This semester we where given the task to create shapeshifting Agrivoltaic system. This title basically means pv panels for farms, with the limitations that the system has to be foldable and could gather all rain water as possible. This assignment came to place as last year the course of engineering had attempted this project and the design was very square and boring. the institute taught that it would be a good idea for us to give it a try.... This project is a first as this is a project which is still in its infant stages. With all this comes a lot of pros and cons some of which could have been avoided.
Such projects need to first of all have a better introduction. Both to us and to the tutor in charge from the institutes side. Another thing should be that the tutor should be abit more educated about the project and how these things work. Also frequent visits should be happening from the engineering side or atlas a contact of some sort so that we could at least clarify some problems. With these types of systems there are some things that worry me abit and are of abit of a concern. This system is not a normal one such as some greenhouses that are being done in malta which when the lifetime of the panel comes to an end the greenhouse will still be functional and could easily be replaced. On the other hand with our system once the life of the panels has arrived, you will either have to lose the whole thing or refit the panels which I personally don't think it will be a cheap fix. This is another problem.... The cost, these projects are going to cost a fortune to buy and maintain, ok "you will get your money back by time" the tutors stated but lets face it what farmer will be willing to (mess up) his farm to install such a thing for a short time only (around 20 years) for some sustainable system. All that he will gain is the money from the electricity, which will probably not gain him enough to pay for the system, the water is already stored in most farms. I have two big concerns which will also affect the project and which I dont agree on The main tutor from the engineering side said that the Planning authority currently does not accept such project in farms, he told us not to worry ( I think he has a friend in the government or something of the sort), well that worries me a lot as Most probably they will get the go ahead and emend the clause saying its allowed and when a lot of financial and environmental problems will occur they will change it back. Which could be abit too late. Also My second scare is the fact that on the island we do not have the adequate space or equipment to dispose of these units. These can't just be thrown away as they have a type of liquid which is toxic and very bad for the environment consequently costing a fortune to dispose of. So basically the farmer will always be forking out money to do anything to this system.
This system isn't all about negative sides and will be beneficial for some commercial farms and also for people who are nowadays buying land to just put panels in them. It also gives a good modern view from roads near farm land, it will help the crops and farmers to have the perfect shelter from the bad elements but at the same time not closing everything up like greenhouses. This will give a breath of fresh air to the systems and gives us more possibilities to invest and make use of out sustainable energy here on the island . We will benefit with such projects to the right investors.
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