International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources

Agrivoltaic Systems for Aotearoa New Zealand

Author: Alan C Brent

Published: January 29, 2024

DOI: 10.19080/IJESNR.2024.33.556357

Abstract Content: The uptake of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased substantially in Aotearoa New Zealand, but the relative contribution to the overall energy mix is still small. Nevertheless, the potential of niche PV applications is receiving more attention. Specifically, for areas with a good solar resource and a productive agriculture sector, agrivoltaic, or agriPV, systems may be appropriate to utilise the high value land more productively for both food and energy production. This short communication subsequently investigates the potential opportunities to develop such systems. Global experience shows that various crop and pastoral production practices can be tailored for dual land usage and can, indeed, benefit from agrivoltaic systems. Also, advancements in PV technology now enable more suitable energy generation configurations. The optimisation of agrivoltaic systems, however, will require more information about the behaviours of crops, and animals, with different PV technology configurations in various climatic conditions across Aotearoa New Zealand. Apart from test and demonstration sites further research focus areas are highlighted.