Agri-photovoltaics: How agriculture and solar energy are shaping the future
Everyone is talking about agrivoltaics - and for good reason. This innovative technology combines the best of both worlds: The production of clean, renewable energy and the cultivation of agricultural land. But what exactly is behind the term agri-photovoltaics? How exactly does it work and what are the benefits of this solution? In this comprehensive article, you will learn everything you need to know about agri-photovoltaics - from the technical details to the economic and legal framework conditions.
If you're a farmer looking to use your land more efficiently or simply want to learn more about the future of sustainable energy production, stay tuned - you'll be surprised at the possibilities!
What is agrivoltaics (agri-PV)?
Agri-photovoltaics, also known as Agri-PV or Agri-Photovoltaic, describes the simultaneous use of agricultural land for the production of solar energy and agricultural products. This is achieved through the installation of agri-photovoltaic systems that place solar cells directly above the agricultural land. Unlike conventional solar farms, which often block large areas of land for exclusive use as an energy source, Agri-PV offers a "dual use" of land. This means that plants can be grown and energy can be generated on the same square meters.
This concept may sound like science fiction at first, but it is already a reality today. Numerous pilot projects around the world show that the technology works - and with impressive results.
The origin and development of agrivoltaics
The basic idea of agrivoltaics is not entirely new. As early as the 1980s, initial considerations were made as to how solar modules could be integrated on agricultural land in order to maximize the use of the land. However, at that time the technology was not yet advanced enough to offer practicable solutions. It took several decades before technological progress made the vision of dual land use a reality.
In the last ten years, Agri-PV technology has taken a huge leap forward. Promising pilot projects have been carried out in countries such as Germany, France, Japan and the USA in particular, demonstrating not only the feasibility but also the economic viability. Agri-PV is now considered one of the most promising technologies for overcoming the global energy and food crisis.
How does agri-photovoltaics work?
The way agri-photovoltaic systems work is actually quite simple to understand. Basically, solar modules are installed over agricultural land, either permanently mounted or flexible in their orientation. The modules are positioned in such a way that they allow enough light to pass through to the plants below, while at the same time capturing enough sunlight to generate electricity.
There are different variants of Agri-PV technology:
- Static modules: These are permanently mounted and are usually located at a height of 2 to 5 meters above the ground. The height ensures that agricultural machinery can work under the modules without any problems.
- Adjustable modules: These modules can adjust to the sun and agricultural needs. They can be controlled in such a way that they either generate maximum electricity or provide the plants with optimum light incidence.
- Semi-transparent modules: These modules are specifically designed to allow light to pass through evenly. They are particularly useful for plants that prefer partial shade, as they only block part of the sunlight.
The modules can be controlled by a variety of technologies, from simple manual settings to state-of-the-art automated systems that work based on weather patterns and crop cycles.
How is agrivoltaics defined?
The distinction between agri-photovoltaic systems and conventional ground-mounted solar systems is not always obvious at first glance, as both technologies use solar modules in open areas. To avoid misuse and confusion, clear guidelines and standards have been developed that define what constitutes a genuine agrivoltaic system. These definitions are set out in DIN SPEC 91434, which was developed by a broad consortium of companies, farmers, research institutions and associations.
DIN SPEC 91434 provides precise specifications on how the main agricultural use must be maintained despite the installation of solar modules. The main aim of this standard is to ensure that agricultural production is not just an alibi function in order to receive subsidies, but is actually continued. Only if agricultural production is guaranteed throughout is a system considered a genuine agri-PV system.
While DIN SPEC 91434 focuses primarily on crop cultivation, the supplementary DIN SPEC 91492 was published in June 2023, which defines specific requirements for animal husbandry in agri-PV systems. This extension shows that agrivoltaics offers a promising solution not only for crop cultivation, but also for livestock farming. The two standards together create a comprehensive set of rules that ensures that agricultural use and solar energy generation are in harmony.
