Highlights Groundwater depth is the most sensitive factor in determining how much land can be irrigated. June through September are most critical months for designing a solar array for irrigation. Excess solar electricity is available in winter from solar array powering irrigation. ABSTRACT. Agrivoltaic systems, which integrate solar energy with agriculture, can provide electricity for groundwater pumping. This study evaluates the potential of agrivoltaic or other solar electricity to power groundwater pumps, reducing reliance on grid electricity. By analyzing 91 sites across California, we estimate the hectares of land that can be irrigated using a 1-hectare (2.47-acre) agrivoltaic system, considering site-specific solar generation, groundwater depth, and evapotranspiration rates. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the impact of groundwater depth variability, spatial and temporal fluctuations in solar availability, and choice of crop. The results highlight that groundwater depth is the most critical factor, significantly affecting pumping potential, while spatial and temporal variations in weather conditions and choice of crop have a lesser impact. The study further identifies seasonal trends in solar generation and water demand, showing that excess solar energy may be available in winter, presenting opportunities for additional revenue streams. Keywords: Agrivoltaic system, Groundwater pumping, Photovoltaic system.
Mahmud et al. (Thu,) studied this question.