The impact of photovoltaic panels on the environment and yield parameters in an open field agrivoltaic system: A case study in Ayaş, Ankara

Agrivoltaic systems represent an innovative approach that integrates energy production and agriculture by installing elevated photovoltaic modules over farmland. In this study, the critical parameters on microclimate and microenvironment conditions — soil moisture and temperature, relative humidity, ambient temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, wind speed — and crop yield amount were monitored and analyzed in a single axis tracking AgriPV system installed in Ankara, Türkiye. Results indicate that under the 35 % coverage AgriPV system, photosynthetically active radiation decreased by 38.55 %. Additionally, soil moisture was found to be higher at 20 cm below under the AgriPV system compared to the reference field during the plant growth period. The yield data showed a considerable difference in crop amount under the AgriPV system across different harvest periods. The results are critically important for developing models in future phases that aim to predict and optimize the agricultural and ecosystem performance of AgriPV systems.