Trinasolar Launches Groundbreaking Agrivoltaics Project in Kyoto, Demonstrating Innovative Integration of Solar Power

Trinasolar, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has announced the commencement of commercial operations for its latest agrivoltaics project in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture. This initiative, developed by Trinasolar’s International System Business Unit (ISBU), marks a significant milestone for the company’s expansion in the Japanese market, showcasing the integration of renewable energy production with agricultural activities.

The Fukuchiyama project features 3,392 of Trinasolar’s ultra-high power Vertex N 720W series modules (TSM-690NEG21C.20), which utilize advanced 210mm wafer technology and high-efficiency n-type i-TOPCon cells. These modules are designed to achieve a maximum efficiency of 23.2%, resulting in a low levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The project is anticipated to produce 2,700 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,760 tons per year.

The agrivoltaics project exemplifies the potential of combining agricultural and solar energy uses. The solar farm supports the cultivation of Japanese yam (ebi-imo), a crop native to the region that benefits from the shade provided by the solar modules. This shading reduces soil moisture evaporation, which is crucial for the yam’s growth, and allows the crop to thrive in the typically wet conditions of paddy fields.

Trinasolar’s “PV+” model is central to this project’s success. Modules are installed at a height of 2.35 meters above the ground, with sufficient spacing to accommodate agricultural machinery such as tractors and rotary tillers. This design facilitates the continuation of farming operations beneath the solar panels, promoting sustainable land use and benefiting the local economy.

As Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) projects that a quarter of the country’s solar power generation will derive from agricultural land. Trinasolar’s Kyoto project exemplifies the viability of agrivoltaics, demonstrating how renewable energy solutions can complement other critical sectors, like agriculture, in advancing towards a net-zero future.

This project highlights Trinasolar’s dedication to supporting Japan’s clean energy objectives while contributing positively to environmental and community well-being. As agrivoltaics technology gains traction globally, this initiative provides valuable insights and sets a precedent for future sustainable land use practices.