Solar Mounting System make agri-photovoltaic projects possible and shows better performance

The U.S. solar industry is testing the feasibility of co-locating solar PV and agriculture on the same plot of land, and the solar racks used in these projects make this possible.

Whatever activity takes place beneath or near the PV array—whether it’s tending livestock, growing crops, or maintaining pollinators—it typically requires taller racks and more spacing between panels in rows. This combination of solar and agriculture is a form of dual-use PV, also known as agricultural solar or agri-PV.

In the United States, for example, there are more than 1.9 million farms working 880 million acres of farmland. That still accounts for millions of square miles of land. And the U.S. has lost nearly 75 million acres of farmland since 1997, according to census reports. Much of the lost farmland is pastureland used for livestock farming. And as policy changes allow farmers to keep animals in captivity, according to an analysis published by farmdocdaily.

Farmers are very receptive to the idea of agrivoltaics but very hesitant to take on risky projects. Solar power is positioned as a lifeline for farmers. And it is a steady source of income for the family that can help the family retain farmland. Proving that agricultural activities can continue within the boundaries of the solar array. This has a greater economic impact than choosing one over the other.

Making a solar mount suitable for an agrivoltaic project mainly means raising it on taller poles. It provides adequate clearance for anything happening underneath the modules. Extending the height of the array increases the impact of wind and other environmental conditions. And it requires additional engineering to ensure it can withstand the additional stress. If the solar array also shares the land with active agricultural equipment or livestock (especially cattle), it must also be able to handle possible collisions.

And Wanhos Solar is equally experienced in solar agrivoltaics. Our photovoltaic agrivoltaics mounts are designed to minimize construction activities by using ground mounting points. It still adapts to uneven terrain, such as some rising hills and mountains. Custom designed for agrivoltaic purposes, they can be adjusted to make room for agricultural equipment or planned shading. Both are designed to minimize construction impacts on these agricultural sites by reducing the number of necessary stakes and pre-assembling components off-site.

Solar fencing products allow for a smaller project footprint than other ground-mount racks. It doesn’t generate as much power as a single-axis solar tracker. Also it can be installed in tighter areas and still generate power.

Users actually get something out of it, whereas a wood fence gives the user nothing in return. And while the capital outlay will be high in comparison, there will be money flowing in on the other end, and that’s the difference.

Pairing solar arrays and crops on the same plot of land increases the economic value of that single plot of land more than separating the technology and crops. The power density of the solar array may not be as great as a solar project without agriculture, but the yield of crops and electronics will be more profitable than a plot with only one or the other.

So solar racks make agri-photovoltaic projects possible. Solar rack manufacturers are ready to meet the needs of the agricultural community as early agrivoltaic projects test the legality of pairing. The grid is electrifying, and so is agriculture, and on-site solar can help both.

If you are interested in knowing more about the solar agricultural mounting system, please feel free to contact and share insights with us.