Work

Agrivoltaics Around the World: Potential, Technology, Crops and Policies to Address the Energy–Agriculture Nexus for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Land Use

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The urgent pursuit of climate-resilient agriculture and clean energy systems, central to the Energy–Agriculture Nexus and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has accelerated global interest in agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) technologies. This paper presents a global systematic review and meta-analysis of 160 peer-reviewed studies, structured through a five-stage thematic synthesis: (1) mapping global and regional Agri-PV deployment and potential, (2) analyzing system design and modeling methodologies, (3) evaluating crop suitability under partial shading, (4) reviewing enabling policies and regulatory frameworks, and (5) assessing techno-economic feasibility and investment barriers. Results reveal that Europe and Asia lead Agri-PV development, driven by incentive-based policies and national tenders, while limited regulatory clarity and high capital costs constrain wider adoption. Despite technological progress, no integrated model fully captures the coupled energy, water, and crop dynamics essential for holistic assessment. Strengthening economic valuation, policy coherence, and standardized modeling approaches will be critical to scale Agri-PV systems as a cornerstone of sustainable and climate-resilient land use.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18246417

Authors: Kedar Mehta, Rushabh Jain, Wilfried Zörner

Institution: Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137