Optimal Shadow-aware Dynamic Solar Panel Orientation in Dual-axis Agro-voltaic Systems for Smart Energy-agriculture Integration

Agro-voltaic (AV) systems enable the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation, offering a promising solution to land-use conflicts. However, the shadows cast by solar panels present a significant challenge: while they can protect crops from excessive heat and reduce water loss, they may also limit sunlight exposure, reducing crop yield. This paper presents a method for controlling shadow placement on farmland by dynamically adjusting the azimuth and elevation angles of dual-axis solar panels. A geometric formulation is introduced to model the shadow of a rectangular panel on the ground, followed by an optimization framework that restricts the shadow to a predefined zone while ensuring minimum solar radiation within that zone over the course of a day. The proposed approach balances the goals of maximizing solar energy capture and achieving precise shadow control, using an iterative refinement method. The system is evaluated using real-world solar data from a clear day in Bari, Italy. The results demonstrate the system's practical potential for effectively managing shading in real-world AV applications, thus enabling sustainable integration of energy generation and farming activities.