The Different Types of Agrivoltaic Systems

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Laura ThomsonJun 11 2025

Agrivoltaics is the combination of solar energy production and farming on the same land. This approach helps tackle problems like land scarcity and climate change while providing food and energy sustainably. By using photovoltaic (PV) technology alongside agriculture, agrivoltaic systems make better use of land. This article discusses the different types of agrivoltaic systems, their design principles, benefits, and challenges.

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What Are Agrivoltaic Systems?

Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) combine solar panels with farming. This allows for energy production while also growing crops, grazing livestock, or creating habitats for pollinators. AVS has been around since the 1980s.

Modern designs focus on distributing light effectively between panels and plants, improving the local environment, and using resources more efficiently. These systems can boost land productivity by up to 70% compared to traditional agriculture or solar farms. Research has shown that they enhance water use, crop strength, and energy output.¹

The global agrivoltaic market, valued at $6.3 billion in 2024, is expected to grow by 5.6% annually until 2034. This growth is fueled by new panel designs, government support, and the need to address food, energy, and water challenges.

The following sections discuss seven main types of agrivoltaic systems that are changing sustainable farming and renewable energy.²

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1. Static Elevated Agrivoltaics

Static elevated systems place solar panels several meters above the ground, allowing space for farming equipment and plant growth. These systems work well for shade-tolerant crops, such as berries, leafy greens, and grapes.

The panels are typically fixed at a height of 2–5 meters with optimized tilt angles to balance light penetration. Projects by BayWa r.e. in the Netherlands and Germany showed that crops under these panels were 2 to 5°C cooler, reducing irrigation needs by 12 to 34% while maintaining good yields.

In France, Sun’Agri found that dynamic elevated systems increased antioxidants in grapes by 13%, improving crop quality and energy production. Despite the benefits, high initial costs for the structures and difficulties with large machinery pose challenges. However, new lightweight materials and modular designs are helping to lower these costs.³

2. Tracker-Based Agrivoltaics

Tracker-based systems use solar panels mounted on single- or dual-axis tracking systems that follow the sun’s path. This design maximizes energy generation while dynamically adjusting shading to suit crop needs. For example, in France, Sun’Agri uses smart agrivoltaic systems in vineyards. These systems adjust the panel positions based on real-time weather and plant data, which helps save water and increase energy.^2,3,4

Advanced tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and drones help closely monitor light and temperature conditions. A recent study published in Sustainability highlighted that tracker systems improve the efficiency of agrivoltaic setups.

Adding batteries or storage systems saves excess energy for later, ensuring a steady energy supply. These technologies work together to enhance energy generation and crop health.⁵

3. Vertical Agrivoltaics (Fence-Style)

Vertical systems arrange bifacial solar panels in fence-like structures, often placed along the edges of agricultural fields. This setup not only helps utilize otherwise wasted space but also provides added benefits to farming. These systems prove exceptionally efficient in high-latitude regions with lower sunlight angles. The design of vertical panels allows them to capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy production while minimizing land use.^2,5

Next2Sun, a German leader in vertical AVS, reported 10% higher energy yields than traditional setups by optimizing east-west orientations. While installation costs are slightly higher than conventional systems, the dual income from energy and crops can offset expenses.³

4. Greenhouse Agrivoltaics

There is a growing interest in integrating solar PV systems to meet the increasing energy demands of sustainable greenhouse agriculture. Among the most promising advancements are semi-transparent organic solar cells, which efficiently allow selective light transmission to facilitate plant growth while simultaneously generating energy.⁶

In Shandong, China, innovative greenhouse AVS projects harness 1.5 gigawatt-hour (GWh) energy, cultivating vegetables year-round. These greenhouses utilize spectral-selective panels that optimize photosynthesis. Moreover, any excess energy generated is seamlessly fed into the local power grid, providing electricity to nearby residents and enhancing the overall sustainability of the community.⁶

5. Movable or Retractable Agrivoltaics

Movable systems feature panels that can be repositioned or retracted to adapt to seasonal changes or farming activities. These dynamic systems, such as TSE’s agricultural canopy in France, position solar panels approximately 5 meters above crops. This design facilitates the movement of farming equipment and provides shade, reducing plant heat and water stress.⁷

