Could Windbreak Effect Significantly Decrease Evapotranspiration in Vertical Agrivoltaics?

Abstract

Bifacial vertical panels have been successful in agrivoltaics since the beginning of this system expansion worldwide. While the question of irradiation reduction effect on evapotranspiration has been largely addressed during last years, the question of wind modification and its impact on evapotranspiration has not been the object of a thorough attention yet. Wind modification is expected to be of greater importance in vertical agrivoltaics, panels acting like windbreaks. This preliminary research aims to assess the potential reduction of evapotranspiration in different climates and to highlight the importance of going further on aerodynamics and water demand topics. It shows that non negligeable amounts of water could be saved if those wind abatement rates are created by the rows of vertical panels compared with the evapotranspiration reduction expected induced by the irradiation reduction. Actually, modification in wind direction and speed will depend on geometrical parameters and wind direction. More measurement campaigns and comprehensive models of aerodynamics (CDF) and evapotranspiration are required to assess the relevance of vertical panels to tackle aridity in constrained climates.