Agriculture is never one-size-fits-all, and neither are the demands it places on solar. Each farm, field and crop presents unique challenges, requiring agri-PV solutions to be as adaptable as the land itself. Mounting system manufacturers are responding by rethinking their designs to deliver both flexibility and technical resilience where it counts – starting at ground level.
The Tuniberg, a limestone ridge in the Breisgau region, stands as a fitting example. With Freiburg visible on the horizon, these slopes have a rich tradition of viticulture. Burgundy grape varieties flourish here, benefiting from the limestone’s water retention and the region’s plentiful sunshine.
High-quality wine in a changing climate
Yet climate change is presenting winegrowers with new and complex challenges. In response, the Zimmermann PV-Steel Group has developed a system that shelters vines beneath solar modules, protecting them from intense sun, hail and late spring frosts. The modules also help preserve soil moisture and generate electricity, creating a new revenue stream for Tuniberg’s winemakers.
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The benefits are tangible. “Initial results show that agri-PV systems require significantly less crop protection, while yields remain consistent,” says Dionys Lämmle, Project Manager at Zimmermann PV-Steel Group. “Quality is also maintained, as Oechsle readings confirm, showing that sugar levels and grape ripeness are comparable to conventional cultivation. Elevated photovoltaic systems enable winegrowers to offset climate risks without compromising yield or quality.”
Cultivating a favourable microclimate
Zimmermann’s experience in agri-PV also includes early elevated systems for berry cultivation in the Netherlands. There, the modules serve a dual purpose as hail protection, replacing plastic film covers. The advantage is clear: these systems last more than 20 years, offering a significant improvement over the frequent and costly replacement of conventional films.
A showcase project in Lower Austria demonstrates this approach on a larger scale. More than 17,000 square metres of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries now thrive beneath a canopy of semitransparent modules. The mounting structure, specifically designed for berry crops, provides the same protection from hail, frost and sunlight as seen in the Tuniberg project in the southeast of Germany.
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Zimmermann has integrated wire guidance to simplify the training of berry bushes, while continuous clamps ensure the covering remains secure. “The system creates a favourable microclimate for both plants and workers, and supports full agricultural use, including mechanised operations,” Lämmle notes. The design enables precise control of light transmission for optimal plant growth, and its robust construction ensures long-term durability.
Cattle and solar trackers – shared pastures
Zimmermann’s portfolio goes beyond fruit and vines. The company also provides specialised tracker systems for arable land, grassland and pasture. A recent installation on cattle pasture demonstrates how module rows can be arranged to allow cows unrestricted movement beneath the panels.
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The shade cast by the modules shifts with the sun, supporting healthy grass growth. The elevated design, generous row spacing and the ability to rotate trackers to a 90-degree position keep the land accessible for farm machinery. For grazing livestock, the modules provide shelter from heat and heavy rain. Trackers also maximise solar yield and enable targeted shading during extreme weather, as well as more flexible land management.
You can read the full article in our special feature on photovoltaics in agriculture. The piece explores further opportunities for dual use of farmland. Download the special Solar technology for farmers – pathways to dual harvest free of charge. (su)
