Agrivoltaics could be a solution for water conservation even in African desert areas.
Food, energy and water insecurities are challenges that East Africa faces on a daily basis.
Agrivoltaic systems could be a solution to all three of these challenges, providing clean electricity, ensuring food production and conserving water. US studies have already shown that the use of photovoltaic systems in agriculture is a way to protect crops from extreme weather conditions and conserve water.
The same devices could help increase crop yields and conserve water, generating electricity at a lower cost than the national grid even in Africa. This is stated in a study by the University of Sheffield, the Center for International Forestry Research, World Agroforestry and the University of Arizona, which installed an off-grid agrivoltaic system in Tanzania and a system connected to the grid in Kenya.
The benefits of implementing agrivoltaic systems in Kenya and Tanzania have brought results above the research group’s expectations, particularly for crops such as corn. Not only were lower yields expected under the shade of solar panels, but corn is also a key crop for the region.
Furthermore, it was observed that many crops survived better under the panels during a warm period, indicating that agrivoltaics could protect them from the more difficult climatic conditions expected in the future. Not only was water saved, but some crops produced higher yields using less irrigation.
The study, entitled “Harvesting the sun twice: Energy, food and water benefits from agrivoltaics in East Africa””published in the magazine Renewable Sustainable Energy Reviewshighlights the lack of research on the benefits of agrivoltaics in the context of sub-Saharan Africa.
The research analyzed two agrivoltaic systems in East Africa: a 36.6 kW off-grid system in Tanzania and a 62.1 kW grid-connected system in Kenya. The solar panels, 3 meters high and with a density of 50%, were inclined to facilitate the flow of water and reduce the accumulation of dirt. A rainwater harvesting system channeled water into tanks to supplement irrigation.
Between June 2022 and May 2023, the Tanzanian system produced 12.55 MWh of electricity, saving $5,310 compared to the national grid. The Kenyan system generated 30.13 MWh, covering 56% of local consumption and saving $5,725, with potential savings of up to $18,000.
Crops such as corn, chard and beans grew better under the panels, thanks to the shade which reduced evaporation and the need for irrigation. Even in warm periods, plants had greater survival. Thanks to the microclimate created by the solar panels, some crops produced more and were able to resist heat waves better.
In conclusion, the study states that agrivoltaic systems, whether grid-tied or off-grid, can simultaneously contribute to energy security, climate-resilient food production and water conservation in the region.
Looking to the future, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and these systems will need to be adapted to specific locations, especially in hot, dry climates. Research will continue to investigate the economics and regional conditions for agrivoltaics. The next step will be to fully understand the costs and identify sustainable economic models to encourage adoption.
Source: Renewable Sustainable Energy Reviews
