Agri-photovoltaics in BW (Ba-Wü): Third pilot plant in the model region Agri-PV berry cultivation with a closed water cycle

Agri-PV Heuchlingen – Dr. Dieter Blankenhorn, Director of the LVWO, Minister Peter Hauk, State Secretary Gisela Splett and Timo Frey, Mayor of the city of Bad Friedrichshall - Image: © Fraunhofer ISE / Oliver Hörnle

The Agri-Photovoltaics model region of Baden-Württemberg has opened a new research facility for berry cultivation with a closed water cycle in Heuchlingen. This third pilot plant as part of the research project “Model Region Agri-Photovoltaics for Baden-Württemberg” is a promising step towards sustainable agricultural practices and opens up exciting possibilities for the future.

The research facility was developed in collaboration with the Weinsberg State Teaching and Research Institute for Viticulture and Fruit Growing (LVWO), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and eleven other project partners. This interdisciplinary team aims to establish agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) as an efficient method for the simultaneous use of agricultural land for food production and solar energy generation.

The opening of the research facility took place in May 2023 and was carried out by Baden-Württemberg's Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk. The facility in Heuchlingen is characterized by a unique concept. It focuses on growing different types of berries and uses completely closed cycles for water and nutrients.

The idea behind this innovative Agri-PV system is to increase resource efficiency in agriculture while generating renewable energy. Here are some important aspects and interesting information about agri-photovoltaics and the new research facility in Heuchlingen:

📌 Agri-photovoltaics at a glance 🌾

Agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves installing photovoltaic panels on agricultural land to produce both food and solar energy. This integrated use of land has the potential to increase resource efficiency in agriculture and contribute to the energy transition.

🌄 Agri-photovoltaics model region Baden-Württemberg 🌍

The Agri-Photovoltaics Model Region Baden-Württemberg is a research project that aims to establish Agri-PV as an efficient form of land use in the region. In collaboration with various partners, pilot plants are being developed and tested to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of this technology.

🍇 Sustainable berry cultivation 🌱

The new research facility in Heuchlingen focuses on berry cultivation, especially bushberries and strawberries. The closed water cycle in the system enables economical use of water resources and minimizes the use of fertilizers because nutrients can be reused.

☀️ Renewable energy generation 🌞

In addition to berry production, the Agri-PV system in Heuchlingen also generates solar energy. The photovoltaic modules, which are installed above the berry growing areas, convert sunlight into electrical energy. This contributes to a sustainable energy supply and reduces the need for conventional energy sources.

🤝 Interdisciplinary collaboration 🧪

The secret of success behind the development of this research facility lies in the close collaboration between the LVWO, the Fraunhofer Institute ISE and other project partners. This interdisciplinary team combines agricultural expertise with solar energy solutions to create innovative agri-PV systems.

🌍 Sustainable agriculture and climate protection 🌿🌎

Agri-photovoltaics is not only a way to promote sustainable agricultural practices, but also to contribute to climate protection. Integrating renewable energy into agriculture can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the environmental impact of food production.

💡 Potentials and challenges 📊

Agri-photovoltaics has both potential and challenges. While it can increase agricultural productivity and provide renewable energy, land use, technology efficiency and economic viability issues also need to be considered.

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#️⃣ Hashtags: #AgriPhotovoltaics #SustainableAgriculture #RenewableEnergy #Innovations #ClimateProtection

🌟 The new research facility in Heuchlingen, Baden-Württemberg, shows that agri-photovoltaics is a promising technology that can influence the future of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy design. The close collaboration between research institutions and agricultural experts helps to advance this innovative solution and further explore the potential of this sustainable form of land use. 🌱🌞🚜

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Innovative Agri-PV system for sustainable berry cultivation in Heuchlingen – Minister Peter Hauk – Image: © Fraunhofer ISE / Oliver Hörnle

🌱 Agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) is an innovative agricultural practice that aims to use agricultural land more efficiently by installing photovoltaic systems over different berry varieties. An outstanding example of the implementation of this technology can be found in Heuchlingen, Baden-Württemberg. This agri-PV system has an installed capacity of 113 kilowatts peak and covers an area of ​​almost 2000 square meters. Here, researchers from the State Institute for Viticulture and Oenology (LVWO) are investigating the influence of the Agri-PV system on the cultivation of raspberries, blueberries, currants, strawberries, gooseberries and blackberries in the substrate.

🌍 The idea behind agri-photovoltaics is to use agricultural land multifunctionally. This means that the area is not only used to grow berries, but also to generate energy through solar cells. This concept offers several advantages that are of great importance in the context of sustainability and the challenges of the 21st century.

1. 🌿 Efficient use of space

A central goal of Agri-PV is the efficient use of land. Agricultural land is limited and valuable. By combining berry cultivation and solar power generation on the same area, valuable agricultural land is saved.

2. ☀️ Sustainable energy production

The Agri-PV systems generate renewable energy from the sun. This helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn helps combat climate change.

3. 🍇 Production of food

While the solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, the berries grown underneath can continue to be harvested. This leads to sustainable food production.

4. 💧 Closed cycles for water and nutrients

A notable feature of these Agri-PV systems is the use of completely closed loops for water and nutrients. This minimizes resource consumption and ensures efficient use of water and fertilizers.

