A techno-biological framework for the optimization of utility-scale agrivoltaic systems using spatial yield constraints

Rodrigo, P. M.; Gutiérrez, Sebastián; Perez-Higueras, Pedro; Islas-Pereda, Saul; Escalante-Garcia, Nivia; Díaz-Ponce, Arturo

doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2026.122049

A techno-biological framework for the optimization of utility-scale agrivoltaic systems using spatial yield constraints

Journal

Energy Conversion and Management

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Date Issued

2026-12

Author(s)

Rodrigo, P. M.

Facultad de Ingeniería - CampAGS

Gutiérrez, Sebastián

Perez-Higueras, Pedro

Islas-Pereda, Saul

Escalante-Garcia, Nivia

Díaz-Ponce, Arturo

Type

Article

DOI

10.1016/j.enconman.2026.122049

URL

https://scripta.up.edu.mx/handle/20.500.12552/13237

Abstract

The increasing competition for land between agricultural production and solar energy installation poses a major threat to global food and energy security. Agrivoltaic systems, which combine crop cultivation with photovoltaic arrays, help to alleviate this conflict. However, the diverse designs and complex interactions introduce substantial challenges for optimization. This study introduces a process-based biophysical framework for the optimization of utility-scale agrivoltaic systems under structural and spatial yield constraints. The framework includes fixed-tilt elevated, fixed vertical, and single-axis tracking systems, utilizing both monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic technologies. It integrates the physical layout geometries of photovoltaic arrays with dynamic microclimatic irradiance modeling and non-linear canopy photosynthetic saturation curves to evaluate the theoretical photosynthetic performance bounds and energy production metrics. In addition, a spatial optimization methodology governed by a strict ‘80/90 rule’ is presented. This methodology systematically identifies the maximum allowable array densities while ensuring agronomic performance is maintained. The assessment framework was applied across seven different geographic locations in the Americas and Europe, analyzing eleven unique plant species. Results reveal notable variations in optimal array densities, with capacities ranging from 18 to 88 W per square meter (Wp/m2). The proposed configurations can improve land-use efficiency, with land equivalent ratio values ranging from 1.05 to 1.90 as a function of latitude and crop-specific photosynthetic response. The proposed framework provides comprehensive guidelines that must be interpreted as an early-stage theoretical screening tool for comparing agrivoltaic layout performance bounds, rather than as a deployment-ready design or commercial optimization model. © 2026 The Authors.