How to Choose PV modules for Agrivoltaics in Japan

Agrivoltaics in Japan has involved a unique selection process for PV modules. Slim PV modules were favored when they were first popularized in 2013. The purpose of this was to ensure that solar radiation would hit crops as evenly as possible and to prevent damage to equipment from strong winds.

Fujidana style solar sharing with slim PV modules

At the time, Japan's high cost of FIT made it possible to use these specially designed solar panels. By adopting the slim type, the project cost will be 30% to 50% higher than that of ordinary industrial solar panels.

This is limited to the Fujidana style solar sharing design, while the array type design uses larger products from the beginning.

Since around 2017, normal, larger products have gradually come into use, partly due to changes in the market, such as the need to improve business viability as a result of lowered FITs and the withdrawal of manufacturers producing slim types.

Fujidana style solar sharing with large modules

The latest design of the Fujidana style solar sharing minimizes the impact on growth through precise simulation of solar radiation on crops. Improvements in design have also made it possible to withstand large typhoons. As a result, the need to adopt slim-type products is now decreasing.

In the future, research is being conducted on the use of double-sided glass solar panels to improve durability and increase solar radiation while also ensuring economic efficiency.