<p>Plant-solar radiation interaction is crucial for designing production systems, especially those with mixed species as agroforestry systems (AFS). Tree crown structures modify solar radiation interception and its use, regulating its availability to the lower forest stratum, controlling its growth capacity. Therefore, understanding these processes is fundamental for the development of more efficient production systems by designing their structure as a whole, aiming to promote a better adjustment to the local environment. The aim of this study was to compare understory lighting conditions in three eucalyptus planting systems with different canopy structures (two AFS wave-like canopy and monoculture) as a function of solar elevation angles. The two AFS with a wave-like canopy were created by a vertical displacement of trees’ crowns due to shifted planting times. Photographs beneath tree canopies were taken at 30°, 60°, and 90° solar elevation angles throughout the year to estimate the understory light availability. AFS’s wave-like canopy consistently enhanced solar radiation availability to the understory, particularly during low solar elevation angles (30° and 60°). On the other hand, understory light availability was higher (~ 66%) in monoculture at 90°, indicating the system low efficiency. By the other hand, AFS’s wave-like canopy helped to protect the intercrop from intense sunlight and extreme temperatures. This planting design can be adjusted for locations of different latitudes, species and particular conditions of each place requiring further trials. Development of living absorptive structures can increase solar radiation interception and its use, making it necessary to design system’s structure and its modifications over time, thus promoting a better coupling of anthropic systems to ecological ones.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>