The global trend towards vertical solar panels and the future of agrovoltaics – expert commentary from Filkab Solar

For decades, agricultural land has been a source of strategic debate, often placing two vital sectors against one another: the production of food and the generation of clean energy. Until recently it was believed that the choice of one will lead to the exclusion of the other, but with the inception of agrivoltaics systems, this debate has been fundamentally changed. Today, technological progress offers a solution, where both industries can mutually help each other. At the center of this development is a relatively new and interesting innovation, which keeps drawing the attention of scientists as well as global renewable energy players – vertical solar panels.

Unlike traditional structures, these systems are installed similarly to fences, leaving free space for agricultural machinery and for undisturbed development of crops. However, is it possible for this kind of energy installation to protect the crops from changing climate, improve the field’s microclimate, and simultaneously generate higher profits for the owners? To find these answers, we analyzed the topic with one of the experts from Filkab Solar – a leading company in the field of designing and implementing photovoltaic systems.

"The challenge facing modern engineering is no longer simply generating electricity, but finding a balance in which energy facilities adapt to the needs of the earth without disrupting its natural cycle," commented Filkab Solar.

This context is the reason for the inception of agrivoltaics – a synergy between agriculture and the production of sun-based energy, all on the same plot. And while the first agrivoltaics projects relied heavily on tall and expensive constructions, that machines can use to pass, today the global industry is experiencing a technological transformation. The big trend in the global market is the implementation of vertical double-sided solar panels, arranged like thin “fences” in an East-West direction. An innovation that promises a “free corridor” for tractors and combines, while simultaneously increasing the price of electricity.

Photo source: Filkab Solar, ©Engineer.BG via Canva.com