Agri-PV: The best of both worlds

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As the energy transition progresses, a new challenge arises: the decision on land use. In a country like Germany, which has only limited open space and a high population density, the decision must be made whether an area should be used for energy production or for agriculture. This conflict of objectives is becoming increasingly acute, because for farmers, the construction of a photovoltaic open space offers significantly higher returns - and at less expense - than agricultural land use.

For several decades, research has been carried out worldwide on a solution that is generally referred to by the term agrophotovoltaics (short: agri-PV). Agri-PV is, as the name suggests, a technology in which photovoltaic modules are installed on agricultural land. This combination enables electricity to be generated while being used for agriculture, thus representing a more efficient use of land.

How does agri-PV work?
Basically, there are a variety of different designs and concepts within Agri PV technology and different forms are suitable depending on the location, crop or soil conditions. The common feature is that an originally agricultural area is built with a framework of PV modules. A distinction is made between closed and open systems. With open structures, the PV algeria consumer email list​ modules can be installed either high above the plants or between the plants to save space and some are able to be aligned according to the position of the sun. Closed systems can be part of the roof of greenhouses and are usually rigid - in other words, they do not have any tracking mechanism.

The most common form of agri-PV systems are modules that are erected on stilts above a field. This means that the field can be used to grow fruit, grain or vegetables, and the height of the structure means that the agricultural machinery does not have to worry about operating in any way. The width of the stilts can be individually adapted to the needs of the farmers.

The biggest difference between modules in agri-PV systems and classic PV modules installed on your neighbor's roof is that bifacial modules are used. This property describes that the solar cells are able to absorb light (photons) from both sides. This means that these modules can use both direct sunlight and reflected light from the field or plants.