Two categories of Agri-PV systems
DIN SPEC 91434 distinguishes between two main types of agrivoltaic systems, which differ in the way they are managed and the amount of land used:
Category 1: Highly elevated systems
These systems are characterized by their elevated design, in which the solar modules are mounted on racks that allow cultivation directly under the modules. This means that agricultural machinery can operate under the systems without being hindered. This type of installation is particularly efficient as the loss of land is minimal - the proportion of usable agricultural land that is blocked by the structures must not exceed 10 percent.
Category 2: Cultivation between the rows of modules
Here, the solar modules are set up in rows so that agricultural work can only be carried out between the rows of modules. This type of system is often realized with module tables or vertically elevated systems. The flexibility of these systems is an advantage, but they take up more space than the vertically elevated systems. In this category, up to 15 percent of the total project area may be lost.
Efficiency of land use
Another important specification of DIN SPEC 91434 concerns the efficiency of agricultural use. In order to ensure that the main agricultural use does not suffer from the installation of the solar systems, at least 66 percent of the reference yield must be generated on the total project area after the construction of an agrivoltaic system. This means that the productivity of the agricultural land must be largely maintained even after the solar modules have been installed.
These norms and standards ensure that agrivoltaics is not just a technology for generating electricity, but also sustainably supports agricultural use. They promote a balanced use of land that serves both energy production and food supply.
Protection against misuse
Another key aspect of DIN SPEC 91434 is protection against misuse. The aim is to prevent conventional ground-mounted photovoltaic systems from being declared as agrivoltaic systems in order to receive funding and subsidies. These strict guidelines guarantee that only those projects that are actually used for agricultural purposes and not just as a pretext to gain financial benefits are considered agrivoltaics.
This clear demarcation and the detailed requirements of DIN SPEC 91434 and DIN SPEC 91492 ensure that agrivoltaic systems make a real contribution to the dual use of land and meet the sustainability goals in agriculture and energy production.
The advantages of agrivoltaics
Agri-photovoltaics offers a wealth of benefits that are important for both farmers and the environment. Let's look at the key benefits in more detail:
Dual use of land
One of the biggest advantages of Agri-PV technology is the dual use of land. In many regions of the world, agricultural land is scarce and competition for land resources is increasing. With agrivoltaics, farmers can both generate energy and continue their traditional agricultural activities. Especially in densely populated regions where agricultural land is limited, dual use is a decisive advantage.
Increasing yields in agriculture
A surprising advantage of agri-PV is that it can actually lead to higher yields in agriculture. By installing the solar panels, a certain amount of shade is cast on the crops below. This can be particularly beneficial in hot and sunny climates where plants often suffer from intense sunlight. The solar panels protect the plants from extreme heat while producing energy at the same time. Studies have shown that plants such as tomatoes, berries and lettuce grow even better under the modules than without them. The modules can also provide protection against extreme weather conditions such as hail or heavy rain.
Contribution to climate protection
The combination of agriculture and renewable energy makes a significant contribution to climate protection. On the one hand, clean, renewable energy is generated by the solar modules, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the agricultural land remains productive, which means that no additional land needs to be used for energy production. The reduction in land sealing is a major plus point for environmental protection, as it promotes biodiversity and prevents the loss of natural habitats.
Possible uses and applications of agrivoltaics
The possible applications of agrivoltaics are diverse and range from small farms to large-scale agricultural operations. The technology can be used in almost any agricultural environment, from vineyards to pastures and grain fields.
Use in different crops
One of the greatest strengths of agrivoltaic systems is their versatility. The solar modules can be installed across a variety of crops. Some crops, such as lettuce, spinach and berries, particularly benefit from the partially shaded conditions created by the modules. In warmer climates, the modules provide welcome protection from excessive sunlight and help to reduce the plants' water requirements as evaporation is reduced by the shade.
However, the systems can also be used for more robust crops such as wheat, maize and soy. Although the focus here is less on protection from the sun, the advantage of dual use remains. In some cases, cattle pastures can even be combined with solar modules.
