Optimization Design of Agrivoltaic Systems Based on Light Environment Simulation

Agrivoltaics, an emerging approach that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production, offers an effective solution to land-use conflicts by enabling the simultaneous production of clean energy and crops. However, the shading effect of photovoltaic (PV) modules significantly alters both the quantity and distribution of light within crop canopies, creating challenges in balancing power output with crop light requirements. This study employs the Rhino–Grasshopper parametric modeling platform, combined with Ladybug and PVsyst, to conduct batch simulations of 44 configuration schemes for an agrivoltaic system in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. Annual simulations of the light environment and energy generation were performed, and model accuracy was validated through field measurements using Daily Light Integral (DLI), light uniformity (coefficient of variation, CV), and annual energy yield as key indicators to assess the effects of different module layouts and tilt angles. The results reveal pronounced seasonal variations in the system’s light environment. The tilt angle exhibits a seasonal reversal pattern: higher tilt angles in winter and spring substantially reduce DLI (up to a 44% decrease under high ground coverage ratio, GCR, conditions), whereas moderate tilt angles in summer and autumn enhance light transmission, with low-GCR layouts enabling DLI values exceeding 30.6 mol·m−2·d−1. Light uniformity was highest in the dual-row layout with 0.2 m spacing, maintaining a CV between 0.16 and 0.18. Energy yield peaked at a 30 tilt angle, showing a parabolic response pattern. Overall, this study proposes a photovoltaic module layout design method based on seasonal light distribution characteristics and the balance between agricultural and energy production goals. This method provides a scientific basis for structural layout planning and planting-model design in agrivoltaic systems and contributes to improving light-energy utilization efficiency and agricultural output, thereby achieving synergistic benefits between photovoltaic power generation and crop production.