Model-Based Analysis of the Irradiance Beneath Solar PV Panel for Agrivoltaics Applications

This paper models the irradiance beneath solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which is essential in agrivoltaics applications for selecting the appropriate crop types. To this end, this paper presents a model-approach to calculating the irradiance on a virtual surface beneath a PV panel at several heights. The model employs view factor techniques to address the shading due to the solar panel and reflection from the ground. The modelled results are an agreeable match with the PVsyst results, verifying the utility of the proposed modelling approach. Furthermore, results regarding the dependence of the irradiance profile on the heights and tilt angle of fixed-size PV panels are discussed.