Handbook for Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) projects – Up to 60 percent higher crop yields

The potential of agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) projects has gained increasing attention in recent years. AgriPV combines agricultural use with solar energy production, which can not only increase agricultural yields but also contribute to the global energy transition. Solarpower Europe, an association for solar energy in Europe, has worked with agriculture to develop a comprehensive handbook that details the opportunities, benefits and challenges of this technology for agriculture.

Advantages and possibilities of agri-photovoltaics

Increasing crop yields and soil quality

AgriPV offers the possibility of increasing crop yields by up to 60 percent - an impressive value that depends on the type of crops, the season, the regional climate and the specific conditions of the PV systems. Solar panel canopy protection protects plants from extreme weather conditions, which can result in a more stable crop yield. There is a microclimate under the solar modules that both protects the soil from excessive sunlight and regulates the soil temperature. During cold periods, ground temperatures can increase by up to 7 degrees Celsius, while during warm periods they can decrease by up to 6 degrees Celsius. This temperature regulation has a positive effect on soil quality and can promote plant vitality.

Increasing carbon storage and water retention

Another benefit of AgriPV is the up to 80 percent increase in soil carbon storage, particularly in pasture-based projects. This actively contributes to climate protection, as the carbon bound in the soil is removed from the cycle in the long term. Water retention also benefits from AgriPV projects. Interrow and mounted PV systems can increase water retention by 20 to 30 percent, which is a critical factor in times of increasing water scarcity.

Promoting biodiversity and pollinator populations

Another positive side effect is the increase in the presence of pollinators in the area around the PV systems. Studies show an increase of up to 60 percent in pollinator activity in AgriPV projects. This not only supports crop production, but also contributes to the preservation of biological diversity.

Additional sources of income for farmers

AgriPV offers farmers attractive additional sources of income. These include rental payments from project developers and the direct provision of agricultural infrastructure. In many cases, AgriPV systems also reduce electricity costs for farms. By installing solar systems on arable land, greenhouses or pastures, farmers can generate additional sustainable income and reduce their operating costs.

The handbook also presents various business models and sources of income. These include leasing models, operating models and hybrid structures that combine the interests of farmers and investors. The farmer can either act as the owner of the system or lease his land to companies that operate the PV systems and market the electricity produced.

Prototypes and application examples

The manual describes ten prototypes of AgriPV systems that are tailored to different agricultural areas and types of use. These prototypes include applications on arable and permanent crops, on permanent grassland, in greenhouses and covered areas with mounted photovoltaic systems. Each of these prototypes is accompanied by a business case describing the economic benefits, agricultural and environmental impacts, and a case study. The diversity of these prototypes allows AgriPV to be implemented in almost all agricultural contexts, from intensive agriculture to extensive pasture use.

An example of such a prototype is the integration of PV systems in greenhouses. These systems protect the plants from extreme weather conditions and at the same time offer an efficient way to cover the greenhouse's own energy needs. Another prototype is elevated systems on pastureland that allow animals to cool off in the shade of the modules while the farmer benefits from the additional income.

Framework conditions and political support

Appropriate political support is necessary for the widespread introduction of AgriPV. The handbook points out that AgriPV can only be successful across the board if clear legal frameworks are created that promote the integration of agriculture and renewable energies. This includes, among other things, simplifications in grid connection and approval procedures. Increased cooperation between the ministries of agriculture and energy could contribute to the development of an appropriate framework.

Solarpower Europe calls on policymakers to ensure that farmers operating AgriPV systems continue to have access to direct payments from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These payments are an essential source of income for many farmers and their provision should not be jeopardized by the integration of photovoltaic systems on agricultural land.

Another important point is the introduction of special incentives for farmers participating in AgriPV projects. These could be granted in the form of tax relief, subsidies for the installation of PV systems or special support programs. Improving data collection and analysis to assess the environmental impact of AgriPV is also important. This includes the systematic collection of data on carbon storage, water retention and biodiversity in AgriPV projects.

Challenges and solutions

Despite the numerous advantages and possibilities of AgriPV, there are also challenges that cannot be ignored. A key challenge is land consumption. In densely populated countries like Germany, access to suitable agricultural land is limited. Comprehensive planning and consideration of agricultural and energy use is therefore essential.

Another problem area is the high initial investment required to install photovoltaic systems. Even if the long-term economic benefits are promising, many farmers lack the necessary start-up capital to implement AgriPV projects independently. Public funding programs and financing options could help here.

Future prospects and potential of AgriPV

AgriPV has the potential to develop into a key technology for sustainable agriculture of the future. The technology not only offers the opportunity to make agricultural operations more resilient to climatic fluctuations, but can also make a significant contribution to the energy transition. With the growing need for renewable energy and the simultaneous need to make optimal use of agricultural land, AgriPV faces a promising future.

However, to realize the full potential of AgriPV, it is important that farms are equipped with the necessary information and tools. Farmers should receive clear information on the technical and economic aspects of AgriPV projects and have access to advice and support. Providing a comprehensive manual like the one from Solarpower Europe makes an important contribution to educating farmers about the possibilities of AgriPV and making it easier for them to get started with this innovative technology.

