SynAgri-PV

Synergetic integration of photovoltaics in agriculture as a contribution to a successful energy transition - networking and support for the market ramp-up of agrivoltaics in Germany

Status:           current

Project begin: 01.07.2022

Project end:    31.06.2025

Keywords

agriphotovoltaics, land use, competition for land, energy transition

​Description

The concept of agrivoltaics (AV) provides the dual use of agricultural land through the simultaneous cultivation of crops for food production and the installation of solar panels for energy production. This concept not only represents an important contribution to the energy transition, but can also counteract increasing competition for land and generate additional income for farmers. However, time-consuming approval processes and the existing legal framework currently still represent an obstacle to the implementation of a larger number of AV systems. There are also still knowledge gaps existing related to influence of the shadowing solar modules on the crops grown below.

The superordinate goal of the joint project is, therefore, the evaluation of the scientific-technical, legal and social status of AV in Germany. The Plant Ecology department at the University of Hohenheim will investigate plant ecological aspects in AV systems, in particular the interactions between water and light availability and the cultivated crops, with the aim of expanding the knowledge base for yield modeling in AV systems. In addition, the department acts in the networking and public relations work of the project in order to communicate new findings and identify further research needs.

Involved Persons

Andreas Schweiger

Lisa Pataczek

Involved Institutions

Fraunhofer ISE, ZALF

Sponsor

BMBF