Evaluation of Fixed-Tilt and Single-Axis Tracking Strategies in Open-Field Agrivoltaics: Assessing Biological Constraints and Economic Viability |
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A. León-Vinet, E. Peñalvo-López, I. Valencia-Salazar, V. León-Martínez Universitat Politècnica de València, Department of Electrical Engineering,
2026-06-27 |
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Abstract
This study evaluates the performance of an agrivoltaic system located in Valencia (Spain) over a 6-month period (mid-March to mid-September) by analysing the interaction between photovoltaic (PV) generation, water consumption, and the physiological requirements of the crop, in this case Citrus limon (lemon). The research compares fixed-tilt panels against single-axis trackers. For the tracking system, two algorithms were modelled: pure energy maximisation, and a yield-constrained model.
While the model is based on empirically validated equations, the results represent simulated potential and have not yet been field-validated. Results indicate significant variations relative to a conventional farm. The yield-constrained single-axis model decreased crop yield by 24.84% and reduced water consumption by 4.02%, achieving a total economic benefit of 6,437.29 €. The energy-maximisation single-axis model resulted in a decrease in yield (26.75%) and water consumption (4.95%), generating an income benefit of 6,676.08 €. The fixed-tilt system provided the highest economic return for the period (6,808.03 €), with yield and water consumption decreasing by 25.04% and 4.10%, respectively.
Regarding energy production relative to the fixed-tilt baseline, the energy-maximisation tracker achieved a 9.14% increase, whereas the yield-constrained tracker resulted in a 7.14% increase. These findings suggest that while agrivoltaics reduce overall crop yield due to shading in Mediterranean climates, their energy generation heavily compensates for agricultural deficits, ensuring strong economic viability despite biological and market sensitivities.
Key words: Agrivoltaics, energy, agriculture, electricity, solar panel.
Published in: Energies
& Quality Journal (E&QJ) |
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| ISSUE: Vol. 4. No.1 | Pages: 66-71 |
| E-ISSN: 2659-8779 | Date of Current Version: 2026-06-27 |
| REF: 247-26 | Issue Date: 2026-07-15 |
| DOI:10.24084/eqj26-247 | Publisher: AEDERMACP/ EA4EPQ |
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