Professional paper

Agrivoltaics in fruit production – integration of photovoltaic systems in orchards

Šimun Kolega orcid.org/0000-0002-5801-8428 ; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Zadar, Hrvatska *
Miroslav Lisjak ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Osijek
Marko Zorica orcid.org/0000-0001-8058-7646 ; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Zadar, Hrvatska
Jelena Ravlić orcid.org/0009-0005-2597-4447 ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Osijek
Anđelo Zdrilić orcid.org/0009-0009-4267-4998 ; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Zadar, Hrvatska
Marija Špoljarević ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Osijek
Dejan Bošnjak orcid.org/0000-0001-6507-3989 ; Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Osijek
Tomislav Kos ; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Zadar, Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Agrivoltaics (AV), also known as agrosolar systems, refers to the integration of photovoltaic panels into agricultural land use and is increasingly recognized as an innovative approach enabling dual land utilization. This concept simultaneously supports food production and the generation of renewable solar energy. Although implemented across various crop production sectors, fruit growing stands out as particularly suitable due to the perennial nature of orchards and the sensitivity of certain fruits to microclimatic shifts caused by climate change. This paper provides an overview of current scientific findings on the application of AV in fruit production, with emphasis on its impact on the microclimate beneath the panels, the eco-physiological plant response, yield and fruit quality, as well as overall farm sustainability. Both the beneficial and adverse effects on different fruits are analyzed, alongside key technical and design considerations for successful implementation. The potential of AV systems to reduce water consumption, mitigate thermal stress, and enhance energy independence is also highlighted, supported by examples of experimental projects in Croatia and worldwide.

Keywords

photovoltaic systems; microclimatic conditions; renewable energy sources; sustainable agriculture; energy and food synergy

Hrčak ID:

340012

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/340012

Publication date:

1.10.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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