A TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEMS WITH TOMATO AND STRAWBERRY IN ALABAMA

Abstract

This study presents a techno-economic analysis of agrivoltaic systems (AV) with tomato and strawberry in Alabama, exploring their profitability from the perspectives of farmers. We consider a hypothetical four acres of square land in Auburn, Alabama and compare the profitability of various land uses including photovoltaic (PV) only, specialty crop only (strawberry or tomato), and AV with different solar panel density. Specifically, we study for a given crop price, a given crop yield, a given solar density, the profitability of AV systems. The study suggests that AV systems present a viable solution for sustainable agricultural and energy production, capable of boosting profits while reducing the risks associated with conventional farming. Under certain conditions, the profits from AV can be higher than those from PV only.