Agriculture

The Agrivoltaics World Conference examined the yield gains farmers can expect when installing solar systems – a major theme at this year’s event.

Agricultural photovoltaics are gaining ground, but how exactly can farmers benefit from installing solar systems on arable land and grassland?

The practice of producing solar energy and food on the same land is gaining traction across Europe. Our weekly focus from 14–17 July explores the latest developments.

Most citizens would strongly prefer agri-PV over conventional solar parks, according to a recent study from the University of Bonn. What‘s more, opposition to ground-mounted solar installations becomes noticeably softer when the land is put to double duty.

The European Solar Energy Association has put forward proposals to speed up the expansion of agrivoltaics across Europe. The recommendations were outlined at the Agrivoltaics World Conference in Freiburg.

Our new feature on solar energy for farmers explores the latest trends in agri-PV and how farms are using the sun to boost self-sufficiency. The special edition is available to download free of charge.

The solar energy solutions company introduced a new system for vertical module mounting at the Energy Decentral trade fair. Udo Geisel, Head of Procurement, Production and Logistics, outlines the advantages of their solution.

A recent study has found that fruit ripens well in the partial shade beneath solar panels, though farmers still need to consider the optimal time for harvest.

Using solar power and battery storage to supply auxiliary energy for biogas plants remains a rare approach. But one project shows the hybrid setup can work reliably and cost-effectively.

Agri-PV in Italy is moving beyond its niche status, emerging as a promising, standalone industry with distinct needs and growing relevance for both agriculture and energy. Sandro Esposito, managing director of CCE Italia, sees major opportunities.

Gridparity is cutting the cost of agri-PV with a revised product range and new system setup. Added storage opens up broader business models for farmers and reduces reliance on subsidies.

Vertical solar modules boost farmland yields and land use. Marius Sinn of Next2Sun outlines the benefits and installation.

Fewer booths but bolder tech – this year’s Munich trade fair saw a slimmer turnout from module makers, yet offered a clear glimpse of where the PV industry is heading.

This year’s Agrivoltaics World Conference will run from 1-3 July 2025 in Freiburg, southern Germany. Alongside the main programme, organiser Conexio-PSE is planning site visits to a range of agri-PV installations. You can also participate remotely online.

This special edition explores how farmers can use land more efficiently by combining agriculture with solar energy. It also covers technology, insurance and the shift to e-mobility in farming.

Schletter’s planning tool gets a radical update, Tritec Energy combines aesthetics and efficiency in a new in-roof system, Solaredge streamlines installation with a new app, and Ernst Schweizer launches its rooftop all-rounder, the Multitool – these are this week’s top products.

An Austrian developer and green energy plant operator has completed the first in a planned series of hybrid installations. Altogether, the initiative will deliver around 400 megawatts of solar capacity.

Soltech’s Spanish subsidiary has completed a floating plant with 1.5 MW of capacity and covering an impressive 9,000 square metres, making it the largest of its kind in the Balearics.

A wine grower and farmer built a solar-powered well to supply water for his remote cattle shed. With no grid connection, off-grid solar was the clear solution.

Analysts from the Boston Consulting Group and BayWa r.e. have conducted a study examining the additional revenue potential of combining agriculture with photovoltaics. The study also analyses specific cash flows during the transition phase.

The dual use of farmland for agriculture and solar power is becoming increasingly common. Solargik CEO Gil Kroyzer outlines the unique advantages of the company’s trackers and how they optimise both energy generation and agricultural space.

A new study has found that biodiversity increases significantly on farmland converted to solar parks, though the pace and extent of improvement depend on local conditions.

Solar installations can help preserve soil moisture and support the local water balance. Two studies back up these claims and show that farmers can actively manage water use with the right system design.

Using a small agri-PV system, the researchers want to measure the effect of roofing solar modules over vines in the south of Spain. The experiments involve several modules fitted with numerous monitoring sensors.

Farmers often have ample roof space, but the cost of installing a PV system can be high. Alternative marketing models now allow them to benefit from solar power with no investment on their part.