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Agrovoltaics: The Green Energy of the Future
13. 1. 2025
Explanation of the term agrivoltaics
The term agrovoltaics refers to the combination of agricultural production and energy generation. Specifically, it involves using a single area for both a photovoltaic power plant and for growing crops or raising livestock.
There are many possible variations of agrovoltaics. We can start with the integration of photovoltaics and livestock farming and end up with greenhouses topped with solar panels.
However, this connection should always be a symbiosis; it should bring benefits to farmers from both crop production or livestock raising and from the generated electricity.
The main advantages of agrivoltaics
Energy efficiency: Solar panels can provide clean energy for agricultural operations and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Sustainability: This method can help protect the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the sustainability of farming practices.
Water savings: Shading crops with solar panels can reduce water evaporation and improve irrigation efficiency.
Increased yield: Some crops may produce higher yields when grown under solar panels, as the shading can help protect them from extreme weather like heavy rain or sunshine.
Income diversification: Farmers can earn income from selling solar energy, which enhances financial stability and reduces reliance on a single source of income.
Types of installation
Photovoltaic modules can be installed on agricultural land either in a horizontal or vertical format.
Horizontal installation: This allows for agricultural cultivation of the area underneath the solar panels. They need to be placed at a height that permits farming activities below them.
Vertical installation: This does not allow for agricultural use of the area beneath the solar panels. Therefore, they must be arranged in one or more rows that alternate with the usable agricultural land.
Installation conditions
The installation, operation, or removal of necessary equipment must not lead to permanent damage to the physical, chemical, or biological properties of agricultural land.
The term agrovoltaics refers to the combination of agricultural production and energy generation. Specifically, it involves using a single area for both a photovoltaic power plant and for growing crops or raising livestock.
There are many possible variations of agrovoltaics. We can start with the integration of photovoltaics and livestock farming and end up with greenhouses topped with solar panels.
However, this connection should always be a symbiosis; it should bring benefits to farmers from both crop production or livestock raising and from the generated electricity.
The main advantages of agrivoltaics
Energy efficiency: Solar panels can provide clean energy for agricultural operations and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Sustainability: This method can help protect the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the sustainability of farming practices.
Water savings: Shading crops with solar panels can reduce water evaporation and improve irrigation efficiency.
Increased yield: Some crops may produce higher yields when grown under solar panels, as the shading can help protect them from extreme weather like heavy rain or sunshine.
Income diversification: Farmers can earn income from selling solar energy, which enhances financial stability and reduces reliance on a single source of income.
Types of installation
Photovoltaic modules can be installed on agricultural land either in a horizontal or vertical format.
Horizontal installation: This allows for agricultural cultivation of the area underneath the solar panels. They need to be placed at a height that permits farming activities below them.
Vertical installation: This does not allow for agricultural use of the area beneath the solar panels. Therefore, they must be arranged in one or more rows that alternate with the usable agricultural land.
Installation conditions
The installation, operation, or removal of necessary equipment must not lead to permanent damage to the physical, chemical, or biological properties of agricultural land.
It must also allow for the complete removal of all equipment after its operation so that the agricultural land can be rehabilitated in accordance with the approved rehabilitation plan.