ABSTRACT
Rice yield and electricity production in agro-photovoltaic systems

Sang-Won Park1, Su-Min Yun2, Deok-Gyeong Seong3, Jeung Joo Lee4, 5, and Jung-Sung Chung5, 6*
 
Fossil fuels, particularly oil, face sustainability challenges due to depletion and their role in increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change and impacting global agriculture. Renewable energy sources like solar power offer a viable alternative. This study explores the feasibility of agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems, which integrate solar panels with agricultural land to generate electricity while cultivating crops. Specifically, the impact of APV systems on rice production and quality was investigated. Solar modules with a total capacity of 99.84 kW were installed on a 2580 m2 site, with two module configurations tested. Two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, Woonkwang and Saenuri, were transplanted and monitored for growth characteristics, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence, as well as yield and quality. Growth analysis of rice under APV systems showed minimal impact on plant height and tiller numbers, though chlorophyll content analysis indicated delayed leaf aging and extended maturation time. Rice yield decreased due to altered panicle and spikelet numbers. Quality analysis revealed changes in head rice rate and broken rice, stressing optimal harvest timing in APV systems. Shading conditions also affected physicochemical properties and taste profiles. Yields dropped by about 20% under APV systems, but the financial returns from electricity generation significantly outweighed the crop revenue loss. Despite the high initial installation costs and regulatory challenges, APV systems present a promising dual-use approach for enhancing farm income and promoting renewable energy. Continued research and investment are essential for optimizing APV systems and expanding their adoption.
Keywords: Agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems, chlorophyll content, Oryza sativa, renewable energy, rice production, yield and quality.
1Gyeongsang National University, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
2Gyeongsang National University, Division of Applied Life Science, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
3Gyeongnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Department of Crop Research, Jiniu 52733, Republic of Korea.
4Gyeongsang National University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Medicine, Jinju 52828, Republic of
Korea.
5Gyeongsang National University, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
6Gyeongsang National University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agronomy, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
*Corresponding author (jschung@gnu.ac.kr).