An Agrivoltaic Microclimate Analysis Platform

About the research project

Agrivoltaics is the combination of Photovoltaic Arrays deployed into an agricultural setting. The combination of the two technologies has been shown to improve the financial efficiency of land use and in some cases improve crop production due to microclimatic phenomenon. Such systems have the potential to address rising concerns over large scale photovoltaic system deployments displacing existing agriculture. There has been a significant increase in research focused on the electrical power generation possibilities and the agricultural impact of deploying such systems, however there is still a lack of tools for system design, microclimate sensor data management and analysis, and for ongoing environmental monitoring. Additionally, while the Australian climate and geography present potential as an ideal location for agrivoltaic systems, there has been limited research on deployment within Australia and Tasmania.

Project goals include the development of microclimate analysis models suitable for distributed, computationally limited devices. The models must be applicable to systems that can provide real-time monitoring and future predictions of microclimate parameters relevant to agricultural productivity (crop, pasture, livestock). The project outcomes' areas of impact may include climate, soils, ecosystems and waters. The project will include the development of software and hardware platforms for the design and analysis of potential and existing agrivoltaic systems. Systems to be developed may include software/firmware frameworks for the rollout, maintenance and data gathering from agrivoltaic sensor networks, and software and cloud-based solutions for the management and processing of agrivoltaic data.

The successful PhD candidate will require skills in embedded systems, cloud based software development, data gathering and analysis and mathematical virtual system modelling. The candidate will also benefit from an understanding of renewable generation systems, in particular photovoltaic generation systems, experience with big data, data storage, and mathematical optimisation. The candidate may also benefit from an understanding of agriculture and the impacts of crop shading and water flow for crops or livestock.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Benjamin Millar

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

The successful PhD candidate will require skills in:

• Embedded systems,
• Cloud based software development,
• Data gathering and analysis, and
• Mathematical virtual system modelling.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

It is desireable for the successful PhD candidate to have skills in:

• Renewable generation systems, in particular photovoltaic generation systems,
• Experience with big data,
• Data storage,
• Mathematical optimisation, especially distributed optimisation algorithms,
• Agriculture and the impacts of crop shading and water flow on microclimates.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Benjamin Millar to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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