How vertical solar panels can support farmers

Will agrivoltaism take off with the vertical bifacial solar panels?This technology offers many advantages, the main one of which is the preservation of ground space.Attracted by the potential gains in the resale of electricity, many farmers could equip their fields.

Flat, slightly tilted or vertically: the orientation of solar panels can vary depending on the installation site but also the technology.With bifacial panels, it is no longer necessary to respect a southern 35 -degree inclination.These cells, which capture direct and indirect radiation through their two faces, open up new opportunities.They can be erected vertically without much loss of efficiency or monopolization of space on the ground.

Advantages that may well seduce farmers.With bifacial panels, fields become hybrid: they produce food and electricity simultaneously.By selling it to the network, energy is an additional source of income for operators.

Produce at times of spikes

But how can these panels produce while being vertically oriented?This position is strategic, it promotes yield during peak hours, when electricity can be sold at better price.Morning and evening, the sun's rays are projected horizontally and hit the cells with an optimal angle.At the zenith, the panels continue to produce, in particular thanks to the light reflected by the ground.The loss of return is ultimately very acceptable.According to the renewal analysis.Be, it is estimated between -5 and –10% loss in Belgium compared to a monofacial panel facing south.

No loss for crops

Between each row, space remains free for the culture and circulation of machines.Plants, mostly cultivated in spring and summer when sunshine is at the height, do not suffer from shadows temporarily carried by panels.The farmer can also use the solar wall as a fence delimiting his different plots.An installation all the more interesting since it allows him to generate income even when her land is fallow.