Impacts of type of partial transparency on strawberry agrivoltaics: Uniform illumination thin film cadmium-telluride and non-uniform crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules

Abstract

This study compares strawberry agrivoltaics using two different types of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules: uniform illumination provided from semi-transparent thin-film cadmium telluride (Cd-Te) and non-uniform illumination from semitransparent crystalline silicon (c-Si) which include rows of solar cells and the remainder transparent solar-grade glass. Strawberry plants were grown outdoors in Ilderton, ON under CdTe modules with 40 % and 70 % transparency (red, blue, and green), and c-Si modules with 44 % and 69 % transparency. Plant metrics such as fresh weight, height, leaf count, and chlorophyll content were measured, alongside soil temperature and humidity. Statistical analysis examined interactions between plant growth parameters. Overall, non-uniform illumination from c-Si PV modules significantly increased fresh weight by 18 % compared to controls, while lowering soil temperatures and increasing humidity. Converting Canada's strawberry farmland to agrivoltaics could increase fruit revenue by CAD $27 million and generate over CAD $150 million in electricity value. Total revenues could more than double or triple, depending on the c-Si module density. Additionally, applying electricity savings to reduce fruit prices could lower strawberry costs from CAD $6.51/kg to CAD $4.82/kg, a reduction of over 25 %. Agrivoltaics offers the potential for energy self-sufficiency and substantial additional revenue for strawberry farmers, leading to reduced food prices.