Foldable solar panel designs offer flexibility and protection for crops throughout different seasons while ensuring efficient energy production. These innovations enable dual land use, allowing farmers to sustain agricultural productivity while contributing to renewable energy generation.⁸

6. Interspace Agrivoltaics

Interspace systems grow crops in the spaces between solar panels. This creates a beneficial synergy between energy production and farming. This method uses land efficiently and helps improve food security by increasing production in areas that might not be used well. Research from Oregon State University found that potatoes grown between the panels had 20% higher yields because they suffered less heat stress. Lambs grazing in these systems stayed productive even with less available forage.^9,10

7. Floating Agrivoltaics (Agri-Floating PV)

Floating AVS deploys solar panels on water bodies, combining aquaculture with energy production. While less common, these systems benefit areas with limited water supply. Research shows they can reduce water evaporation by about 60%, and their energy output is similar to traditional ground-mounted panels.¹¹

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Floating solar technology is rapidly advancing, with many large and medium projects already generating megawatt (MW)-scale electricity. However, challenges remain, such as high maintenance costs and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Innovations like modular floating platforms are helping to make these installations easier to deploy and manage.¹¹

Conclusion

Agrivoltaic systems represent a paradigm shift in sustainable land management, offering energy security, food production, and climate resilience solutions.

Each system type addresses unique agricultural and environmental needs, from static elevated arrays to adaptive floating PV. While challenges such as high capital costs and regulatory hurdles remain, technological advancements and supportive policies are making adopting and implementing these systems easier.

References and Further Reading

1. Kumpanalaisatit, M. et al. (2022). Current status of agrivoltaic systems and their benefits to energy, food, environment, economy, and society. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 33, 952-963. DOI:10.1016/j.spc.2022.08.013. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550922002196
2. Agrivoltaic Market Size, Growth Opportunity 2025-2034. (2025). Global Market Insights Inc. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/agrivoltaic-market
3. Rodríguez, L. (2021). Benefits of Agrivoltaics and 5 real-life examples of successful implementations. RatedPower. https://ratedpower.com/blog/benefits-agrivoltaics-examples/
4. Rollet, C. (2020). A good year for solar: Agrivoltaics in vineyards. pv magazine International. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/03/31/a-good-year-for-solar-agrivoltaics-in-vineyards/
5. De Francesco, C. et al. (2025). Opportunities, Technological Challenges and Monitoring Approaches in Agrivoltaic Systems for Sustainable Management. Sustainability, 17(2), 634. DOI:10.3390/su17020634. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/2/634
6. Wang, T. et al. (2017). Integration of solar technology to modern greenhouse in China: Current status, challenges and prospect. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 70, 1178-1188. DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.020. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032116310796
7. Agrivoltaics: principle and objectives of the agricultural canopy. (2025). TSE, entreprise photovoltaïque et agrivoltaïque en France. https://www.tse.energy/en/articles/la-canopee-agricole-un-systeme-agrivoltaique-innovant
8. Lama, R. K., & Jeong, H. (2023). Design and Performance Analysis of Foldable Solar Panel for Agrivoltaics System. Sensors, 24(4), 1167. DOI:10.3390/s24041167. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/4/1167
9. Agrivoltaics: Pairing Solar Power and Agriculture in the Northwest | USDA Climate Hubs. USDA Climate Hubs. https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northwest/topic/agrivoltaics-pairing-solar-power-and-agriculture-northwest
10. Burger, A. Agrivoltaic Research, Applications Could Reconcile Trade-Offs at the Water-Food-Energy Nexus. Solar Magazine. https://solarmagazine.com/agrivoltaic-research-applications-could-reconcile-trade-offs-at-the-water-food-energy-nexus/
11. Abdelal, Q. (2021). Floating PV; an assessment of water quality and evaporation reduction in semi-arid regions. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 16(3), 732-739. DOI:10.1093/ijlct/ctab001. https://academic.oup.com/ijlct/article/16/3/732/6106133

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