The agrivoltaic (AgPV) project is developed as a proof-of-concept to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of dual land use combining solar energy generation and agricultural production. It follows phased engineering workflow, both structural and electrical, covering site assessment, design, simulation, construction, etc. The framework was structured around three land-use systems: solar-only, agriculture-only, and AgPV design, to compare energy yield, agricultural productivity, and total system costs/revenue to determine whether integrated land use provides higher economic returns than separate single-use systems.
Researchers: Rohini Kamal, PhD; Mohammad Tofail Bin Azam; Mohammad Ifaz Uddin, and Sajjad Hossain
Partner: Bright Green Energy Foundation (BGEF), BRAC University Department of EEE
Timeline: 2025–2027
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Rohini Kamal, PhD; rohini.kamal@bracu.ac.bd
Context
The successful implementation of the agrivoltaic system depends on context-specific structural and electrical designs that can balance energy generation, agricultural productivity, and system safety under local environmental conditions. Despite growing global adoption, empirical evidence on agrivoltaic system design and performance in Bangladesh remains limited. In particular, there is a lack of locally validated engineering approaches regarding panel layout, structural configuration, foundation design, and electrical system integration. To address this gap, BIGD, along with its implementation partners, initiated a proof-of-concept agrivoltaic pilot to develop and evaluate engineering designs suitable for Bangladeshi conditions. The study compares alternative agrivoltaic configurations and conventional land-use systems to assess their technical feasibility and support future agrivoltaic deployment in Bangladesh.
Objectives
Methodology
EEE, BRAC University conducted solar irradiation analysis, sun-path assessment, and shadow simulations to optimize panel orientation and row spacing. Using these, the team developed the layout design and carried out inverter sizing, grounding design, and overall system integration using 625W photovoltaic (PV) modules. A weather station was also installed for continuous performance monitoring. Site selection was informed by soil testing conducted by the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) to assess bearing capacity, and structural design and analysis were carried out under BNBC 2020. The structure consists of galvanized steel frames on reinforced cement concrete (RCC) footings, modelled in STAAD.Pro under dead, live, wind, and seismic loads, with foundation and member sizes optimized for soil conditions, safety, and cost. An automated sprinkler-based cleaning system was also integrated. Construction included installation of structures, PV modules, inverters, irrigation, and monitoring systems, alongside low-carbon design measures such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice cultivation and future use of dolomite in place of cement and concrete blocks to reduce carbon emissions.
Findings
Forthcoming.
