A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Agrivoltaic Systems

Abstract

This paper suggests a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) framework for agrivoltaic systems - systems that integrate photovoltaic energy and agricultural production. Agrivoltaics proposes a solution that provides additional land for meeting renewable energy goals while supporting agricultural production and water and land use efficiency. This study contributes to the assessment of the dynamic life cycle improvements associated with agrivoltaics installations through applying the framework to a case study at Jack's Solar Garden in Boulder, Colorado. We utilize the ReCIPe midpoint hierarchist method and leverage data from existing OpenLCA databases to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of co-located crop production and solar energy generation. The results highlight the potential for reduced land and water use, underscoring agrivoltaics' role in managing land conflicts and water scarce environments. However, challenges such as increased material demands, limited open-source data, and the need for tailored configurations remain. Our framework aims to guide researchers, producers, and policymakers in making informed decisions on the adoption of agrivoltaics.