Future-orientated agriculture with SUNfarming agrivoltaics

Agri-PV: sustainability and added value for agriculture

The SUNfarming agri and biodiversity solar concept combines agriculture and solar energy in a forward-looking way. In addition to energy generation, it offers significant advantages for animal husbandry and fruit and vegetable growing:
- Dual utilisation and increased yield: agricultural uses such as livestock farming and crop cultivation can be efficiently implemented under the bifacial glass-glass solar modules.
- Biodiversity and species diversity: The concept increases biodiversity on grassland and set-aside areas and fulfils the GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) standards of the 2023-2027 CAP funding period.

Practical solutions

Edith Seemann highlighted how Agri-PV specifically contributes to the protection and optimisation of agricultural processes:
- Animal welfare: cattle, suckler cows, calves and poultry benefit from year-round outdoor housing with protection from weather extremes and predators.
- Efficient cultivation: Hail and heavy rain protection under the solar modules prevents crop losses. A patented rainwater distribution system ensures extensive irrigation and prevents soil erosion.
- Flexibility of use: The designs enable agricultural cultivation with smaller tractors and are also suitable for difficult soils, such as moorland with special root foundations.

Economic advantages and eligibility for subsidies

A particular highlight of the concept is the economic valorisation of set-aside areas:
- Dual utilisation enables agricultural use with simultaneous electricity generation.
- 85% of the land is eligible for subsidies and retains its agricultural status.

Conclusion: Agriculture and the energy transition go hand in hand

The concepts presented demonstrate how the agriculture of the future can not only be made more economically stable, but also more ecologically valuable. The innovative approaches of SUNfarming not only promote climate protection, but also make a decisive contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

Edith Seemann concluded with the words: ‘Agrivoltaics is a win-win solution for agriculture and the environment. It is our responsibility to utilise these opportunities.’