Agri-photovoltaic systems are still relatively new in Germany. They were first defined in the DIN Spec 91434 standard from May 2021 and supplemented by another DIN Spec on animal husbandry (DIN Spec 91492) in the summer of this year. The regulatory requirements in the Renewable Energy Sources Act and in the stipulations of the Federal Network Agency are largely based on DIN Spec 91434.
‘There have been numerous changes in the funding structure, which is why there is no clear data on agri-PV systems,’ says Carsten Körnig, managing director of the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar). A few years ago, there was a one-time limited tender volume as part of the innovation tender, but this remained largely unused due to unsuitable tender conditions.
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In the EEG 2023, an (insufficient) bonus for agri-PV systems was introduced, whereby the systems have to participate in the regular tendering of the first segment and then receive the bonus separately from the award. This does not allow for a clear demarcation of agri-PV systems in the tenders.
‘The sub-segment for ‘special solar installations’ in the open-field tenders, introduced by Solar Package I at the decisive initiative of our association, will provide more clarity in the future, but cannot yet be applied due to the still pending approval under state aid law,’ said Körnig.
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It is also possible to participate in the regular tenders in the first segment with agri-PV systems without taking advantage of the special regulation for agri-PV systems. ‘Due to the cost structure, this is probably only used in isolated cases, but so far it has not been possible to record this clearly,’ says Körnig.
Poor data quality of the market master data register
In the market master data register, there is an option under the land use category to record the plants as ‘special solar plants’. Unfortunately, the data quality here is still poor, as multiple assignments are possible and the entry is made without being checked by the plant operator, according to Körnig. According to the market master data register (as of 26 November 2020), PV systems with a capacity of around 65 megawatts (MW) have been installed in Germany to date with the self-classification ‘Agri PV’. Of these, solar systems with 39 MW were funded through tenders.
However, the theoretical potential of agri-PV is significantly higher. Many project developers are currently planning agri-PV systems, but are still waiting for the new sub-segment ‘special solar systems’ in the tenders to be able to implement the systems.
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‘As a result of the improvements in the legal framework, we estimate that interest in agri-PV will soon increase significantly. The introduction of a separate EEG sub-segment for special solar installations at the solar park funding auctions, as well as the privileged treatment under building law of agri-PV installations up to 2.5 hectares in size near farms, will contribute to this,’ emphasises Körnig.
Privileged building rights for all agri-PV systems
From the point of view of the BSW-Solar, the new regulation should make the search for locations for solar parks much easier in the future and also offer more scope for the hybrid form of agri-PV. In order to fully exploit the associated potential for climate protection and agriculture, further political action is needed, in particular the introduction of a building law privilege for all agri-PV and solar thermal systems. ‘We had recently addressed this recommendation to politicians again, for example at the Bundestag hearing on RED III,’ said Körnig.
Waiting for the decision from Brussels
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWi) is in ‘constructive talks’ with the EU Commission regarding the state aid approval requirement for the tenders for ‘special solar installations’ decided in Solar Package 1, spokesman Daniel Greve announced upon request. These provide for increased funding rates. An exact date for the decision from Brussels is not yet known, but an early decision is being sought.
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Until then, the requirements of the EEG in the version dated 15 May 2024 apply, clarifies the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) in response to a query. According to press officer Michael Reifenberg, agri-PV projects with a capacity of around 192 MW have been awarded funding in the tenders since 2023. (hcn)
