As land use pressure increases across the globe, agrivoltaics offers a practical and innovative solution. By combining solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same land, agrivoltaic systems help make land use more efficient without sacrificing food or energy needs. This dual-use approach is now being tested and refined in several pilot programs worldwide.
The Heggelbach Demonstration Project
One of the most significant projects showcasing this technology is in Germany, where a demonstration is underway at the Demeter farm cooperative Heggelbach. The project is led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
This pilot program integrates rows of bifacial glass-glass solar panels, raised five meters above the ground. The structure allows ample sunlight to reach the crops while also generating clean electricity. These solar modules are bifacial, meaning they collect solar energy from both sides. Sunlight reflected off the ground or snow adds up to 25% more electricity generation in favorable conditions.
Impact on Crop Production
The agrivoltaic system was tested with a variety of crops, including winter wheat, potatoes, celeriac, and clover grass. Thanks to the thoughtful spacing and orientation of the panels, the crops receive consistent, diffused sunlight. This type of light management can actually increase crop resilience, especially during hot and dry periods.
Power Production and Efficiency
The installation at Heggelbach consists of 720 bifacial panels with a total installed power of 194 kilowatts. In just one year, the system generated 1,266 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt installedโabout 33% more than the German national average of 950 kWh/kW.
This energy production is more than just a number. The electricity is actively used on the farm, powering electric vehicles and processing equipment. In fact, during the summer, nearly all of the farmโs electricity demand was met directly from the solar panels.
A Model for Sustainable Land Use
The Heggelbach project is more than just a proof of conceptโitโs a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture and energy. It shows that renewable energy generation and food production donโt have to compete for space. With strategic design, both can coexist, improving land use efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.
Source: Fraunhofer ISE
