Double benefit with Agri-PV for fruit and vegetables: Prevent sunburn on apples with Agri-Photovoltaics and generate electricity

🍎🌞 A pioneering agricultural photovoltaic system has been in operation at the Vollmer Obsthof in Oberkirch-Nußbach for almost a year. Built on an area of ​​approximately 1.5 hectares, this facility combines the cultivation of apples, plums, pears and blackberries with the generation of solar power by being mounted on a three meter high steel structure. This innovative technology protects plants from the elements and at the same time provides environmentally friendly energy without taking up agricultural land.

📊🌿 The project is part of the “Agri-PV model region” in Baden-Württemberg and is being intensively studied by scientific institutions in order to optimize synergies between agriculture and energy production. Initial results show promising benefits for crop quality and energy yield, indicating the future potential of this technology.

Agri-photovoltaics model region Baden-Württemberg - Part of the research facility in Oberkirch-Nussbach works with fully shaded modules - Image: Fraunhofer ISE

In the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, which lies in the heart of Europe and is known for its innovations in technology, an outstanding research project was launched that could significantly shape the future of agriculture and energy production. It is entitled “Model Region Agri-Photovoltaics for Baden-Württemberg” and is an initiative in which a consortium of 13 partners, led by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, sets up various pilot systems for agri-photovoltaics (APV). researched.

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• Agri-photovoltaics model region for Baden-Württemberg

🍏🚜🌞 An innovative agricultural photovoltaic system has been in operation for almost a year at the Vollmer Obsthof in Oberkirch-Nußbach, which was built on an area of ​​​​around 1.5 hectares. This system, mounted on a three-meter-high steel structure, covers the cultivation of apples, plums, pears and blackberries and offers the double advantage of protecting the fruits from the elements and at the same time producing electricity without losing agricultural land.

🔄🌞 Movable modules for maximum yield

An outstanding feature of this system is its mobility and sensor-based control. Half of the installed PV modules follow the position of the sun to achieve the best possible energy yield. The other half is programmed to take into account the plants' light needs and thus promote optimal growth.

🔧👷‍♂️ Engineering from Kehl

This sophisticated system was developed and built by the company Intech Clean Energy. The company, which is based in Kehl in Ortenaukreis, was founded over 20 years ago by Hansjörg Vollmer and is now managed by his son Christoph Vollmer.

⚡🌿 Synergies between agriculture and energy

The Agri-PV system is part of the “Model Region Agri-PV” research project run by the state of Baden-Württemberg, which aims to investigate and optimize the synergies between energy production and agriculture. The Baden-Württemberg State Secretary for the Environment, Andre Baumann, also attended the official inauguration of the facility, praising the innovative combination of agriculture and renewable energy.

📊🔬 Research objectives and initial results

The central goal of the project is to analyze both the energy and fruit yield of the plant. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg is responsible for evaluating the electricity generated, while the Augustenberg Agricultural Technology Center (LTZ) near Karlsruhe examines the development of the fruits under the PV modules.

🌡️🍏 Positive observations after the first year

The first positive observations could be made after the first year. The LTZ researchers visit the orchard at regular intervals and have found that the temperature fluctuations under the modules are lower than on the reference areas without modules. This meant that the apples were more marketable, as Greta Ott from LTZ explained. Although no significant differences have yet been identified in terms of disease or pest infestation, further years of research are needed to obtain reliable results.

🌳🍑 Experiences and observations on site

Hansjörg Vollmer himself was also able to notice significant differences compared to his reference areas. The soil under the PV modules proved to be looser in summer and did not dry out as quickly. In addition, the leaves of the plants were greener and more vital. A clear difference was particularly noticeable with the plums. These fruits grown under the modules were not exposed to heat stress and were therefore more resilient. When it came to the apples, he found that although they could be harvested a week later, they did not suffer from sunburn and were not damaged by hail.

