The potential of agrivoltaic systems in the conditions of southern regions of Russian Federation

The aim of this research is to analyze the potential of agrivoltaic systems (AV) on the territory of Russian Federation. Two configurations of AV systems with 3.2m and 6,4m spacing between photovoltaic (PV) arrays were investigated and on the 4m distance above the crop field. The simulation was performed on the 1 ha of sugar beetroot/lettuce crop field as the most suitable vegetables for shading conditions. The simulation was performed in the conditions of Krasnodar region with average annual solar insolation at 4,20 kWh/m(2). Net Present Cost of the agrivoltaic system with minimal 3,2m spacing between the arrays is 558277 $US and cost of energy of this configuration is 0.7$US/kWh. Net Present Cost of the agrivoltaic system with 6,4 m spacing between the arrays is 424216$US and Cost of energy is 0,723$US/kWh. Assuming the reduction of sunlight by 30% from 3,2m spacing and by 10%-20% from 6,4 spacing, expected yield of crops is supposed to be 70%-80% of normal yield. Using agrivoltaics for combined use of land allows increasing the productivity of agricultural land by 45%-70% according to Land Equivalent Ratio. With creation comfortable conditions of agrivoltaic development, such systems can have huge impact on the rural off-grid electrification, creating autonomous renewable source of energy.