Agri-PV proves its worth only once the first concrete results are in, after installations are built. In most cases these are positive, showing that the concept works exceptionally well, both for agriculture and for energy production. This is also true in the Austrian town of Bodensdorf, in a municipality in Lower Austria roughly halfway between Vienna and Linz, where project developer RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria has partnered with the local farming corporation Wurzers Genuss- und Erlebnishof to install a solar canopy over a 20-hectare berry plantation.
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After the first year of operation, the two project partners have taken stock positively. The 4,760 semi-transparent modules installed at the site delivered 1.85 million kilowatt-hours of solar electricity in their first year. That falls short of the projected 1.98 million kilowatt-hours per year, but such fluctuations are to be expected. Solar irradiation in the region was lower than usual this spring, among other periods.
Excellent fruit quality
At the same time, the installation shields the berry crops from the weather. On this front, farmer Dominik Wurzer reports a resounding success. "After the first year with our agri-PV plant, we can draw an entirely positive conclusion. Our berries are very well protected from storms and intense sunlight, which is reflected in excellent fruit quality," he says. "What is particularly gratifying is the positive feedback from our customers, who repeatedly tell us how pleasant it is to pick under the solar canopy, even on hot summer days."
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Electricity used locally
The agri-PV installation has also developed into a platform for exchange around the dual use of agricultural land, as Markus Wurzer, also a farmer and Dominik's brother, explains. "Numerous interested groups and experts have already visited our plant, and we have been invited to speak about our experience at several specialist events," he says. "After this first year, we are more convinced than ever that agri-PV is an important building block of sustainable agriculture."
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On top of this, most of the electricity is used locally. Part of the solar output is consumed by members of the Strombeeren energy community. Households, businesses and public institutions benefit from regionally generated electricity, while the value creation remains in the Mostviertel region and the local energy supply is strengthened.
A forward-looking model for agriculture
The positive experience of the first year of operation confirms the chosen approach, the project partners report. The Bodensdorf agri-PV installation is a strong example of how regional food production, climate adaptation and renewable energy generation can be successfully combined, and stands as a forward-looking model for sustainable agriculture. "The agri-PV plant is a striking demonstration of the potential that lies in combining agriculture with renewable energy," says Oliver Eisenhöld, head of the energy business unit at RWA. "We generate regional solar electricity, protect our crops at the same time and create lasting added value for the entire region.“ (su)
