Crop-aligned Agrivoltaic Design for Semi-arid and Mediterranean Türkiye: Simulated PPFD Suitability Under A- and V-Shaped Bifacial PV Layouts

Abstract

Agrivoltaic (AgriPV) systems enable the co-production of food and electricity, but effective design requires matching crop-specific light requirements to local climate and structural configuration. This study evaluated how PV structural typology and cover ratio jointly shape under-panel light conditions across two climatically contrasting Turkish sites: Harran (hot semi-arid, BSh) and Manavgat (warm-Mediterranean, Csa). Two bifacial PV layouts, A-shaped (ridge) and V-shaped (valley), were simulated at cover ratios of 35%, 50%, and 60%. Using Rhinoceros 3D with Ladybug Tools, hourly ground-level irradiance was simulated and converted to photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD). Monthly PPFD was sampled at one open-sky reference and five under-panel points; spatial means, standard deviations, coefficients of variation, and leave-one-point-out sensitivity were calculated. Increasing cover ratio systematically reduced PPFD, while V-shaped layouts consistently showed lower spatial dispersion than A-shaped layouts. Monthly spatial standard deviations ranged from 42.4–297.1 μmol/ m²s in Manavgat and 46.3–376.2 μmol/m²s in Harran. Simulated light compatibility was strongest for avocado at 35–50% cover ratio, coffee at 50–60%, black cumin at 35–50%, and saffron at 50–60%, with V-frames providing more uniform shading. These findings show that structural typology and cover ratio jointly modulate PPFD suitability and spatial uniformity, offering a practical, preliminary framework for site-specific AgriPV design; rainwater-harvesting channels emerged as a compatible structural co-benefit. Deterministic simulation assumptions, fixed spectral conversion, limited sampling points, and the absence of field validation constrain direct agronomic conclusions. Combining structural typology, cover ratio, and site climate can guide crop-compatible AgriPV design.