Key Takeaways:
- EU Solar Energy Targets: The EU aims to deploy approximately 750 gigawatts of solar energy total by 2030, highlighting the growing importance of dual land use and agricultural PV.
- Innovative Solar Integration: Agricultural PV combines agriculture with solar energy production, offering benefits like storm protection and reduced land competition.
- Financial Support and Subsidies: European countries, including Germany and France, invest in agricultural PV through subsidies and dedicated legislation to enhance solar deployment.
- Showcase at Intersolar Europe: The event will feature a special exhibit on agricultural PV, with contributions from industry leaders and a focus on advanced technologies and solutions.
Introduction to Intersolar Europe 2024
Intersolar Europe, the premier global exhibition for the solar industry, will take place in Munich from June 19 to 21, 2024. This event is part of The smarter E Europe, the continent’s largest alliance of exhibitions dedicated to the energy sector. This year, Intersolar Europe will particularly highlight agricultural photovoltaic (PV) technology, reflecting the European Union’s ambitious solar energy targets and the increasing relevance of dual land use concepts.
The Rise of Agricultural PV
Agricultural PV represents a transformative approach in the energy sector, allowing simultaneous agricultural production and solar electricity generation on the same land. This innovative method addresses the historical either/or scenario between agriculture and renewable energy, providing a sustainable solution that benefits both sectors.
Subsidies and Legislative Support
Countries like Germany and France are leading the way in supporting agricultural PV. Germany has introduced a special auction segment for “special solar installations” which includes agricultural PV, while France has implemented dedicated legislation to promote such initiatives. Other nations like Austria and the Netherlands are also advancing their agricultural PV sectors through various subsidies and incentives.
Benefits of Agricultural PV
The integration of solar panels with farming offers multiple advantages:
- Protection: Solar installations provide physical protection to crops from adverse weather conditions.
- Cost Efficiency: These systems often have lower electricity production costs compared to smaller, roof-mounted installations.
- Diversified Farmer Income: The dual use of land allows farmers to generate additional revenue from electricity production.
- Environmental Benefits: Features like shading and wind protection reduce water evaporation, and some innovative solar panels can collect rainwater for irrigation, enhancing agricultural resilience.
Showcasing Best Practices
Intersolar Europe 2024 will not only focus on agricultural PV but also showcase best practices from across the continent. Examples include BayWa r.e. AG’s raspberry plantation project in the Netherlands and Europe’s largest agricultural PV plant in Sicily, which integrates solar technology with traditional fig and olive cultivation. These projects illustrate the practical applications and benefits of agricultural PV in enhancing both crop yield and sustainability.
Special Exhibits and Expert Sessions
A special exhibit in the Outdoor Area of Intersolar Europe will be dedicated to agricultural PV, featuring partners such as BayWa AG, Conexio PSE, and ZIMMERMANN PV-Steel Group. Approximately 60 of the more than 1,370 exhibitors will present products and solutions specific to agricultural PV. The Intersolar Forum and Conference will host sessions where experts will delve deeper into the subject, discussing latest developments and sharing insights.
