Agrivoltaic in Chile – Integrative Solution to Use Efficiently Land for Food and Energy Production and Generating Potential Synergy Effects Shown by a Pilot Plant in Metropolitan Region
Abstract
APV combines agriculture with photovoltaics allowing the production of solar electricity and crops on the same soil surface. Significant increases in land-use efficiency thanks to the double use of land can be achieved. However, APV still shows challenges and open research topics related to cost reduction, concept optimization, effects of the PV plant on agriculture and vice versa, legal framework and financing, amongst others. The results may vary strongly depending on countries and regional conditions. Since APV is interfacing many areas, synergetic effects can play an important role for the economic feasibility. Chile shows high potential for the APV concept through the characteristic of having one of the highest solar irradiation in the world and decreasing availability of arable land and conflicts in land-use due to for example urbanization and desertification. In this abstract a case study about APV pilot plants in Chile will be presented. Key Words: Photovoltaic, agriculture, double use of land, synergetic effects, costs, potential in Chile