Last winter, PV plant provider Gridparity installed a solar system on farmland in Bad Sassendorf, Germany. With tracking capability, the installation achieves about 30% higher yield than a conventional fixed-tilt system. Rated at 933 kW, it produces around 1.25 million kWh annually, compared with just under one million kWh from a fixed-tilt array of the same size in the Ruhr region.
Modules can be set vertically
However, thisis not the only advantage. Farmer Stefan Jatzkowski continues to cultivate the fertile land of the Soester Börde as before. By setting the modules vertically, he can use almost the entire area for organic grain production with virtually no restrictions. The site also benefits from biodiversity strips developing between the mounting posts of the installation.
Yields higher than expected
Just a few months after commissioning, the operator and farmer reported clear agricultural benefits compared with a nearby reference plot farmed without solar modules. According to Stefan Jatzkowski: “It quickly became apparent that after sowing, the agricultural yields under the modules were better than on the neighbouring comparison plot.” He added: “The harvest has now shown that our expectations have even been exceeded.”
Braving winter weather: Gridparity finishes major agri-PV system
Focus on microclimate and biodiversity
Scientific monitoring by Haus Düsse, North Rhine-Westphalia’s agricultural research and education centre, also reflects this trend. The researchers are examining not only yields but also the reasons for differences compared with the reference plot. Their studies include the impact of the Agri-PV system on microclimate and biodiversity, which is particularly important given its location in a sensitive bird protection area.
Explore agri-PV in our new dual harvest special
New income stream for farmers
Overall, the project partners are satisfied with the results. The trial shows that Agri-PV is viable and offers farmers an additional opportunity to diversify and stabilise income through reliable solar yields. At the same time, productive land remains available for agricultural use. (su)
