Optimizing Dual-Axis Solar Panel Operation in an Agrivoltaic System and Implications for Power Systems

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

The concept of agrivoltaics, or co-locating photovoltaic panels and crops, is viewed as a potential solution to competing land demands for food and energy production. In this paper, we propose an optimal dual-axis photovoltaic panel formulation that adjusts the panel position to maximize power generation subject to crop requirements. Through convex relaxations and shading factor approximations, we reformulate the problem as a convex second-order cone program and solve for the panel position adjustments away from the sun-tracking trajectory. We demonstrate our approach in a case study by comparing our approach with an approach that maximizes solar power capture and a scenario in which there are only crops. We found that we are able to successfully adjust the panel position while accounting for the trade-offs between the photovoltaic panels' energy production and the crop health. Additionally, optimizing the operation of an agrivoltaic system allows us to better understand agrivoltaic systems as a resource connected to the power grid.

Publication Title

Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences

ISBN

[9780998133171]

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