Agrivoltaics

Dual land use for dual value

Agrivoltaics is a solar technology that allows agricultural land to be used for both food production and solar power generation. Although the initial cost for an agrivoltaic system is higher compared to a regular solar farm because of its sophisticated installation, Agri-PV has many advantages. Besides a more efficient land use, the systems offer agricultural entrepreneurs an additional source of income. Moreover, the shade provided by the solar modules helps avoid water stress.

Our Game Changing Approach

We approach agrivoltaics with solar tracker systems installed beside the crops for an agricultural use between the rows. From a technical point of view, this variant with large row spacing and two modules on top of each other is most similar to conventional ground-mounted solar farms. It relies on proven, low-cost technology and generates the cheapest electricity possible. However, it allows agricultural use to the same extent as other agrivoltaic applications. Therefore, potential of this solution is not only great but most of all cost and area efficient. As experts in tracker systems, we compare thousands of different design options in a simulation based approach and select the most economical solution depending on your needs.

Two Modes of Operation

Our solar tracker systems can be used in two different modes depending on the farming work that needs to be done. Within the standard mode of operation, the trackers rotate from east to west following the flow of the sun, so they have as much irradiation as possible throughout the day. The second mode, the farming mode, allows a manual or automated positioning of the modules and therefore enough space for agricultural machines to pass through. It is especially useful for mowing, fertilising or harvesting. In order to tailor the agrivoltaic system specifically to the farmer’s needs, our Agri-PV experts cooperate closely with you to create the ideal utilisation concept.

Ideal for Many Different Farmers

Whether dairy or crop farmers: Combining sustainable energy generation and agricultural productivity in a solar tracker system perfectly suits the needs of many different agricultural entrepreneurs. With agrivoltaics, they can harness the power of the sun while still retaining around 90% of their valuable land for agricultural purposes. Our agrivoltaic solution is a game changer for farmers as it boosts their income and helps them maintain a profitable and sustainable farm business despite growing demands to reduce livestock.

Advantages of Agrivoltaics

Additional income for farmers

By selling the electricity produced and feeding it into the grid, agricultural entrepreneurs can generate a second income that supports their agriculture and strengthens their long-term competitiveness.

Efficient land use

Combining food production with solar power generation leads to increased land efficiency. On a piece of land, you could commonly have 100% solar or 100% agriculture. With Agri-PV, 80% solar plus 80% agriculture are possible. Agrivoltaics means 160% efficiency.

Sustainability

Using solar energy allows agricultural entrepreneurs to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to the energy transition.

No competition for land

Agrivoltaics provides a solution to the conflict between land for energy and food production, enabling both at the same time.

Additional weather protection

Solar modules help protect crops and animals from heavy rain, wind, hail or strong sunlight. This can even increase crop yields.

Reduced water consumption

The shade provided by the PV modules leads to less evaporation from the soil. This can reduce the overall water consumption.

Agri-PV_Sheep

What defines us

Many years of experience: We bring more than 20 years of solar expertise to every project.

Activities worldwide, at home in Lower Franconia: We are experienced with regional as well as international projects.

Holistic: With us, all steps from development to construction of the PV systems come from a single source.

Carefree package: We even take care of service and maintenance work.