🌟⚖️ Win-win situation for agriculture and energy

The agri-PV system at the Vollmer fruit farm therefore represents a win-win situation in that it both contributes to energy production and increases fruit yield. The PV modules protect the fruits from heavy rain, hail and intense sunlight and also ensure a more even temperature distribution, which improves the quality of the harvest.

🚜🌲 Potential for the future of agriculture

This technology shows great potential for the future of agriculture. By using Agri-PV systems, farmers can not only increase their yields, but also reduce their dependence on conventional energy sources. In addition, this dual use of the area offers ecological advantages by making land use more efficient and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

📈🌐 Model region and global perspectives

The success of the project in Oberkirch-Nußbach could serve as a model for other regions, particularly those that suffer from extreme weather conditions or that use large areas for growing fruit and vegetables. The scalability and adaptability of this technology could allow similar systems to be implemented worldwide to promote both agricultural production and sustainable energy production.

📚🌱 Raising awareness and government funding

Furthermore, innovative technologies such as Agri-PV could help raise awareness of the integration of renewable energy into traditional agricultural practices. Government funding programs and subsidies could further promote the use of such systems and thus support more environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture.

🔬🏫 Research and education

In addition, Agri-PV technology also offers a research and educational aspect. Through the participation of scientific and research institutions such as Fraunhofer ISE and the LTZ, further insights can be gained that contribute to improving and optimizing these systems. The exchange of knowledge and collaboration between farmers, scientists and technicians is crucial to exploit the full potential of this technology.

🌍🌿 Contribution to global challenges

Overall, the agri-PV system at the Vollmer fruit farm impressively shows how innovative technologies can contribute to overcoming global challenges in agriculture and energy production. It represents a pioneering solution that improves the quality of life and economic situation of farmers, while at the same time making a significant contribution to environmental protection. Through further research and development of such systems, agriculture of the future can be made more sustainable and resilient in order to successfully meet the challenges of climate change and the growing global population.

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🌞 Protection against sunburn and additional yields through Agri-PV modules

Agriculture faces a multitude of challenges. Extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rain or hail regularly endanger harvests and cause considerable damage to the plants. Damage caused by sunburn is particularly widespread in fruit growing, as the fruits are damaged by direct sunlight. Here, agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) can offer an innovative solution that not only protects the plants, but also provides renewable energy at the same time.

Hansjörg Vollmer, a part-time farmer from Oberkirch-Nußbach, has already had his first positive experiences with Agri-PV. On his orchard he uses solar modules that are installed above the plants. These modules offer a double benefit: they not only generate electricity, but also protect the plants from excessive sunlight. “We had a very consistent yield and not a single sunburnt apple,” reports Vollmer proudly, adding that sunburn occurred on the apples in the comparison area without modules.

🌱 Improved soil condition and healthier plants

However, the positive effects of Agri-PV modules go beyond sunburn protection. Vollmer noticed in his fields that the soil remained looser in the summer and did not dry out as quickly. These observations can be attributed to the shadow cast by the solar modules, which reduces direct sunlight on the ground and thus reduces evaporation. The plants themselves also showed better health. Vollmer reported that the leaves looked greener and more vital than on the unprotected area.

A significant difference was particularly noticeable with sensitive fruits such as plums. The covered plums were not exposed to heat stress and therefore showed better recovery and development. The apples also benefited from the canopy, although they could be harvested a week later. “They didn’t suffer from sunburn and there was no hail damage,” said the farmer.

🍎 Causes of sunburn on apples

Sunburn on apples occurs primarily due to extreme heat and intense sunlight. The high-energy UV-B radiation plays an important role here. When the temperature on the fruit surface rises above 52 degrees Celsius, sunburn necrosis occurs. This damage is caused by heat and is independent of the intensity of sunlight. High temperatures cause proteins in the fruit to coagulate, destroying the cells. This leads to browning and collapse of the cell layers - necrosis occurs, which can become corked or begin to rot due to fungal spore infestation.

