AgriPV: Combining solar energy with agriculture
AgriPV, or Agricultural Photovoltaics, is an innovative solution that combines energy production with agricultural land use. As the EU sets ambitious targets for renewable energy, AgriPV stands out as a sustainable path forward. Explore this page to learn about Agri PVs role in this green revolution, our position, and why to connect with us.
What is Agri PV?
AgriPV is the practice of combining solar energy production with agriculture by utilizing land beneath or adjacent to solar panels. This approach supports activities such as crop cultivation, livestock grazing, and pollinator habitats while optimizing land use for both food and energy production.
AgriPV systems vary in design, from simple land-sharing models to fully integrated solutions, depending on local conditions, regulations, and technical feasibility.
AgriPV Benefits
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Enviromental benefits
Solar panel shading improves microclimates, boosts biodiversity, reduces evapotranspiration, and prevents soil erosion. AgriPV supports sustainable agriculture with reduced reliance on pesticides, chemical agents, and heavy machinery.
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Economic viability
AgriPV provides farmers with additional income streams, promotes local employment, and contributes to local revenues through taxes.
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Agricultural benefits:
The systems optimize land co-use, offer crop shade, reduce water evaporation, protect against extreme weather, and preserve soil quality.
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Land optimisation
It maximises land use efficiency, combining energy generation with agricultural productivity, especially in land-scarce regions.
Statkraft's role in AgriPV innovation
As a worldwide company, Statkraft is in a unique position to bring research and innovation to industry, farmers and decision-makers.
Statkraft has also launched an internal initiative called "The AgriPower Initiative" aimed at developing knowledge about agrivoltaism and building effective tools for developing smart projects.
Addressing the challenges
While the benefits are clear, we also acknowledge the challenges such as initial investment costs, maintenance requirements, and potential impacts on crop yields.
Statkraft is dedicated to addressing these concerns through meticulous planning and collaboration with experts, ensuring the continuous improvement of AgriPV practices.
Why AgriPV and why now?
Climate change and net-zero goals boost renewable energy needs.
The Ukraine conflict is also underscoring the importance of energy independence, accelerating renewables development in the EU.
AgriPV could increase EU's energy output by using just 1% of existing farmland for solar power, potentially generating over 900 GW, a sixfold increase without extra land use.
Want to join our Agri PV journey?
There are many reasons to get in touch with us:
- Do you have research and development ideas or have a project in mind that could benefit from collaboration? Submit your proposals and let's explore partnership opportunities!
- Got an AgriPV project you're eager to get off the ground? Share your project with us and let's make it a reality together.
- Curious about AgriPV or what innovative strides we're making? Discover more about our work and how we're pushing the boundaries of agricultural photovoltaics.
- If you've developed an innovative structure or tool and are looking for a platform to showcase it, come present your innovation to us. We're excited to see what you've created!
Emma Azeau
AgriPower Initiative Leader
Study on sheep well-being with photovoltaic panels
In a pioneering study, Statkraft, along with CVE and INRAE, investigated the effects of photovoltaic panels on sheep grazing from 2022 to 2023. The research aimed to determine if these solar installations influenced the sheep's well-being, behavior, health, and environment.
Key findings were:
- Sheep's daily activities were unaffected by photovoltaic panels.
- Panels provided shade, reducing heat stress and potentially extending grazing.
- Sheep health remained stable, with no impact from the panels.
- Management changes resolved initial injury concerns.
- Panels may protect against frosts, improving grazing conditions.
More on AgriPV from Statkraft
Case study from the Netherlands and Italy
In several countries, attempts are now being made to combine agriculture with solar energy. Statkraft is planning such projects in both Italy and the Netherlands.
Press release: University of Bari and Statkraft join forces for sustainable agrivoltaics
Statkraft Italy has signed a four-year research agreement with the Department of Agro-Environmental and Territorial Sciences (DiSAAT) at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Southern Italy. The title of the project is "Agri-photovoltaics for a sustainable future".