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Agrivoltaics has a wide range of applications - from small farms to large energy producers.

These applications are examples of the practical and economical implementation of agrivoltaics concepts that can both meet energy needs and improve agricultural conditions, thereby actively contributing to environmental protection.

Agrivoltaic technology is implemented differently depending on the system. Find out more about the technical principles of agrivoltaics and how solar energy can be used on farms.

Vertical Agrivoltaics

An innovative variant of agrivoltaics that is becoming increasingly established is the vertical installation of bifacial photovoltaic modules.

These systems are installed between the cultivated areas and utilize the solar radiation from both sides. They create a favorable microclimate by reducing evaporation and thus increasing soil moisture by reducing wind speed and casting shadows. Economically, they are convincing due to their lower material costs and, thanks to their orientation, offer more even energy production throughout the day, which has a positive effect on grid stability.

You want to read more about vertical agrivoltaics? These projects examine the operation of vertical agrivoltaics:

VAckerBio: Vertical Agrivoltaics in Arable Farming
VAckerPower: Vertical Agrivoltaics in Arable Farming
TRION Sun Still Himmel
© Next2Sun Technology GmbH

Agrivoltaics for Special Crops

Another variant, the overhead modules are often used over special crops, such as vines, fruit trees or hops. These are sensitive to direct sunlight, hail or heavy rain and can therefore benefit from an agrivoltaic system.

These systems not only offer protection, but can also function as intelligent water collection systems that store the collected rainwater, e. g. through an adapted V-shape of the module installation, and use it specifically for efficient irrigation.

Following projects examine the application of agrivoltaics in special crops:

APV-Obstbau (Orcharding) – Agrivoltaics as Resilience Concept for Adaptation to Climate Change in Orcharding
Model Region Agri-PV BaWü - Project Webpage
VitiCULT-PVmobil – An Integrated Solution for Climate Resilience, Energy Transition and Crop Protection for Sustainable Viticultural Landscapes
HoPVen - Increasing the Resilience of Hop Growing to the Consequences of Climate Change: Investigation of the Opportunities and Risks of Agrivoltaic in Conventional Hop Growing
Kressbronn
© Fraunhofer ISE

Single-axis Tracked Agrivoltaic Systems

Single-axis tracking agrivoltaic systems maximize energy production by automatically adjusting the angle of the PV modules to the position of the sun. This dynamic allows the modules to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day, significantly increasing the efficiency of the system.

At the same time, the moving modules provide shade for the crops below, which can be particularly beneficial for heat-sensitive plants. The movement of the modules can also help to ensure a more even distribution of sunlight across the field, resulting in more uniform plant growth.

INSPIRED - APV: International Cooperation and Support through Development of Agrivoltaics in Namibia
HyPErFarm - Hydrogen and Photovoltaic Electrification on Farm
APV-HyPErFarm_Krinner Solar.jpeg
© Krinner Solar

Highly Elevated Agrivoltaics in Arable Farming

An optimal solution for use in large-scale agriculture, especially in arable farming provide overhead agrivoltaic systems. The PV modules are installed at a height high enough to allow agricultural machinery to drive underneath without any problems. This enables the simultaneous use of solar power generation and agricultural production on the same area.

The elevated position of the modules protects them from damage caused by agricultural work and at the same time ensures better ventilation and less soiling of the modules. By combining energy production and arable farming, farmers can diversify their sources of income while contributing to energy and food security.

How agrivoltaics can efficiently be used in combination with arable farming, is illustrated in the research results of the project HyPErFarm:

HyPErFarm - Hydrogen and Photovoltaic Electrification on Farm
Heggelbach Weizen Sonnenuntergang_Fraunhofer ISE.jpg
© Fraunhofer ISE