Agrivoltaics: A Team-Based Analysis of Solar Energy and Agricultural Modeling

Abstract Agrivoltaics: A Team-Based Analysis of Solar Energy and Agricultural Modeling An Agrivoltaics system is one in which agricultural crops or livestock are raised alongside photovoltaic panels in the same land area. This practice of using land for agriculture and solar power generation allows for the production of renewable energy and food, both of which are very important in sustaining a growing global population. The field of Agrivoltaics is relatively new, and more research is needed to better understand how environmental factors and system configuration affect the yields of energy and produce. In an effort to further explore this topic, an interdisciplinary group of faculty and undergraduate students at the University of XXXXX have been working to design an agrivoltaic system near Pittsburgh, while working to develop decision tools to ease the adoption of Agrivoltaics. Through a review of existing literature, interviews with subject matter experts, and collaboration between engineering students and faculty, the team was able to model the electricity output of Agrivoltaic system using OpenDSS and Microsoft Excel. The energy model was a key component in the development of an Agrivoltaics decision tool which can be used to assist farmers in making key design and financial decisions during the planning phase of an Agrivoltaics farm. The various perspectives from interdisciplinary students studying mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering, and professors specialized in those disciplines created a collaborative environment that augmented the team's effectiveness and enhanced the students' learning experience. This interdisciplinary cooperation mirrored that which is often found in industry and provided valuable experience in both communication and project coordination. This paper will explore the results from this research, how students benefitted from hands-on research, and how the interdisciplinary nature of the research team increased the educational value of the experience.