The growing demand for renewable energy sources is transforming the agricultural sector. One of the leading innovations in this transformation is agrivoltaic systems, which allow for both farming and solar energy production on the same land, offering economic and environmental benefits to farmers. In countries like Turkey, where sunshine duration is long and agricultural production is strong, agrivoltaic applications are gaining increasing importance. In this article, we comprehensively address the basic structure of agrivoltaic systems in Turkey, practical examples, encountered challenges, and future opportunities.
Working Principle and Benefits of Agrivoltaic Systems
Increasing Land Efficiency
Agrivoltaic systems enable simultaneous use of agricultural land for both electricity production and crop cultivation. This approach offers significant advantages, particularly in areas where land prices are high or agricultural land is limited. Doubling the production capacity per unit area contributes to both food security and energy independence.
Improved Plant Health and Yield
Solar panels filter sunlight during excessively hot days, preventing over-evaporation. This helps preserve soil moisture, saves water, and reduces the risk of heat stress for plants. Especially for semi-shade-tolerant crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, this method has shown improvements in both quality and yield.
Economic Gains for Farmers
With energy production, farmers can meet their own electricity needs and sell the surplus energy. Thus, they can earn income not only from agricultural products but also from energy production, increasing their economic resilience.
Development and Potential of Agrivoltaic Applications in Turkey
High Solar Energy Potential
With an annual average of 2,737 hours of sunshine and an annual solar energy potential of 1,527 kWh/m², Turkey ranks among the leading countries in Europe. This natural advantage provides a major opportunity for the expansion of agrivoltaic systems.
Pilot Projects and Initial Implementations
In recent years, some universities and private sector initiatives in Turkey have developed pilot projects on agrivoltaic systems. For example, in some vineyards and lettuce production sites in the Aegean Region, solar panels have been integrated, enabling simultaneous agricultural productivity and electricity generation. Results have shown that plant growth was positively affected, with no significant loss in yield.
Regional Opportunities
The Mediterranean, Aegean, and Southeastern Anatolia regions are among the most suitable areas for agrivoltaic investments due to their long sunshine durations and intensive agricultural activity. With proper planning and financial support, agrivoltaic systems can be rapidly expanded in these regions.
Technical Planning and Implementation Strategies in Agrivoltaic Systems
Suitable Crop and Panel Selection
For a successful agrivoltaic application, selecting crops with high shade tolerance is crucial. Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and eggplant, as well as aromatic plants like lavender, are compatible with agrivoltaic systems. Additionally, using semi-transparent solar panels helps optimize light levels reaching the plants.
Panel Placement and Height Adjustment
The placement of solar panels on the land directly affects both energy efficiency and agricultural production. Placing panels at a certain height and suitable angle facilitates the passage of agricultural machinery and ensures adequate sunlight reaches the crops.
Integration of Irrigation Systems
The shading provided by the panels reduces irrigation needs, and when integrated with modern irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation), maximum water savings can be achieved. Thus, agrivoltaic systems create efficiency in both energy and water management.
Challenges and Solutions in Agrivoltaic Applications in Turkey
High Installation Costs
High initial investment costs can be discouraging for many farmers. However, long-term energy production revenues and government incentives can offset these costs. Increasing subsidies in agriculture and energy can accelerate the spread of these systems in Turkey.
Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty
There is still no clear legal framework regarding land use, licensing processes, and electricity sales permissions for agrivoltaic applications. Regulatory improvements tailored to agrivoltaic systems can simplify processes for both investors and farmers.
Lack of Knowledge and Training
Many farmers and investors lack sufficient knowledge about how agrivoltaic systems work and the benefits they offer. Training programs organized in collaboration with agricultural organizations, municipalities, and the private sector can help raise awareness.
Conclusion
Turkey’s agricultural production capacity and solar energy potential provide a great opportunity for the successful implementation of agrivoltaic systems. These systems, which increase land efficiency, reduce water use, and provide additional income to farmers, will play a key role in the future of agriculture and energy. With state support, regulatory improvements, and training initiatives, agrivoltaic systems can become a central part of Turkey’s agricultural and energy policies.
References
- Barron-Gafford, G. A., et al. (2019). Agrivoltaics provide mutual benefits across the food-energy-water nexus in drylands. Nature Sustainability, 2(9), 848-855.
- Dupraz, C., et al. (2011). Combining solar photovoltaic panels and food crops for optimising land use: Towards new agrivoltaic schemes. Renewable Energy, 36(10), 2725-2732.
- Yıldırım, A., & Öztürk, H. H. (2021). The Use of Solar Energy in Agriculture and Agrivoltaic Systems in Turkey. Journal of Agricultural Machinery Science, 17(3), 211-220.
