Purdue Develops Agrivoltaic Structures Designed for Row-Crop Farming

Purdue University researchers have designed new agrivoltaic structures to work with large-scale row-crop farming of crops like corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat. The structures mount solar panels lower than usual, to minimize the cost of the foundations needed, thus decreasing the time required for return on investment. The structures utilize a dual, off-axis rotation system and sensors to track the sun, so that they can optimize the amount of electricity generated and the amount of light that crops receive, to avoid yield losses. Additionally, the modules can rotate to near-vertical when needed, to allow farm equipment to pass. Purdue says the next steps to bring these improved agrivoltaic structures to market include partnering with a solar energy developer.