The study examines the performance of crop growth, crop health and yield difference of different crops under solar panel with consideration of microclimatic condition. By examining the output difference, this impact evaluation study is looking into the sustainability measures to be taken to ensure food security along with sufficient level of energy generation while reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers: Rohini Kamal, PhD; Mohammad Ifaz Uddin; and Arghya Bhuiyan
Field Researcher: Mehedi Hasan Bappy
Partner: Bright Green Energy Foundation (BGEF)
Timeline: 2025–2027
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Rohini Kamal, PhD; rohini.kamal@bracu.ac.bd
Context
Being an agrarian economy, Bangladesh is still facing food insecurity coupled with agricultural land depletion. Government policy therefore emphasizes protecting agricultural land to sustain food production and supply. However, climate change, fossil fuel dependence, and resource depletion show that using land solely for agriculture, solar energy, or other economic activities cannot ensure long-term sustainability. Agri-photovoltaics offers a modern integrated approach by combining crop cultivation with solar power generation on the same land. Shade-tolerant crops are especially suitable, while sun-loving crops may also be cultivated under controlled conditions if energy gains compensate for yield losses. The study is the first in Bangladesh to assess its potential.
Objectives
The study aims to assess crop yield differences under agrivoltaics conditions compared with conventional open-field cultivation. Specifically, it examines whether controlled agrivoltaics environments can support the cultivation of both food and non-food crops while maintaining sustainable yield levels. The study also seeks to evaluate how crop growth, crop health, and yield-related parameters vary under solar panel structures in comparison with open-field conditions. In doing so, it intends to generate evidence on the suitability of agrivoltaics as a sustainable land-use approach that can balance agricultural production, renewable energy generation, and climate-resilient farming practices.
Methodology
The study will follow a comparative impact evaluation approach to assess crop performance under agrivoltaics and conventional open-field cultivation. Selected crops will be cultivated in both environments, and their growth and yield performance will be monitored throughout the production cycle. Data will be collected on crop growth indicators, crop health conditions, and yield-related parameters, including plant height, tiller number, panicle formation, grain production, and other crop-specific yield components. Microclimatic variables such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture will also be observed to understand how solar panel shading influences crop performance. The study will compare results between agrivoltaics plots and open-field plots to identify yield differences and crop suitability. In addition, field observations and regular monitoring will be conducted to assess plant stress, pest incidence, and overall crop conditions. The findings will help evaluate whether agrivoltaics can support sustainable crop production while contributing to renewable energy generation.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming.
