The recently released AgriSolar Best Practices Guidelines by Solar Power Europe officially recommends module-level power electronics for Agri-PV safety and supports other recent such documents that have been recently released, such as the Installation Guidelines for Agri-PV in Japan. This, of course, is not news to us at SolarEdge where module-level power electronics  (MLPE) is at the core of our PV system architecture and a key enabler for our advanced multilayer safety features.  Agri-PV (also called Agrivoltaics), for the uninitiated, is the dual use of land for agricultural and solar energy production Solar installations can be placed on trackers to ensure complete control of the amount of sun reaching the plants and maximum benefit to both solar and crop production. “… it is recommended to apply Module Level Power Electronics in Agri-PV systems to reduce risk of electric shocks and fires” Solar Power Europe (SPE), Best Practices Guidelines for Agrivoltaics Below, you can find a review of safety suggestions offered by the SPE Best Practices Guidelines, as well as “Agrivoltaics in India, Challenges and Opportunities”, as well as additional safety recommendations in a guideline document prepared by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Why is “Safety” critically important in Agri-PV? Safety is of course important in every PV installation. Maintenance staff, installers, and first responders must be able to work safely on a property. Similarly, the people and property populating both commercial and residential sites, require protection. In an Agri-PV installation, however, the situation is compounded by the combination of two ventures sharing one piece of land. Many ground-mount PV installations are gated to ensure that no outside individuals enter the site and interact with equipment or cabling. However, in agrivoltaic sites, farmers work in close proximity to the PV products using large machinery and irrigation, making gating impossible and increasing the potential risk of electrical shock. In some installations, animals share their grazing lands with PV panels, possibly leading to cable damage. This is significant, as the deterioration of cabling can result in fire risk. As a nascent industry, ensuring safety in Agri-PV is even more important. As the Best Practices Guidelines explains: “… incidents of fire and electric shocks could be detrimental to the growth and public acceptance of Agri-PV, especially in the early stages of the market, when dedicated binding standards and regulations are yet to be published or enforced.” Before regulation is enacted, the industry must self-regulate so it can grow effectively.  This is also emphasized by the recently published “Agrivoltaics in India, Challenges and Opportunities” document. One of the seven key findings in the document determines that: “on the agricultural side, farmers’ safety concerns due to the proximity to high voltage cabling, as well as constraints on the mobility of farm equipment, are the main challenges.” What can impact safety in Agri-PV? As in any electrical plant, electrical shock and fire are the two main safety risks in PV installations. As explained above given the dual-usage of land in Agri-PV sites, there is an increased risk of fire and electrical shock. Electric shock can occur when an individual (or animal) touches a high-voltage element. While the risk of fire is minimal in a PV plant, it can be caused by the creation of an electric arc. This can occur if there is a small gap in a connection, or when an electric current jumps between two wires, for example when the insulation is frayed or damaged. As mentioned, an Agri-PV site provides more opportunities for damage to the equipment, therefore leaving it open to additional safety challenges. Why is MLPE considered superior for safety? 1 – Visibility and control In conventional PV installations, solar modules are attached to each other in a string and interact with the inverter through that string. In such installations, there is no visibility of each module’s performance and it’s not possible to automatically identify the location of a fault if one occurs. This can waste valuable time when troubleshooting a safety issue and require costly on-site visits With MLPE, O&M staff are appraised of the exact location of any fault or issue, ensuring quick resolution, often remotely. The ability to monitor and manage each individual module provides important control of the entire system, which means that the system can be shut off when needed. With an agrivoltaic installation, the aim is to have as little intrusion as possible by maintenance staff, so as not to interact with the crops or interfere with farm operation. Because of the module-level visibility provided in MLPE systems, when intervention is necessary, the location is pinpointed and limits onsite maintenance visits. 2 – Arc fault detection The ability to determine the exact fault location and address it directly is critical in maintaining system safety. With MLPE, it is possible to determine the location of an arc and mitigate it. Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) explains the value of MLPE in Agri-PV installations very well: “...even if the electric circuit is opened in these locations [solar plants based on string inverters, nb], the solar cells will continue to generate power as long as the solar cells are exposed to sunlight. Voltage continues to be applied to the array side. Also, if a ground fault or short circuit accident occurs, a closed electrical circuit may form, and current may continue to flow. Therefore, even if you open the electric circuit in the connection box or stop the inverter, risk of electrical shock or fire remains. In order to prevent electric shock, it is necessary to reduce the voltage to, for example, 60 V or less. Methods for this include shielding the solar cells from light and using MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) in which equipment is attached to each solar cell