Application examples worldwide
There are already successful pilot projects around the world that demonstrate the benefits of agrivoltaics. There are numerous examples, particularly in countries such as Japan, France and Germany. In Japan, rice fields are being supplemented with solar modules, while in France wineries are using the technology to improve the quality of their grapes. There are also many promising approaches in Germany, such as the "AgroPV" project, in which berries are grown under solar modules. These projects not only show that Agri-PV works, but also that it is economically viable.
Economic and legal framework conditions
Funding and financing options
Financing an agri-photovoltaic system can be a challenge as the initial investment is high. Nevertheless, there are numerous funding opportunities at state level. Many governments, especially in the EU, offer special subsidies and grants for the construction of agrivoltaic systems. The feed-in tariff, i.e. the remuneration for solar power fed into the public grid, is also an incentive to invest in this technology.
There are also private financing models and partnerships with energy companies that are willing to invest in such systems. For farmers, this can represent an additional source of income, as they can not only sell their agricultural produce, but also profit from the generation of energy.
Since October 2021, there have been additional requirements from the Federal Network Agency for areas for special solar installations, which include agrivoltaics. These requirements regulate which areas are eligible for EEG-subsidized systems. Special solar installations are those that are erected on arable land that is not peatland and where crops are grown on the same area at the same time.
The so-called Solar Package 1, which came into force in May 2024, brought further adjustments to EEG funding. These new regulations stipulate that agrivoltaic systems that fall under DIN SPEC 91434 are eligible for funding, provided they meet the specific requirements. A minimum height of 2.10 meters applies to elevated systems where cultivation under the modules is possible. Vertically mounted solar installations that fall into category 2 must be at least 0.80 meters high.
Final clarification is still pending as to whether adjustable agrivoltaic systems with tracking, which are mounted on one or two posts, will also be eligible for EEG funding. The Federal Ministry of Economics is currently working on a corresponding amendment to the Energy Industry Act to take these systems into account.
Approval procedure and legal aspects
The legal requirements for the construction of agri-PV systems vary from country to country. In many countries, there are special regulations for solar installations on agricultural land. It is important to find out about local laws and approval procedures before building a system. Environmental reports often have to be drawn up and certain nature conservation requirements have to be met. Nevertheless, many governments are trying to simplify the process in order to promote the technology.
Challenges and risks of agrivoltaics
Technical challenges
Although agrivoltaics offers many benefits, there are also technical challenges that need to be overcome. One of the biggest challenges is the integration of the solar modules into the farm. The modules must be positioned in such a way that they do not hinder work in the fields. The maintenance of the systems also requires special know-how to ensure that both the agricultural machinery and the photovoltaic systems work optimally.
Acceptance by farmers and the population
Another risk is the acceptance of the technology by farmers and the general public. Not everyone is immediately enthusiastic about the idea of solar modules being installed above fields. Some farmers fear that the modules will affect the growth of their crops or that they will reduce the aesthetic quality of their fields. There are also sometimes reservations among the population about the change to the landscape. Education and proof of successful pilot projects are of crucial importance here.
Future prospects and potential of agrivoltaics
The future of agrivoltaics looks promising. With rising energy prices, the growing demand for renewable energy and the need to use agricultural land more efficiently, the technology will play an increasingly important role in the coming years. The technology is expected to develop further and be used in more and more countries and regions.
Agri-PV offers enormous potential, particularly in countries with hot climates, where agriculture suffers greatly from the sun. But the technology can also play an important role in making agriculture more sustainable and efficient in colder regions.
Conclusion: Agri-photovoltaics - a technology with a future
Agrivoltaics is more than just a technical trend. It offers a real solution to two of the most pressing challenges of our time: securing food supplies and producing clean energy. Through the dual use of land, improving agricultural yields and contributing to climate protection, Agri-PV could become a key technology for sustainable development. If you are a farmer or simply interested in renewable energy, now is the right time to take a closer look at agri-photovoltaics. The future starts today!