Vegetable Production and Theoretical Energy Output under an Off-grid Agrivoltaic System in Atlixco, Puebla, México

This study represents the first exploratory, site-specific, controlled, and replicated field experiment examining an off-grid agrivoltaic (AV) system in Mexico. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility of a dual-use land strategy by comparing the performance of the AV system against traditional Open-Field (OF) cultivation practices. The specific objective is to assess the agricultural productivity (biomass and bioelements) of lettuce, radish, and cilantro, as well as the theoretical energy production of the Photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The research was conducted in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. A 2x3 factorial experiment (three crops x two growing conditions, AV vs. OF) with three replicates per treatment (N=3; 18 experimental units total) was conducted to measure biomass and bioelement content. Additionally, environmental variables such as solar radiation and ambient temperature were monitored to calculate the theoretical efficiency and energy output of the PV panels in the AV system. The theoretical, model-based Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) was also calculated for both systems to determine optimal land use.

Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in biomass or bioelement content for lettuce and radish between the two systems, despite reduced radiation in the AV setup. In a single hailstorm event, the AV system protected the cilantro crop from the hail damage that destroyed the equivalent of the OF crop. Additionally, the AV system demonstrated a higher theoretical model-based energy output due to lower ambient temperatures, which enhanced panel efficiency.

The findings suggest that, under the conditions of this exploratory experiment, the partial shading provided by the AV system did not compromise crop quality or yield for lettuce and radish; the single-event hail protection observed for cilantro further illustrates a potential benefit that warrants confirmation in further studies. The thermal regulation observed beneath the panels suggests that AV systems may be particularly efficient in regions with high radiation, where heat can otherwise hinder panel performance and stress crops, although this should be confirmed under a wider range of site conditions.

Under the conditions of this exploratory experiment, the AV system showed land use efficiency comparable to or greater than traditional cultivation, as demonstrated by a theoretical, model-based LER above 1. This dual-use approach has the potential to optimize land use while maintaining agricultural productivity and generating renewable energy, offering a promising, site-specific starting point for integrated food and energy production in Mexico that warrants confirmation in further multi-season and multi-site studies.