module.” SolarEdge improves on basic MLPE system safety We often say that safety is part of the SolarEdge DNA. When SolarEdge split the functionality of the inverter with the invention of the Power Optimizer, the key motivator was to make sure each module performs at its maximum potential But another equally important goal was increased system safety. Essentially, SolarEdge designs for safety, taking optimal advantage of MLPE with these features: SafeDC™ and Rapid Shutdown SafeDC™, integrated into every SolarEdge system, automatically brings the system to a touch-safe voltage level whenever the inverter is shut down. Why is this important? In conventional solar systems, shutting the inverter down with a safety switch or other device leaves high voltage on the modules and in the cabling as long as the sun is shining. In a SolarEdge system with SafeDC™, each panel is quickly reduced to 1V during grid failures or AC power shutdown, removing the risk of electric shock to maintenance workers, farmers or first responders. The feature also prevents secondary events. For example, if cabling has lost some insulation and an arc develops, SafeDC™ will operate automatically and prevent the arc from becoming a safety hazard. This is the only feature on the market that can handle such events. Sense Connect Sense Connect is one of the most significant safety features in the SolarEdge safety suite, embedded in S-Series Power Optimizers. They are designed to prevent arcs from forming. Before an arc can develop, the temperature in the connector will increase. Sense Connect is able to detect that change of temperature and alert the inverter to shut off. Coupled with the SolarEdge Monitoring Platform that indicates the location of the fault, this early warning system helps keep agrivoltaic installations safe. Temperature sensing in SolarEdge inverters enables monitoring the AC and DC side interface installation as well as aids in detecting bad connections before they turn into an arc. When abnormal temperatures are detected, the system will even shut down the inverter. Temperature sensing in inverter and Smart Reconnect Mechanism SolarEdge inverters are also equipped with temperature sensing to help identify a hazard and prevent it from escalating. Temperature sensing in SolarEdge inverters enables monitoring the AC and DC side interface installation as well as aids in detecting bad connections before they turn into an arc. When abnormal temperatures are detected, the system will even shut down the inverter. The smart reconnect mechanism can get the inverter up and working when safe, for minimal system downtime. Other important Agri-PV best practices for safety In addition to critical site protection as described above, several other practices should be adopted to keep Agri-PV safe. Signage Sometimes low tech is critical. Installing signs around the site can help maintain awareness of the installation and remind farmers and other site visitors to pay attention to their environment in order to protect themselves, the installation and crops. Cable placement Cables can be buried deep in the ground in order to keep them safe from roaming animals or machinery (and to keep the animals and machinery safe from them). Of course, plant roots and irrigation needs must be taken into consideration when determining placement. According to an Indian study, cabling for most of their pilot projects was installed overhead to avoid interaction with it. They concluded that it’s important to ensure that the overhead cables remain taut. Module height Placing modules at specific a height over the crops is important for ensuring plant crop health but also to keep the machinery safe. What’s the next step? When safety issues are addressed in the planning stages of an Agri-PV installation, the addition of solar energy production to an agricultural site can be an excellent opportunity for farmers to extract more value and profit from their land.

Smart energy used in agricultural environments (also known as agri-PV or agrivoltaics) is giving farmers more control over their profitability and their energy future. Reducing operational costs, increasing crop yields and adding new revenue streams are just some of the big benefits solar can bring to commercial farming. The terms “agriovoltaics” and “dual use farming” have become practically synonymous. Dual-use farming occurs when elevated PV systems are installed over crops – also referred to as co-locating. Your solar panels effectively do double duty – producing free electricity while providing optimal sunshine and shade for the crops below, reducing heat stress and water loss. Let’s start with a textbook definition According to the Institute of Solar Research, “The dual use of land for food production and electricity generation is a promising concept. It can help meet the world's growing demand for food and electricity in the face of increasing land scarcity.” Here are some of the top reasons why agrivoltaics is becoming a key gamechanger in the global green energy transition. Reason 1 – Putting the Sun to Work for You While sun in the right doses is critical for photosynthesis to grow healthy crops, the ability to manage just how much sun your crops receive can be even healthier. As each crop has its individual light compensation point and different shade tolerance, the ability to provide the right amount of shade or light to each of your crops can have a significant impact on growth and quality. According to one recent study on a Kenyan farm, crops such as cabbage, lettuce, and eggplant grew up to a third larger under solar panels than those farmed in direct sunlight, while reducing the farm’s energy costs by 50%. It’s important to note that not all solar solutions can deliver light and shade management. For best results of both crop protection and solar production, the choice of solar module can make a difference. More importantly, AI-driven solar trackers, like SolarGik, can constantly adjust the angle of the solar modules