EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT OF APPLYING PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANEL IN MORNING GLORY FARMING SYSTEM IN TRI TON DISTRICT, AN GIANG PROVINCE

Abstract

The integration of solar power with agriculture shows potential for delivering positive socio-economic and environmental impacts at the local community level. In Vietnam, where traditional energy sources are increasingly depleted, the adoption of solar energy will contribute to ensuring energy security. Solar power deployment in agriculture is actively researched and developed, offering environmental benefits and additional income opportunities. This study focuses on the economic efficiency assessment of integrating solar panels on agricultural land used for morning glory cultivation in the Tri Ton district of An Giang province, Vietnam. The experimental setup involves different shading levels of 30%, 50%, and 70% for the morning glory plants. The research findings reveal that the Agro-Photovoltaic (APV) model generates positive returns, making it a profitable investment option. Among the various APV models tested, the one with 70% shading level stands out as the most profitable, boasting a remarkable Return on Assets (ROA) of 7.5%. These outcomes not only enhance investors' understanding of the APV but also serve as a motivation for promoting investments and the development of integrated solar-powered APV systems within Vietnam's agricultural cultivation practices.