The Contribution of Photovoltaic Systems to Sustainable Agriculture—An Analysis of Agrivoltaic Systems

Agrivoltaic systems combine sustainable renewable energy with agricultural production. This combination of productions is particularly important in developing countries and remote locations, not only because of its ability to contribute, in a decentralised way, to the production of renewable energy, but also to the production of food. This is very important in a context where food needs are increasing, and land is being taken up by more and more renewable energy systems. Its importance in any country’s energy strategy is undeniable, but the need to keep farms profitable cannot be ignored. Rural owners should therefore not only focus on energy management, but also on the management of their activity, agronomy. This paper reviews some of the important factors that essentially influence the agronomic management of agrivoltaic systems and emphasise their dependence on the quantity and quality of solar radiation manifested in light intensity and active radiation. The participation of farmers is emphasised, both from the point of view of energy management, crop management and the microclimatic conditions created under the solar panels. In short, to warn of the need for conscious and properly planned decision-making so that the goals of independence from distribution networks, the reduction of global warming and the continuity of food production are achieved.