AgrivoltaicsDual land use for twice the added value
Agrivoltaics, or Agri-PV for short, is a solar technology that makes it possible to use agricultural land for both food production and the generation of solar power. In technical jargon, this is often referred to as “dual land use“.
Although the initial costs for an agrivoltaic system are higher than those for a regular solar system because of its sophisticated installation, Agri-PV has many advantages. Besides a more efficient land use, the systems offer farmers 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 alongside 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 thus generates the cheapest electricity possible. However, it allows an agricultural use to the same extent as other agrivoltaic applications. Therefore, the potential of our Agri-PV solution is not only large, but above all cost and area efficient. As experts in the installation of tracker systems, we use a simulation-based approach to compare thousands of different design options and select the most economical solution depending on your needs.
The Modes of Operation
Depending on the agricultural work to be carried out, our solar tracker systems can be used in two different modes. Within the standard mode of operation, the trackers rotate from east to west, following the movement of the sun. This allows them to capture as much sunlight 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 machinery to pass through. It is especially suitable for mowing, fertilising, and harvesting. In order to tailor the agrivoltaic system specifically to the needs of the farmer, our Agri-PV experts work 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 farmers. Agri-PV allows them to harness the power of the sun while still retaining around 90% of their valuable land for agricultural purposes. Our Agri-PV 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 Agri-PV
Additional income for farmers
By selling the electricity produced by the Agri-PV system and feeding it into the grid, farmers can generate a second income that supports their agriculture and strengthens their long-term competitiveness.
Efficient land use
The combination of solar power and food production leads to an 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 from an agrivoltaic system allows farmers to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to the energy transition.
No competition for land
Agri-PV provides a solution to the conflict between land for energy and food production. This is because agrivoltaics enables both equally, the so-called “dual land use”.
Additional weather protection
Solar modules in an agrivoltaic system help protect crops and animals from heavy rain, wind, hail or strong sunlight. This can even lead to an increase in crop yields.
Reduced water consumption
The shade provided by the Agri-PV system’s solar modules leads to less evaporation from the soil. This can reduce overall water consumption.
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.
