Agrivoltaics Effectiveness Towards Solar Photovoltaic Module Performance

This research examines the application of agrivoltaic systems—where agricultural cultivation coexists with solar photovoltaic (PV) installations—as a strategy to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve solar panel performance in Malaysia. Amidst growing energy demands and the nation’s transition toward renewable sources, the study emphasizes the importance of sustainable approaches. It evaluates how cultivating selected herbs, such as Java Tea, Butterfly Wing, and Stevia, beneath PV arrays affects environmental parameters and panel efficiency. The experimental outcomes reveal reductions in ambient temperatures by 1.29 to 2.04 °C and panel surface temperatures by 0.07 to 2.27 °C, accompanied by a boost in power generation between 1.35 and 2.9 watts. Furthermore, the herbs demonstrated healthy growth, aided by soil moisture levels around 30% higher under shaded PV areas compared to those exposed to full sun. These results support the viability of agrivoltaic systems for simultaneously enhancing energy output and moderating local microclimates.