Analysis of Light Environment Under Solar Panels and Crop Layout

This paper studies the solar radiation distribution under solar panels in the effective growth period of crops by building the model of photovoltaic power station with Ecotect. The simulation results show that the area beneath the photovoltaic panels receives less solar irradiation. The area covered with no solar panel reveals better irradiation condition. The irradiation also distributes differently at various heights. According to the different sunlight demands, crops can be classified into three major categories, which include six minor classes. Light adaption point (LAP) is defined as an indicator to approximate whether positive crops can flower and bear fruit normally. Based on sunshine hours and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), we put forward a method of crop layout by combining their different sunlight demands and different light distribution under solar panels. A list of recommended species for this model is also given.