on the same farmland.