Agrophotovoltaic Technology for Smart Farming

Abstract

Agrophotovoltaic (APV) systems offer an innovative approach to maximizing land use by simultaneously supporting agricultural activities and solar energy generation. This study focuses on the development and testing of a smart APV prototype to assess its impact on crop growth, environmental conditions, and energy output in a tropical farming setting. The system was built using polycrystalline solar panels. It was installed at a fixed tilt angle, with sensors for monitoring temperature, light intensity, and soil moisture. Real-time data collection was performed using an IoT platform integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller and visualized through the Blynk dashboard. Experimental results showed that the average daily solar energy output from the panels was 0.25 kWh, sufficient to power low-energy devices such as pumps or sensors. Temperature readings beneath the panels were consistently 2–3°C lower than in open field areas, indicating improved microclimate conditions. The soil under the APV structure retained more moisture, reducing evaporation and potentially lowering irrigation needs. Crop growth performance remained consistent, demonstrating that partial shading from the panels did not negatively affect the yield of leafy vegetables. These findings validate the effectiveness of APV systems for tropical environments. By enabling efficient resource use and real-time environmental monitoring, the APV setup supports sustainable farming practices without compromising agricultural productivity.