The upcoming Intersolar Europe event in Munich from June 14-16, 2023, will showcase the importance of agricultural photovoltaics (PV) in the solar industry. The exhibition will emphasize how agriculture and renewable energy generation are coming together to accelerate the transition to new energy models while maintaining vital agricultural yields.
Agricultural PV installations offer numerous benefits for farming operations. These include the production of renewable electricity for decentralized self-consumption, which can significantly reduce costs for grid-supplied electricity. In addition, any excess electricity produced can also be sold, providing an extra income stream for agricultural businesses.
The integration of solar installations within agricultural settings presents a variety of application possibilities. Raised solar modules can cover crops, an approach especially suitable for wine growing and cultivating fruits, berries, herbs, and plants that thrive in partial shade. Free-standing solar installations on fields and meadows can be fitted with trackers that follow the sun’s course, increasing energy yields by around 20 percent. These trackers can also be moved to accommodate agricultural machinery.
Several European countries, including Italy, Germany, and France, recognize the potential of agricultural PV, passing regulations and creating funding incentive programs to encourage innovative installations.
Intersolar Europe is hosting a session called “Agrivoltaics in France and Germany: Potential, Business Models and Best Practice” to showcase the latest developments in this field. In addition, several exhibitors, such as BayWa r.e. AG, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Next2Sun GmbH, Goldbeck Solar GmbH, and SunFarming GmbH will also demonstrate their solutions at the event. With more than 85,000 visitors from different parts of the world and 2,200 exhibitors across 17 exhibition halls spanning 180,000 square meters, Intersolar Europe offers an excellent opportunity to explore the latest advancements in agricultural PV. The event is a platform for innovative developments in the solar industry, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
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Image provided by Intersolar Europe
