Connecting agriculture and renewable energy: insights into microclimatic changes, physiological, biochemical, and yield responses under agrivoltaics: a review

Summary

This narrative review synthesises evidence on the physiological and agronomic responses of crops grown beneath solar panels in agrivoltaic systems. The authors highlight that moderated light intensity and altered microclimates can enhance water-use efficiency and trigger beneficial metabolic adjustments, though responses are highly species-specific and dependent on regional climate and panel configuration. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps regarding molecular-level plant adaptation mechanisms and emphasises the need for tailored agronomic strategies and crop selection, whilst acknowledging challenges including initial investment, technological barriers, and shade-induced yield penalties.

Regional applicability

The findings are globally derived and applicable to United Kingdom conditions, particularly for horticultural crops and cereals under temperate maritime climates. However, specific panel configurations, spacing, and crop selection strategies will require localisation testing within UK growing seasons and light regimes, and consideration of UK planning, grid connection, and agricultural subsidy frameworks.

Key measures

Light intensity, water-use efficiency, photosynthetic function, yield responses, metabolic adjustments, microclimatic variables (temperature, humidity, etc.), across vegetables, cereals, pulses, and fruit crops.

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises evidence on how solar panel integration alters microclimates and affects crop physiological processes, metabolic pathways, and yield across different crop species. It identifies species-specific responses and knowledge gaps around molecular adaptation mechanisms in agrivoltaic environments.

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