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The research we build on.

Peer-reviewed papers behind our recommendations. Each entry links to the original journal and, where the licence allows, to a mirrored PDF you can read here, no signup, no paywall.

2026·IEA PVPS Task 13·Free to use, copy and redistribute with credit (IEA PVPS)
Optimisation of Photovoltaic Systems for Different Applications

Friesen G, Micheli L, Campana PE, Eder GC, Golroodbari S, Fernández Solas Á, Kroon J, Oreski G, Selji J, Tina GM, Wieland S

Photovoltaic deployment is diversifying beyond conventional ground-mounted plant into building-integrated (BIPV), floating (FPV) and agrivoltaic (AV) systems. These applications operate in complex environments, perform multiple functions and involve a wider set of stakeholders, so design approaches developed for ground-mounted arrays are no longer sufficient. The report argues that application context is now as important a design driver as climate, and sets out a multidimensional performance framework: energy yield per available area, self-consumption, dual-use revenue, land equivalent ratio, environmental interaction and social acceptance, alongside conventional performance ratio and LCOE. It maps application-specific stressors, failure modes and mitigation measures, reviews the limits of current energy-rating standards including IEC 61853 for integrated systems, and translates the findings into practical guidance on site assessment, component and material selection, layout optimisation, and monitoring.

agrivoltaicsbuilding-integrated PVfloating PVyield modellingreliabilityland use

Citation: Friesen G, Micheli L, Campana PE, Eder GC, Golroodbari S, Fernández Solas Á, Kroon J, Oreski G, Selji J, Tina GM, Wieland S (2026). Optimisation of Photovoltaic Systems for Different Applications. IEA PVPS Task 13 Report T13-39:2026. doi:10.69766/HNOJ8589

2018·PLoS ONE·619 citations·CC BY 4.0
Remarkable agrivoltaic influence on soil moisture, micrometeorology and water-use efficiency

Hassanpour Adeh, E., Selker, J. S., Higgins, C. W.

Field study at Oregon State University showing that pasture under solar panels produced significantly more biomass per unit of water in a water-limited environment, alongside measurable changes in microclimate (wind speed, soil moisture at 0.1–0.5 m depth, air temperature). The foundational empirical paper for modern agrivoltaic design in semi-arid and seasonally dry climates.

agrivoltaicssoil moistureviticulturewater-use efficiency

Citation: Hassanpour Adeh, E., Selker, J. S., Higgins, C. W. (2018). Remarkable agrivoltaic influence on soil moisture, micrometeorology and water-use efficiency. PLoS ONE 13(11), e0203256. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0203256

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