Based at the Tatura SmartFarm, the $500,000 experiment examines the use of solar panels over a high-density pear orchard.
The canopy of solar panels generates energy, protects fruit from extreme weather events and improves water efficiency.
The output of the orchard in its first year had positive effects on fruit production. It also provided insight into areas for improvement, particularly to enhance the solar panel benefits to fruit development.
The results of the experiment were brought to the attention of international research institutions who are interested in learning from the only agrivoltaic orchard in the Southern Hemisphere.
Agriculture Victoria research director Angela Avery said she was excited by the opportunities the experiment presented.
“By farming under solar panels, farmers can produce food and energy from the same unit of land and reduce their carbon footprint,” Ms Avery said.
“Agrivoltaic is a word we will start hearing more and more as Victorian producers continue to adapt and combat a changing climate.”
Combined with other agrivoltaic research, this has positioned Victoria as the Southern Hemisphere leader in agrivoltaic research and innovation.
Ian Thomas, from the UNSW School of Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy Engineering, said the experiment was leading edge work.
“The research being performed by Agriculture Victoria at the Tatura SmartFarm is critical,” Mr Thomas said.
“Agrivoltaics will provide an essential tool in the global energy transition and a lot more of this type of research is required.”
The experiment is part of the Victorian Government’s $60 million Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which supports local farm businesses to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and explore alternative energy generation.
The plan has supported more than 1300 farm businesses with free on-farm energy assessments and delivered more than 650 grants.
To learn about Agriculture Victoria’s agrivoltaics research efforts, visit: https://extensionaus.com.au/energysmartfarming/home
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