Monitoring Agrivoltaic Systems and Developing Crop Growth Measurement Methods in Vietnam

Execution: A collaborative project between Vinacontrol and Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL)
Scope: Researching Agrivoltaic systems (integrated solar energy and agriculture) and establishing measurement and assessment methodologies tailored to Vietnam’s specific conditions.
Objectives: To establish a scientific foundation and fundamental datasets for the development of National Standards (TCVN) regarding crop growth measurement, soil-plant analysis, and the monitoring of Agrivoltaic models.

The Big Picture

Amidst the global energy transition, Agrivoltaics - the synergy of agricultural production and solar energy - is garnering international interest as an optimal land-use solution.

Rather than competing for space, solar panels and crops co-exist within a unified farming ecosystem. The photovoltaic (PV) system provides shade and regulates the microclimate, while crops efficiently utilize soil and light resources beneath the arrays.

However, for this model to achieve sustainable scaling, a robust scientific database and reliable measurement methods are essential. These are required to accurately quantify the impact of PV systems on crop physiology and the surrounding environment, which serves as the primary driver for this research initiative.

The Three Research Pillars

• Establishing standardized protocols for measuring crop growth under photovoltaic structures.

• Systematic collection and evaluation of environmental and microclimate data within these novel cultivation environments.

• Conducting comprehensive soil-plant analysis to clarify the impacts of Agrivoltaics, providing a technical basis for national standardization.

The project is being implemented across two distinct climatic regions - Hau Giang and Da Nang - to ensure the geographical representativeness and statistical reliability of the research data.

Significance and Value

This project delivers critical contributions to both academic research and practical agricultural production in Vietnam:

• Contributing to the development of National Standards (TCVN) in the fields of smart agriculture and renewable energy.
• Establishing a systematic technical framework for monitoring, evaluating, and optimizing cultivation within Agrivoltaic models.
• Supporting the transition toward sustainable, low-emission agriculture in accordance with Vietnam’s national strategies and international commitments.
• Affirming Vinacontrol’s research and testing capabilities in pioneering technological sectors.

A Pioneering Step

The Vinacontrol - KCL research project represents a milestone in the integration of renewable energy and agriculture in Vietnam. The findings will provide the essential groundwork for national standards and unlock the future potential of Agrivoltaic development nationwide.