Sunburn tanning is also common in apple cultivation. These arise at a surface temperature of over 46 degrees Celsius in combination with increased solar radiation. The damaged area can expand on the fruit surface and even affect the pulp during storage.

Another form of damage is photooxidation, which is triggered by intense radiation. This can even occur at low temperatures when there are sudden and extreme fluctuations in light and temperature intensity. This causes damage that is less dependent on temperature than on light.

🛡️ Agri-PV as a protection mechanism

Agri-photovoltaic systems offer a solution to these diverse problems. By covering the roof with partially transparent solar modules, several advantages can be realized at the same time. In addition to generating solar power, the modules protect the plants from excessive sunlight and heat stress. At the same time, they offer protection against heavy rain and hail damage, which is particularly important in times of increasing weather extremes.

This protective effect of the Agri-PV modules also explains the better soil structure and the healthier plants observed by Hansjörg Vollmer. The reduced heat stress and reduced evaporation help the plants to be less susceptible to damage and disease. The soil stays moist and loose longer, improving root growth and nutrient uptake.

💰 Economic benefits through Agri-PV

In addition to the agronomic advantages, agri-PV systems also offer economic incentives. The solar energy generated can either be used directly on the farm or fed into the public grid. This creates additional sources of income for farmers, which can contribute to the economic stability and security of the business. This dual use of the area – agricultural production and energy production – makes Agri-PV a particularly efficient and sustainable solution.

🔮 Future prospects and further developments

The application of agri-photovoltaics is still in its infancy, but the results so far are promising. Future developments could focus on optimizing the modules and integrating them into different cultivation systems. For example, partially transparent modules could be further developed in order to better control the light transmission and optimally adapt it to the needs of the respective plants.

Combining it with other sustainable farming techniques, such as drip irrigation or the use of ground covers, could also further increase the efficiency and benefits of Agri-PV. Through ongoing research and pilot projects, practical findings can be systematically expanded and improved.

⚙️ Challenges and solutions

Despite the numerous advantages, there are also challenges that must be considered when implementing agri-PV systems. The investment costs are often high and planning and installation require specialized know-how. In addition, locations must be carefully selected and adapted to ensure the balance between agricultural use and energy production.

Funding programs and financial incentives could help here by reducing initial investments and making access to these technologies easier. Knowledge transfer and training of farmers also play a crucial role in increasing the acceptance and application of Agri-PV.

🔍 The combination of solar power generation and plant protection

Agri-photovoltaics offers a promising solution to the challenges in modern fruit production. The combination of solar power generation and crop protection leads to numerous advantages that are both ecologically and economically relevant. By using Agri-PV, farmers like Hansjörg Vollmer can secure their yields, improve the health of plants and at the same time contribute to sustainable energy production.

The positive response and the observed effects underline the potential of this technology. Agri-PV could therefore play a key role in sustainable agriculture in the future and help to overcome the challenges of climate change and global food supply. The synergy effects from agriculture and solar energy open up new perspectives for the efficient and environmentally friendly use of natural resources.

📣 Similar topics

• 🌞 How agri-photovoltaics prevents sunburn on apples
• 🌱 Improved soil condition through Agri-PV modules
• 🍎 Causes and possible solutions for sunburn on apples
• 🛡️ Agri-PV: Protection against extreme weather events in fruit growing
• 💰 Economic benefits of Agri-PV systems for farmers
• 🔮 Future prospects of agri-photovoltaic technology
• ⚙️ Challenges and solutions in Agri-PV implementation
• 🌿 Dual use of the area: agriculture and solar energy combined
• 👨‍🌾 Experience report from Hansjörg Vollmer about Agri-PV
• 🧐 How Agri-PV contributes to sustainable agriculture and energy supply

#️⃣ Hashtags: #AgriPhotovoltaics #Sunburn #SustainableAgriculture #RenewableEnergy #Weatherproof

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