Visit from Heinsberg: Farmers discover Agri-Solar in Rathenow

On 29 November 2024, SUNfarming welcomed 45 farmers from the Heinsberg and Selfkant districts to the Food & Energy plant in Rathenow. The excursion was organised by the Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia and led by Josef Schmitz, Managing Director of VFL Heinsberg.

Edith Seemann, Managing Director of SUNfarming Projektentwicklung and herself from the Heinsberg region, gave a tour of the innovative facility together with SUNfarming founder Peter Schrum.

Insights into the future of agriculture
The visitors were given a comprehensive insight into the possibilities of agrivoltaics:
- Cattle farming, fruit, vegetable and herb cultivation under bifacial solar modules.
- Dual utilisation of the land, which is used both for agricultural purposes and to generate electricity.
- Increased yield and protection against extreme weather conditions such as hail and heavy rain.

Economic and ecological advantages

Edith Seemann and Peter Schrum emphasised the economic benefits of the concept:
- Upgrading set-aside areas: with Agri-PV, areas remain eligible for subsidies and retain their agricultural status.
- Up to 85 % eligible for subsidies: Additional income is generated through dual utilisation.

Enthusiasm and dialogue
The visit was characterised by a lively exchange between the farmers and SUNfarming experts. Edith Seemann: ‘It's great to receive visitors from my home country here in Rathenow and to show how agrivoltaics can contribute to an economic and ecological future.’
SUNfarming is looking forward to continuing to work with farmers to develop sustainable solutions and strengthen agriculture.

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