Agriculture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Air and soil temperatures beneath agri-PV systems vary with module height, a recent study has found.

This special edition explores how farmers can use land more efficiently by combining agriculture with solar energy. It also covers technology, insurance and the shift to e-mobility in farming.

Barnsdale Solar Energy Park in Yorkshire will pair utility-scale solar generation with targeted measures to support local habitats and improve biodiversity across the 50-hectare site.

DLG has opened exhibitor registration for EnergyDecentral 2026, launching the process a year in advance of the international trade fair.

A wine grower and farmer built a solar-powered well to supply water for his remote cattle shed. With no grid connection, off-grid solar was the clear solution.

With 169 MWp of Romanian solar and a 9 MWh Polish storage project, Claritas is strengthening its role as an independent player in Central and Eastern Europe’s clean energy transition.

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.

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