5. 🔬 Investigation and Research

The Agri-PV system in Heuchlingen also serves as a research site to understand the influence of this technology on various berry crops. This can help improve future agricultural practices.

🏞️ The Baden-Württemberg state government has been actively committed to promoting agricultural photovoltaics. This is reflected in Minister Hauk's statement, who described Agri-PV as an intelligent response to the current challenges of our time. These challenges include the need to develop sustainable energy sources, ensure food security and make land use more efficient.

🌞 In practice, agri-photovoltaics looks like this: solar modules are attached to specially constructed support structures above the berry crops. These support structures allow enough sunlight to pass through for plants to photosynthesize while at the same time generating electricity. The positioning of the solar modules is optimized so that they do not have a negative impact on the berry plants.

💧 The closed cycles for water and nutrients are an essential part of this system. They ensure that the water used for irrigation is used efficiently and is not wasted. They also enable precise control of plant nutrient supply, which can lead to healthier growth and higher yields.

🍓 The selection of berry crops examined in Heuchlingen, including raspberries, blueberries, currants, strawberries, gooseberries and blackberries, shows the versatility of this approach. Different types of berries have different light, water and nutrient requirements. Therefore, it is important to understand how the Agri-PV systems can meet these requirements.

🐝 Another interesting aspect of agri-photovoltaics is the possibility of integrating beehives into the system. Bees play a crucial role in the pollination of plants, including many berry crops. By being close to the berry plants in the Agri-PV system, bees can work more efficiently and help increase crop yields.

🌏 However, agri-photovoltaics is not limited to Baden-Württemberg. Similar concepts are being researched and implemented in different parts of the world. This shows the global interest in sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy production.

🌟 Agri-photovoltaics represents a promising and innovative solution to the challenges of sustainable land use, energy production and food security. Combining berry cultivation and solar energy production on the same area offers multiple benefits and is a good example of how smart technologies can help address global problems.

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#️⃣ Hashtags: #AgriPhotovoltaics #Sustainability #Agriculture #RenewableEnergy #Efficiency

Agri-photovoltaics: Agriculture and energy production in harmony – State Secretary Gisela Splett – Image: © Fraunhofer ISE / Oliver Hörnle

Agri-photovoltaics (Agri-PV) is an innovative technology that enables the simultaneous use of agricultural land for the production of solar energy and the cultivation of crops. An outstanding example of this technology is the research facility of the “Agri-Photovoltaics Model Region for Baden-Württemberg,” which was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) under the direction of project manager Oliver Hörnle. This facility is characterized by its closed cycles for water and nutrients, which makes it unique and environmentally friendly.

💧 Efficient water use in the Agri-PV system

In this Agri-PV system, rainwater is collected and stored to be used to irrigate the berries grown. This is done in combination with fresh water to ensure that the plants are optimally cared for. But that's not all: the substrate in which the berries grow collects excess liquid that would normally be lost. This liquid is processed and reused using a solar power system. This closed loop not only minimizes water consumption, but also significantly reduces the need for fertilizers.

🌍 Environmental protection and groundwater protection

Reducing fertilizer use is an important contribution to environmental protection as it reduces the risk of groundwater contamination by excess nutrients. This is particularly important in agricultural areas, where the protection of water resources plays a central role.

🔬 Research and support

The research project on the “Model Region Agri-Photovoltaics for Baden-Württemberg” will run until 2024 and receives support from the state ministries for the environment, climate and energy industry as well as for nutrition, rural areas and consumer protection. This shows the importance that the state government of Baden-Württemberg attaches to this innovative technology.

🍇 Focus on pome and berry fruits

A main focus of the project is the investigation of agri-photovoltaics in the context of pome and soft fruits. The researchers are developing tailor-made pilot plants at five different locations, each growing different types of fruit and berries. This enables them to assess the feasibility of this technology in various application areas and to test different technologies and design variants.

☀️ Successes and potential of agri-photovoltaics

The first of the project's five agri-PV plants was inaugurated in May 2022, and its results are promising. Closed water and nutrient cycles have proven to be extremely efficient and could be a game-changer in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production.

🌿 Sustainable agriculture and clean energy

Agri-photovoltaics offers a win-win situation where agricultural land is not only used for food production but also generates clean solar energy. This helps reduce CO2 emissions and supports the energy transition. At the same time, the closed loop economy in these facilities enables more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.

🌎 Global relevance of agri-photovoltaics

The connection between solar energy and agriculture is not only relevant in Baden-Württemberg. Similar concepts are being researched and implemented in different parts of the world. The combination of renewable energy production and sustainable agriculture has the potential to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.

🔍 Outlook on the future of agri-photovoltaics

Overall, the research facility of the “Agri-Photovoltaics Model Region for Baden-Württemberg” shows the possibilities and potential of this innovative technology. It could help make agriculture more sustainable while producing clean energy, which is important given the global challenges related to climate change and energy needs.

🌱 Innovation for a sustainable future

Agri-photovoltaics is an example of how innovation and research can help address pressing problems and develop sustainable solutions. It will be exciting to see how this technology will develop in the coming years and what impact it will have on agriculture and energy production.

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• 🍏 Varieties of fruits and berries in the agri-photovoltaic project
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#️⃣ Hashtags: #SustainableAgriculture #SolarEnergy #Circular Economy #Berry Cultivation #Environmental Protection #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #GlobalPerspectives #Energy Transition #AgriPhotovoltaics