Activities

The scientific and technical work of SYMBIOSYST investigates all the parts on the value chain of agri-PV.

The project activities will demonstrate agri-PV friendly innovation and O&M procedures, from the technical modelling, development and application of pilot cases – exploring all the aspects of sustainability – to the social science, with the engagement of different stakeholders and market needs analysis.

Design of new and sustainable agri-PV solutions for open field and greenhouse agriculture

Development of technologies adaptable to different landscapes and plants species and varieties to maximise crop-electricity synergy. During the modelling steps the research project will guarantee sustainable-related choices in terms of materials carbon footprint, durability and recyclability.

Development of an effective monitoring system

It provides a clear visualisation of both the PV array energy generation and crops growth performance, also containing built-in learning tools for the enhancement of best users’ practices. Interesting parameters refers to the microclimate, water management / soil fertility / resilience to climate change / severe weather, agricultural yield for different types of crops and electrical yield of the agri-PV systems and diurnal and annual patterns of variability.

Configuration of Demo Drivers, Project Demo, and Demo Followers

SYMBIOSYST will demonstrate the innovative agri-photovoltaics solutions in 5 use cases. The demonstration and in-field validation is divided into 3 main actions: firstly, the dialogue with existing agri-PV plants (DEMO DRIVERS) to drive the development of SYMBIOSYST models and solutions; later, the application of prototypes in the demo sites (PROJECT DEMO) with a monitoring system; and, finally, the improvements of prototypes and their application in DEMO FOLLOWERS.

Engagement of all the relevant stakeholders and participatory approaches​

To increase societal acceptance and energy justice, including citizens/ civil society, together with academia/research, industry/SMEs and government/public authorities, but also including those people that may usually be ignored by the agri-PV sector. To facilitate the process, the activity will develop a complete set of tools and will organise workshops and events.

Development of bespoke business models and market uptake​

The activity defines Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the agri-PV sector, evaluates the replication potential, maps and monitors the evolution of the Exploitable Results, and follows standardisation activities.