to balance the needs of the specific crops and solar production according to time, weather and season. With climate change, the incidence of crop damage caused by extreme weather events is growing annually. Solar modules installed over your crops can reduce the impact of hail, wind, heavy rain, and intense direct sunlight. This has particular benefits for the more sensitive crops and for orchards, where hail can have disastrous effects on the yield. Climate change has also been responsible for reduced rainfall in many locations and severe water shortages. The partial shading that occurs when PV modules are elevated above your crops can reduce water evaporation and irrigation requirements. Studies show that agri-PV systems with variable tilt features maintain moisture uniformly in the soil. In arid regions, any solution that can improve soil moisture is a genuine game changer. Reason 2 – Bigger and better crop yields With agri-PV’s ability to control some of the variables that impact crops, it stands to reason you should expect improvements in crop yields.  A number of studies have already weighed in with promising statistics. A 2018 study published in “Applied Energy” used a 40-year data set of weather conditions in a specific area of Northern Italy to create a simulation of crop yield under agri-PV with a solar tracking system. They plugged in data of a control site of similar crops in full sunlight, with the same weather conditions. The study concluded that, “average grain yield was higher and more stable under agrivoltaic than under full light.” They also noted that the advantage of growing maize in the shade of PV increased proportionally to drought stress and concluded that an additional benefit of agrivoltaic systems would be increasing crop resilience to climate change. A summary of several studies conducted on a variety of agri-PV sites around the world reports excellent yield improvements for certain kinds of crops -  specifically a type of pepper that resulted in a 150% crop increase, and cherry tomatoes that marked a 90% increased yield. It’s important to note that the exact effects of the agri-PV system on crop production may vary due to air temperature, moisture, location and other factors. In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona, it was concluded that crops growing under the shade of solar panels could yield two or three times more fruit and vegetables, citing apples, pears, berries, and grapes as good candidates. Reason 3 – More efficient land use The world’s available arable land is being threatened by climate change and environmental degradation. The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Ibrahim Thiaw, reported in 2019 that, “Simply put, land feeds us all,” and that 25 per cent of the world’s land has been rendered unusable, threatening everything we eat, drink and breathe.” With fertile land at a premium, farmers need to make an informed decision about how best to utilize their greatest asset. Agri-PV further can increase farmland value and may prove to be a key solution to feeding a growing population with decreasing resources. In addition to installing their own PV systems over crops, farmers have successfully formed alliances with adjacent PV plants to allow their livestock to graze comfortably near the sites, under or between the solar panels. In one example, this collaboration has resulted in about 75% lower mowing costs and reduced mowing damage to the installation. It also provided farmers with an additional revenue stream as they are paid to allow their livestock to graze. Because farmland is often not uniform, it is important to choose a solar system that can manage uneven terrain while maintaining high yields. Reason 4 – Free energy for agricultural operations and an additional revenue stream Farmers can use the electricity generated by their own PV system to power their farming operations, reducing their dependence on increasingly expensive grid electricity. Some of the most energy-intensive machinery that can be powered by solar includes irrigation, heating and cooling and lighting which can lead to significant cost savings over time. Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, reports that in 2021, 14 GW of power was generated in dual-use systems which is enough to power 2 million households annually. Depending on the region, farmers can sell electricity generated by the PV system back to the local utility, providing an additional source of revenue. Governments are providing financial incentives. regulating carbon production and providing financial benefits to businesses that comply and fining those that don’t. Green tax credits and other benefits may also be available for farmers, depending on the region. Reason 5 – Increasing biodiversity and reducing carbon footprint Researchers at Oregon State College discovered that areas beneath solar panels had their own microclimate with 328% more water efficiency and higher levels of soil moisture throughout the summer. That led to twice as much grass under the arrays as in the unshaded areas. They also experienced a 90% increase in late-season plant mass in areas under PV panels. In other instances, agri-PV is used to create habitats that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, or for agrisolar beekeeping. This is a popular application with more than 1 GW of such sites already installed. Choosing the right equipment for agrivioltaics - SolarEdge SolarEdge agri-PV solutions with SolarGik trackers are optimized solutions for dual-use farming. SolarEdge PV systems maximize both the crop harvest and the solar energy production with Module Level Power Electronics-based (MLPE). MLPE technology, enabled with SolarEdge Power Optimizers, enables each module to produce at its maximum energy level independently, regardless of module orientation or shade /dirt exposure. This is key to success in agri-PV installations as the additional energy produced is often significant to the bottom line of the project.