A recent study led by Jonas Böhm from the Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut highlights the potential of agrivoltaic systems in Germany, offering a dual-use solution that could significantly enhance energy production while maintaining agricultural productivity. Published in the “AgriVoltaics Conference Proceedings,” this research sheds light on how integrating solar power generation with farming can address the growing land use conflicts arising from the energy transition.
As Germany seeks to ramp up its renewable energy capacity, the competition for land between food production and energy generation intensifies. Agrivoltaics (APV) presents a promising approach by allowing farmers to continue cultivating crops while simultaneously generating electricity from solar panels. This dual-use strategy not only maximizes land efficiency but also helps mitigate the political tensions surrounding land allocation for renewable energy projects.
The study compared various APV concepts with traditional renewable energy systems, revealing that both wind and photovoltaic (PV) systems yield the most energy per area of land. However, the research emphasizes that the advantages of APV systems depend on the specific configuration used. For instance, the vertical APV concept can produce three times more electricity relative to the loss of farmland compared to conventional ground-mounted PV systems. Yet, when assessing the electricity yield per area of the solar installation itself, the output is only one-third of that from traditional systems.
Interestingly, the horizontal APV concept stands out for its high electricity yields relative to the area of farmland lost, while the innovative 3D tracing system achieves the highest electricity yield per unit area of the solar installation. These findings suggest that there are various strategies that can be deployed to optimize energy production while minimizing agricultural impact.
Böhm notes, “Higher energy yields per loss of farmland are accompanied by higher costs for APV systems.” This insight presents both challenges and opportunities for the energy sector. While the initial investment for advanced APV technologies may be higher, the long-term benefits of increased energy yield and sustainable land use could prove economically viable.
The implications of this research are significant for policymakers and investors looking to support the energy transition. By adopting agrivoltaic systems, Germany could not only enhance its renewable energy output but also protect its agricultural landscape, creating a sustainable model that balances food production and energy needs.
For more information on this research, you can visit the Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut at www.thuenen.de.
