Agri-PV brings together traditional agriculture and solar power generation, creating a valuable second income stream for farmers. However, few have the expertise or spare time to navigate the complex web of regulatory and construction requirements on their own.
Hamburg-based project developer Metavolt has positioned itself as a trusted partner for farmers throughout the planning, approval and construction phases. "We see ourselves as partners to the farming community. We introduce farmers to the topic, discuss initial ideas and examine economic feasibility," explains Stefan Berkenhoff, Managing Director at Metavolt responsible for technology and data. "The primary motivation for farmers to invest in agri-PV is to establish a new and reliable stream of income."
Maximising returns
Metavolt has introduced a comprehensive cost assessment model to help farmers realise the full potential of agri-PV. "Our approach considers not just the costs of the solar installation and projected electricity yields, but also the effects of the agri-PV system on farm operations and the specific conditions at each site," explains Stefan Berkenhoff.
Crops meet kilowatts – explore our agri-PV special edition
Beyond the basics, Metavolt's team explores opportunities for on-site consumption and a range of electricity marketing strategies, helping farmers to maximise their returns. This includes options such as integrating storage, using power locally or supplying electricity to nearby businesses.
Building a network of partners
Based on these analyses, Metavolt advises which agri-PV system best fits the needs of each farm. But this is only the first step in a successful project. What follows is a complex journey through the regulatory landscape. "We can support farmers with the next stages or take on the entire process ourselves," says Berkenhoff. The level of support depends on how much the farmer wants to be involved in planning. Many farmers bring experience in installing complex systems and can contribute during construction, while others have strong ties to conservation authorities and can effectively support environmental mapping.
pv Europe special – solar power by farmers, for farmers
Even so, having a central coordinator can make a significant difference throughout the project, from the initial building application and mapping, through construction and coordination with technology providers, all the way to grid connection. "For instance, we can advise farmers on whether it's best to submit a preliminary planning application or go straight to a full building permit," Berkenhoff explains.
Integrating building application forms
To navigate the many hurdles in agri-PV development, Metavolt has built up a broad network of specialists, each ready to address specific challenges as they arise. "If we need to certify a system design according to DIN SPEC standards (German industry standards) or require an agricultural assessment, we have a partner in our network who can take care of it," explains Berkenhoff.
Solar Investors Guide #11 – Agri-PV reimagines farmland for the future
The company is also investing in the ongoing development of its software platform, which combines artificial intelligence, standardisation and automation to help project partners steer through the often complex planning and permitting process. The tool keeps track of the various building application forms required, which can differ widely from state to state and even between municipalities. "Still, there are fundamental rules that every authority must follow," says Berkenhoff. "The building application itself isn't particularly complicated, especially since we are working with farm-adjacent installations (those located near the farm itself), which benefit from planning privileges," he emphasises.
Read the complete report in the current special on PV for farmers. You can download a free copy after registration.