Solar energy on agricultural land

AgriPV is more than just a technology for generating solar energy on agricultural land - it is an approach that combines agriculture and the energy industry in an innovative way and can therefore make a decisive contribution to sustainable development. By giving farmers the opportunity to use their land for both agriculture and energy production, they can diversify their sources of income while reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

However, the future of agri-photovoltaics depends largely on the political framework, economic incentives and the willingness of farmers to embrace this new form of agriculture. If these conditions are created, AgriPV could become an important pillar of sustainable agriculture and the energy transition.

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Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) represents a promising innovation that combines renewable energy production with agricultural production. This technology makes it possible to use agricultural land for both growing food and generating solar power. SolarPower Europe, in collaboration with agriculture, has developed a comprehensive handbook that highlights the advantages, challenges and potential of this technology. This article takes a closer look at the handbook and provides additional information and perspectives on AgriPV.

Advantages of agri-photovoltaics

One of the most important advantages of AgriPV is the ability to significantly increase crop yields. The manual highlights that under certain conditions, yield increases of up to 60 percent are possible. These increases depend on a variety of factors, including the type of crops grown, the season, the regional climate and the specific photovoltaic system. For example, the photovoltaic modules can provide shade and protect plants from extreme heat, which is particularly advantageous in hot summer months. At the same time, the soil temperature can increase by up to 7 degrees Celsius during cold periods, encouraging growth in cooler months. During warm periods, however, the soil temperature can drop by up to 6 degrees Celsius due to the shade provided by the modules, which can also have positive effects on plant growth.

Another significant benefit is the improvement in soil quality. According to the manual, photovoltaic projects on rangelands can result in up to an 80 percent increase in soil carbon storage. This increased carbon storage not only helps improve soil fertility, but also plays an important role in the fight against climate change as more carbon is sequestered in the soil.

Additionally, a 20 to 30 percent increase in water retention is observed for interrow and mounted photovoltaic systems. These systems allow the soil to retain more water, which is particularly beneficial in regions with erratic rainfall or long dry periods. Additionally, one project found a 60 percent increase in pollinator presence. Pollinators such as bees are essential to many agricultural crops, and their increased presence can also lead to higher crop yields.

Economic benefits for farmers

In addition to the environmental benefits, AgriPV also offers significant economic opportunities for farmers. The handbook describes various ways farmers can generate additional income through agri-photovoltaic projects. One option is to receive lease payments from developers who want to install photovoltaic systems on their land. These rental payments can provide a stable source of income and help farmers diversify their financial risks.

Another economic advantage comes from the direct provision of agricultural infrastructure by the developers of the photovoltaic systems. This can include, for example, the construction of irrigation systems or warehouses that benefit farmers and reduce their production costs.

Last but not least, by using the solar power generated, farmers can reduce their own energy costs or even feed excess electricity into the grid and thereby generate additional income. This is a significant advantage, especially in times of rising energy prices.

Various models and prototypes

The handbook presents various ownership models, business structures and revenue streams for agri-photovoltaics. Ten different prototypes tailored to different types of agricultural land are described. These prototypes include projects on arable land, permanent crops such as orchards or vineyards, and permanent grassland. Covered areas with elevated photovoltaic systems or interspace systems with or without pasture are also taken into account.

Particular attention is paid to ecological photovoltaic initiatives as well as to the installation of photovoltaic systems in greenhouses or on agricultural buildings such as barns or stables. This variety of models shows that AgriPV can be flexibly adapted to different agricultural conditions.

A detailed business case is presented for each prototype in the report. Both the economic and ecological impacts on agriculture are analyzed. The handbook also contains case studies of successful projects from different regions of Europe to provide practical examples.

Challenges and necessary framework conditions

Despite the numerous advantages, there are also challenges in implementing AgriPV projects. A key challenge is ensuring that farmers have the necessary tools and incentives to engage in such projects. This includes, among other things, simplifying the grid connection for solar power systems and streamlining the planning and approval procedures.

Another important point is the introduction of compensation systems that are intended to promote close cooperation between agriculture and renewable energies. “In order to fully exploit the potential of agri-solar,” the handbook states, “we must ensure that farmers have the tools and incentives to participate.” This requires clear regulations and support from politicians.

SolarPower Europe therefore calls on policymakers to make it clear that farmers operating AgriPV systems will continue to have access to direct payments from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This is a crucial point for many farmers in Europe, as these payments often represent a significant part of their income.

In addition, SolarPower Europe is calling for specific incentives for farmers to participate in AgriPV projects, as well as improved data collection on their impacts on carbon storage, water retention and biodiversity. A well-founded data basis is crucial in order to be able to evaluate and optimize the long-term success of such projects.

Win-win situation for agriculture and the energy industry

With increasing pressure on agricultural land due to growing populations and climate change, this technology offers a way to sustainably intensify agriculture without using additional land.

AgriPV could play a key role, particularly in regions with intense solar radiation such as southern Europe or Africa. Here, solar systems could not only contribute to electricity generation, but also help to alleviate water shortages and at the same time achieve higher crop yields.

Overall, SolarPower Europe's handbook impressively shows that AgriPV represents a win-win situation for agriculture and the energy industry - provided that appropriate political framework conditions are created and farmers receive sufficient support in implementing such projects.

The combination of environmental benefits such as improved water retention and carbon storage, as well as economic benefits such as additional revenue streams, makes AgriPV a promising solution for a more sustainable future in agriculture.

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