The Solar Energy Field project generates practical measurement- and research-based knowledge to promote the implementation of agricultural photovoltaic systems (APV) in Finland and supports business development around it. The project's results will influence the utilization of solar energy in agricultural production. It advances the adoption of APV systems by combining the expertise of project partners and actively engaging key stakeholders, such as solar energy developers and landowners, to create sustainable and efficient solutions. During the project, data will be collected and measured on crop growth, weather conditions, soil properties, and cultivation environments. The project will model crop growth under Finnish conditions and develop an APV system simulation tool that considers both energy production and crop cultivation need and possibilities. The goal is to optimize the balance between energy production and plant growth. Additionally, the project focuses on the impact of photovoltaic systems on energy production and plant light availability. The effects of APV systems on crop yields will be assessed nationwide by integrating field measurements and simulations. Simulations will be conducted in different field conditions, and the impacts of APV on microclimates will be analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. The project also focuses on evaluating the economic feasibility of APV in Finland by examining farm production revenues, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and the levelized cost of agriculture (LCOA). The objective is to balance technical performance with economic outcomes, enabling farmers and rural entrepreneurs to make informed decisions. Additionally, a land lease agreement model will be created, covering lease duration, compensation structures, land use restrictions, infrastructure improvements and maintenance responsibilities, and decommissioning plans for solar panels at the end of the lease period. The project also aims to enhance awareness of APV systems in Finland and disseminate information widely to various target groups, including farmers and landowners, energy sector developers, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the agricultural and energy industries. On a practical level, the project explores the efficient integration of electricity production and crop cultivation through collaboration involving universities, higher education institutions, the agricultural sector, and business representatives. While international research projects have shown promising results regarding the benefits of APV, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of how APV can be optimized for Finland’s unique conditions. The project will produce concrete results on the design of photovoltaic systems in agricultural settings and their potential effects on crop growth. The developed simulation models will help assess the combined effects of soil conditions, weather factors, and photovoltaic systems on agricultural production.
