This week, the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) inaugurated an agrivoltaic system at the Solar Photovoltaic Energy Laboratory in Sapiens Parque, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. The new infrastructure is considered a milestone for solar energy research at the institution.
Developed in partnership with Epagri (Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina), the system integrates, on the same land, energy generation through solar panels and agricultural production.
Epagri is responsible for conducting activities related to crops, while UFSC leads the development, implementation and evaluation of photovoltaic solutions.
The objective is to evaluate the technical, economic and environmental viability of this combination, using areas traditionally dedicated to cultivation to also house photovoltaic panels – either in elevated structures above the plantations or in solar fences.
With this, the Santa Catarina university seeks to expand land use, produce clean energy and maintain crop production efficiency.
The research involves testing different plant species to identify those that best adapt to the partial reduction of direct light incidence, without significant losses in productivity.
Shading, spacing and panel height configurations will also be analyzed, with the aim of simultaneously maximizing energy generation and agricultural yield.
Expected benefits
The project is financed by Repsol Sinopec, a Spanish energy company, and supported by other partner institutions.
Expected potential benefits include increased soil productivity through multiple land uses, optimization of natural resources, reduced environmental impacts, and strengthening rural resilience to climate change, with gains in energy security.
According to Rector Irineu Manoel de Souza, the integration of agricultural production and solar generation increases productivity, optimizes resources, and strengthens the response to climate change.
"May this space be fertile ground for ideas, results, and partnerships, and may research, prototypes, and benchmark policies for Santa Catarina and Brazil emerge from it," he said.
- Photo: Disclosure
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.
