Agriculture

Analysts from the Boston Consulting Group and BayWa r.e. have conducted a study examining the additional revenue potential of combining agriculture with photovoltaics. The study also analyses specific cash flows during the transition phase.

Agri-PV systems help farmers generate renewable energy, protect crops and maintain yields against climate pressures. This feature covers core technologies, planning strategies and top service providers.

Visitors to the world’s largest agricultural machinery trade fair left no doubt: independence from external power is now front of mind, driving momentum and raising the bar for renewable integration in modern farming.

By combining a 30 kW solar array and a 2.5 MW biomass system, a flower producer in northern Croatia is now meeting over 70 percent of its electricity demand and heating all greenhouses sustainably.

The fusion of photovoltaics and agriculture is moving from niche to norm. Noam Shvartz, expert at Solaredge, explains an important consideration for farmers looking to incorporate agri-PV into their operations.

With advances in standard PV equipment and proven mounting systems, agrivoltaics is moving beyond its experimental phase and entering mainstream deployment, explains Benjamin von Berg of Trinasolar.

Free to download: our latest special on decentralised solar power and dual land use in agriculture.

Podcast: Elevated solar modules and solar fences are helping farmers generate clean solar power on their pastures and arable land. Stephan Schindele, head of the agri-PV division at BayWa r.e., explains how agricultural transformation and the energy transition are interconnected, offering clear benefits for both farmers and investors. Several countries across Europe are already leading the way with large-scale agri-PV projects.

Developer Alight has secured a multi-million euro grant from the EU Innovation Fund for a 120 MW solar park with 45 MW of co-located battery storage in southeastern Finland.

Exhibitors can now register early for the 2026 edition of EnergyDecentral and benefit from reduced fees until the end of November 2025, a full year ahead of the trade fair.

Podcast (German): Valuable agricultural land can serve two purposes: as pasture or arable land and for generating clean solar power. Stephan Schindele, head of the agri-PV business unit at BayWa r.e., explains the advantages these systems offer farmers – and where the pitfalls lie.

Austrian research shows that crop varieties react differently to the shifting light patterns beneath sun-tracking agrivoltaics, pointing to the critical role of both crop choice and layout.

Farmers looking to maximise both crop and solar output can now rely on Doppelernte’s digital tools, which streamline agri-PV planning and deliver practical insights for improved productivity and returns.

Raspberries and strawberries show distinct responses to agri-PV shading, underscoring the importance of customised system designs for optimal yields.

The approvals clear the way for renewable energy developer VSB to roll out two agri‑PV installations in central Italy, designed for both energy production and farming.

The new facility combines solar power generation with traditional risotto rice cultivation in northern Italy, prioritising responsible water management and the creation of an additional ecological compensation area.

Solar installations can help preserve soil moisture and support the local water balance. Two studies back up these claims and show that farmers can actively manage water use with the right system design.

Roof refurbishments weigh heavily on farm budgets, but photovoltaic systems or leasing models can turn agricultural buildings into assets that finance repairs while generating electricity and income.

Vertical solar modules boost farmland yields and land use. Marius Sinn of Next2Sun outlines the benefits and installation.

Piko CI 100 inverters from Kostal ensure reliable solar power conversion in a dual-use system that keeps farmland productive

The Agrivoltaics Industry Forum Europe 2025 in Milan will explore the key factors for success in agri-PV, including revenue opportunities, construction considerations and operational strategies.

The fund has acquired a 73 MW agri‑PV project in Campania, backed by a 20‑year CfD. The majority of land use will be dedicated to agriculture.

Farmers are increasingly investing in photovoltaic systems to generate their own electricity. This special edition explores the potential of solar energy in agriculture and is available for free download.

A tracking-based Agri-PV system on arable land in western Germany has delivered higher crop yields in its first season compared with a reference plot without solar modules.

The combined use of land for solar power generation and agriculture is gaining momentum across Europe. Explore this topic in our weekly feature, 29 September–2 October.