Agri-PV in action: live data shows the potential
The performance curve of a vertical agri-PV system: two power peaks and a deep trough – typical for east-west orientations. But how does this theory fare in practice? What factors make the difference? Take a look with us at the 1.9-megawatt system in Almelo, Netherlands, and experience the real performance check!
Against the mainstream for more yield
The first graph shows the electricity production of the Almelo system on 25 June 2024: In a direct comparison between vertical east-west agri-PV and south-facing ground-mounted PV, the performance curve of agri-PV, with two distinct power peaks and a deep midday trough, differs significantly from that of south-facing, classic ground-mounted PV, which has only one flattened power peak at midday.
Shortly after 5:00 a.m., the agri-PV begins to produce electricity at a rapid rate, while the ground-mounted system is slow to get going. At 8:00 a.m., the agri-PV reaches its peak output. At 9:00 a.m., the south-facing ground-mounted system takes over and produces more electricity, while the agri-PV's output declines until midday. From 1 p.m., the agri-PV picks up again, and at 4:30 p.m., the two curves meet again and the agri-PV takes the lead in production. This remains the case until sunset at 9:59 p.m. The agri-PV in Almelo delivers three hours more electricity in the morning and a full five and a half hours more in the afternoon than the ground-mounted system.
Why does Agri PV have two different power peaks?
The reason lies in the orientation and characteristics of the bifacial modules. In Almelo, the more powerful side of the modules faces west, which increases afternoon yields. In addition, the rows of modules do not run exactly north-south, but are slightly inclined to the east (approx. 13°), so that the afternoon sun hits the west side earlier and more strongly. In the morning, fog and precipitation can reduce performance, which is not the case in the afternoon.
Why the drop in performance on 26 June 2024?
On 26 June 2024, the entire system was shut down by the grid operator between 11:00 and 15:00. This demonstrates the advantage of agri-PV, which, due to its design, supplies more electricity when conventional ground-mounted systems are not yet producing electricity or are no longer producing enough. Agri-PV is hardly affected by negative electricity prices.
System in Almelo demonstrates the advantages of vertical agri-PV
In an energy world with variable electricity prices, vertical agri-PV offers stable returns for investors because its peak output is inversely proportional to that of conventional ground-mounted systems. If a PV system with vertical agri-PV is throttled during the midday lull because the supply of renewable electricity is high and electricity prices are low, this has only a minor impact on its economic efficiency. This is in contrast to conventional south-facing ground-mounted systems. Snow is not an issue for vertical agri-PV because it does not remain on the modules. Unlike traditional ground-mounted systems, vertical agri-PV can also produce electricity when the landscape is covered in snow.
Feiten & cijfers:
Agri-PV in Almelo, the Netherlands
- Vertical agri-PV system with 1.95 MW peak on around 3.2 hectares
- 952 bifacial photovoltaic modules, each with 660 watts peak power
- In 22 rows, in a north-south-east direction
- Planning and implementation by Profinergy B.V. in Utrecht
- Electricity marketing with power purchase agreement (PPA), regional
Weather data for 25 and 26 June 2024 are practically identical:
- Sunrise: 05:12
- Sunset: 21:59
- Sunny peak: 13:36
- Weather: Light cloud cover 0-11%
- Temperature: 05:15 12 °C | 16:15 20 °C | 22:00 16 °C
- Wind: Between 11 km/h and 19 km/h from different directions.
- The ground-mounted system was regulated at noon on 25 June. Hence the flat crest.
Read also: 19 MW agri-PV in Almelo op het net
Contact information:
ProfiNRG Deutschland
Christian Steinberg
Business Development Manager Germany
Mobile: + 49 175 5943143
Email: christian@profinrg.com
