Solar PV Performance and Shading Analysis in a Rooftop Agro-Voltaic System

Abstract

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with agricultural activities, known as rooftop agro-voltaic system (RTAVS), offers a promising approach to simultaneously meet energy and food production demands in urban and peri-urban areas. The study evaluates the energy performance and shading effect of a 76.8 kWp rooftop PV system installed at the CAET, DBSKKV, Dapoli, MH, India. The system comprises 240 mono-crystalline modules arranged in 12 strings and was monitored over two experimental periods (October 2022–May 2023 and October 2023–May 2024), covering winter and summer seasons. Energy performance was analyzed and shadow trajectory analysis was conducted using a 3D SketchUp model to simulate seasonal and daily shading patterns, quantifying shadow coverage over the cultivable area. Results demonstrated a strong correlation between solar irradiance and energy generation (R² = 0.984), indicating stable PV system performance under rooftop agro-voltaic conditions, with an estimated annual energy yield of 81,896 kWh. Seasonal shadow coverage ranged from 42.9% in winter to 18.9% in summer, with an overall mean of 30.9%. Moderate shading under RTAVS provided favorable conditions for shade-tolerant crops without compromising PV performance, confirming the technical feasibility of dual land use in urban renewable energy applications. This study presents a combined evaluation of PV performance and shadow trajectory in a rooftop agro-voltaic system, which has received limited attention in previous studies.