The EU is aiming to deploy around 750 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030 to meet its ambitious targets. Against this backdrop, dual land use concepts, particularly agricultural PV, are gaining significance.
At Intersolar Europe, the premier exhibition for the solar industry, visitors will explore a diverse array of technologies, products, and solutions for agricultural PV, gaining deeper insights into best practices and the latest developments.
In the past, it was either agriculture or renewable sources of energy. Agricultural PV presents a new, innovative approach that offers promising options for agriculture and climate protection by combining agricultural production and electricity generation on the same surface.
Countries in Europe, like Germany and France, actively subsidize agricultural photovoltaics (PV) to increase the deployment of solar energy and minimize competition for land use.
Germany has pioneered a distinct auction segment with a maximum value for “special solar installations” (which encompasses agricultural PV installations) in its Solar Package 1. France is recognized as a trailblazer in creating dedicated legislation for this purpose. Other nations, such as Austria and the Netherlands, are also proactively promoting their agricultural PV sectors.
The benefits of dual land use and agricultural PV are clear
It enables the harmonious integration of solar energy and agriculture, and the defense against storms, hail, frost, and drought provides an additional boon for farmers. The electricity production costs are lower than those from small roof-mounted installations, and farmers’ income sources expand.
Solar panels offer shade and wind protection, reducing evaporation. Additionally, innovative solar panels have been created that can also collect rainwater for irrigation. This development can enhance the resilience of farming operations against crop failure.
Pilot projects are cropping up across Europe
For instance, in the Dutch municipality of Meierijstad, BayWa r.e. AG and their subsidiary GroenLeven are executing a groundbreaking agricultural PV project—an 8.7 megawatt peak solar installation spanning an extensive raspberry plantation. On Sicily, figs and olives flourish amidst the module rows of Europe’s largest agricultural PV plant. In Neißeaue, Germany, Next2Sun Technology is developing a 20-megawatt solar farm with vertical modules.
Intersolar Europe is placing particular emphasis on agricultural PV
A special exhibit in the Outdoor Area will devote to the subject, with partners including BayWa AG, BayWa r.e., Conexio PSE, Vista Geo, and ZIMMERMANN PV-Steel Group. Furthermore, among the more than 1,370 Intersolar Europe exhibitors, approximately 60 will be presenting agricultural PV products and solutions.
Experts will delve deeper into the topic and provide even broader information during several sessions at the Intersolar Forum and the Intersolar Europe Conference.
As the world’s foremost exhibition for the solar industry, Intersolar Europe showcases the immense dynamism of the solar market. For over 30 years, it has been fostering connections among key players while highlighting the latest trends, advancements, and business models under the slogan “Connecting Solar Business.”
Intersolar Europe will occur from June 19-21, 2024, as part of The smarter E Europe, the continent’s largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry, in Munich.