Course for advisors on agrovoltaics
Description
Agrivoltaics represents an innovative solution that combines solar energy generation with agricultural and livestock activities in a single space. By installing photovoltaic panels on farmland, this model seeks not only to produce electricity but also to optimize land use, allowing agricultural production and energy generation to coexist without interference. This approach promotes environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and the development of new opportunities for collaboration between different actors in the sector.
To further explore this model and its benefits, a specialized course is being launched that will address the principles of agrivoltaics and its impact on food security and the environment. The training is designed for agricultural engineers, agricultural technicians, and other professionals interested in the integration of renewable energy into the agri-food sector.
Course objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of agrovoltaics and its ability to harmonize solar energy production with agricultural and livestock activities in a sustainable manner.
- Analyze the benefits and challenges of implementing agrivoltaic projects in terms of energy efficiency, soil management, and biodiversity conservation.
- Explore practical cases that enable the selection of appropriate technologies and strategies to maximize energy and agricultural profitability.
- Identify the role of agrivoltaics in protecting biodiversity, including the preservation of pollinators and other key ecosystem services.
Methodology and program
The course will be delivered online via live videoconferences. To obtain certification, participants must attend at least 85% of the sessions and pass a final assessment.
Dates and contents:
Monday, June 9 (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM):
- Introduction to the concept of agrovoltaics and its importance.
- Current context: challenges in agriculture and energy. Definition of agrivoltaics and objectives. Environmental, economic, and social benefits.
- Fundamentals of the solar resource .
- Basic concepts: components of solar radiation. Factors affecting solar radiation availability at the plot level. Tools for solar resource assessment: measurement and simulation.
Tuesday, June 10 (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM):
- Fundamentals of photovoltaic technology.
- Principles of the photovoltaic effect. Main components of a photovoltaic system. Technologies suitable for agrovoltaics: semitransparent, bifacial, etc.
- Agronomic aspects to consider in the plant-photovoltaic module relationship. Effect of shading on crops. Impact on temperature, humidity, and microclimate. Compatible crops and adaptation of agricultural practices.
Wednesday, June 11 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Typologies of agrovoltaic systems .
- Crops under and between panels. Integrated systems with animal husbandry. Photovoltaic greenhouses.
- Regulatory framework for agrovoltaics .
- European, national and regional regulations.
- Pilot project for agrovoltaic energy in fruit orchards in Catalonia .
Additional information
Faculty:
- Marian de Blas Corral, PhD in Agricultural Engineering, professor at the UPNA.
- Ignacio García Ruiz, PhD in Agricultural Engineering, professor at the UPNA.
- Luis Asín Jones, Agricultural Engineer and fruit growing researcher at IRTA.
Duration: 7 hours (spread over 3 days)
Modality: Online via videoconference
Prices:
- €30 for members of COIAANPV, COITA, and other associations with an agreement.
- €25 for unemployed members of COIAANPV and COITA-Aragón, and registered students.
- €60 for non-members.
This course, co-funded by the European Union, represents a unique opportunity to train in a key sector for sustainability and future energy development.
Contact: secretaria.adjunta@coiaanpv.org and phone number 976-23 03 89.
The registration period ends on June 8, 2025.