As the world moves toward a greener, more sustainable future, the integration of solar energy into agricultural practices—known as agrophotovoltaics (AgriPV)—is gaining momentum. This innovative approach merges food production with renewable energy generation, offering a powerful solution to some of the biggest challenges faced by the agriculture and energy sectors.
The Rising Demand for Solar Energy
By the end of 2023, solar PV installations in the EU has reached 257 GW. Projections suggest that this number could soar to 625 GW by 2030.
A study by Joint Research Centre. (EU Science Hub) has uncovered an astonishing potential: by utilizing just 1% of the EU’s agricultural land for AgriPV systems, an installed capacity of 944 GWDC could be achieved—an immense boost to Europe’s renewable energy capabilities.
Why Agrovoltaics Matter
AgriPV offers a myriad of benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses, farmers, and policymakers alike:
Maximizing Land Use: Farmers can harvest both crops and solar energy from the same plot of land.
Boosting Crop Yields: Studies have shown that AgriPV can increase crop yields by up to 20% due to the shading and moisture-retention benefits provided by solar panels.
Diversifying Income Streams: Farmers can generate an additional source of revenue by selling the electricity produced on their land.
Real-World Examples of Agrivoltaics
Across the globe, AgriPV systems are already demonstrating their value:
In Europe, leading countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy have launched projects to explore and expand applications in various agricultural settings.
Netherlands: A 8.7 MWp solar installation on a raspberry plantation in Meierijstad.
Italy: A 135 MW solar farm producing electricity while cultivating figs and olives in Sicily.
Germany: A 20 MW solar farm with vertical modules and a 79 MW project on a free-range organic egg farm.
In California, USA, vineyards and almond orchards benefit from solar installations, generating energy while maintaining high-quality crop production.
Pioneering into AgriPV:
Technology Development: Developing & mass production of solar panels and installation components tailored to different agricultural conditions
Several manufacturers are already leading the charge in developing AgriPV solutions.
AESolar: Terra PV module: The Terra PV module by AESolar is an ideal solution for vertical installations. Its unique cell layout enhances resistance to mechanical loads, making it suitable for various projects such as agrivoltaics. Vertical installations allow machinery to pass between the module strings, making those installations suitable for agricultural works.
Zimmermann AgriPV: high quality mounting structures from Germany. Their systems are specially designed to allow farmers to use land for crops and PV. The individual design of Zimmermann’s Agri-PV system and use of semi-transparent modules allows sunlight levels to be adjusted for specific crops.
Luxen solar: 40% transparency PV modules: Luxen innovative green agrivoltaics are specifically designed for greenhouses, providing the light needed for crop growth as well as absorbing the light for photovoltaic power generation.
BayWa r.e.: BayWa r.e. was one of the pioneers in developing agrivoltaic projects, like the Heggelbach project on field crops in Germany.
Since then, it has increased the number of pilot projects in Western Europe in order to test our technologies on different types of crops. These pilots allow us to obtain feedback with the aim of optimizing our technologies and maximizing synergy with agricultural production.
BayWa r.e. offers three main types of agrivoltaic solutions depending on the production concerned: Overhead PV, Interspace PV, Pasture PV
Next2Sun: Next2Sun offers various deployment models for Agri-PV that are tailored to the individual needs of landowners and investors. The company provides complete system and solutions for agrovoltaics.
Where to learn more about the latest advancements in AgriPV
Upcoming Conferences and Trade Fairs
These events provide an excellent platform to connect with industry experts, discover cutting-edge solutions, and stay informed on market trends.
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AgriVoltaics Industry Forum Europe 2024
This must-attend event brings together PV and agriculture industry leaders, including PV module, mounting system, and tracker manufacturers, EPC companies, renewable energy producers, agricultural equipment providers, seed producers, farming associations, agricultural federations, and experts in policy and finance interested in innovative ideas.
https://www.agrivoltaics-ife.com/
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AGRIVOLTAICS 2024
It is a world-class premier gathering of experts, researchers, farmers, and industry leaders dedicated to exploring the rapidly evolving section of Agrivoltaics and its enormous impact in the achievement of energy-efficient crops cultivation, which can expand on a global scale. It is your platform to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation in the Agrivoltaics sector.
https://www.agrivoltaics-conf.com/
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AgriVoltaics World Conference
The AgriVoltaics World Conference 2024, held June 11-13 in Denver, CO, gathered nearly 500 participants from over 30 countries. It fostered high-level scientific exchange and valuable networking, uniting the global community focused on dual-use solutions to enhance food-energy-water resilience. Based on its success, the conference is repeated in Europe in 2025!
https://www.agrivoltaics-conference.org/
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Intersolar Conference
Intersolar Munich is one of the most prestigious trade fairs and conferences in the solar energy industry, particularly in the photovoltaic (PV) sector. Starting last year, the event introduced a stronger focus on Agri-PV, among other innovations, highlighting the growing importance of integrating solar energy with agricultural practices.
A Bright Future with Agrophotovoltaics
Agrophotovoltaics represents a unique opportunity to combine clean energy generation with sustainable agricultural practices. By attending upcoming conferences and partnering with industry leaders, you can stay at the forefront of this exciting field and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
Reach out to Planet A marketing to enhance your product launches, AgriPV conference & trade fairs participation.
