Abstract :

The clean energy transition in Europe and worldwide requires the generation of electricity from zero-carbon energy sources including solar and wind energy. Solar photovoltaics are in the forefront of clean energy technologies used in the decarbonization of the global power system. Agrivoltaics is an emerging solar energy technology that allows the dual production of electricity and agricultural products in the same land area. The possibility of installing agrivoltaics in vineyards in the island of Crete, Greece has been studied. Several published papers assessing the use of agrivoltaics in vineyards in several countries have been reviewed while their benefits and challenges have been stated. It has been estimated that installation of agrivoltaics in vineyards in Crete covering 1% of their surface with coverage ratio at 15% and 30% can generate electricity meeting 2.6% and 5.2% of Crete’ annual electricity demand respectively. The generated electricity can cover the electricity demand of 20,800 and 41,600 households respectively in Crete. Although there are not sufficient data assessing the use of agrivoltaics in vineyards it is concluded that, under specific conditions, they have many benefits regarding the dual production of electricity and grapes. Our results indicate that installation of agrivoltaics in Cretan vineyards, under limited shading, can offer an additional income to farmers improving the growth and yield characteristics of the cultivated vines. Our result could be useful to many stakeholders of Cretan viticulture.

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Keywords :

Agrivoltaics, Crete-Greece, Electricity, Microclimate, Solar photovoltaics, Vineyards

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References :

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