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Harvesting the Sun: Energising Agriculture and Biodiversity

by Lina Dubina - 28 January 2025

As the world grapples with the increasing intensity of the climate crisis, water scarcity, food insecurity and biodiversity loss, a proven solution emerges: agrisolar. The marriage of solar power and agriculture has now been successfully implemented for over a decade across Europe, addressing multiple global challenges simultaneously.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of our society. By the end of the decade, food demand is projected to surge by 50%, while climate change threatens to reduce arable land by 30%. Moreover, the farming population is aging, with fewer young people entering the field.

“We are going to be facing a big hunger problem if we continue on our current path. We need to make sure farming is an attractive career option; Agri-PV offers the chance to engage with cutting-edge technology and earn additional revenues,” says Stephan Schindele, Head of Product Management Agri-PV at BayWa r.e.

One exemplar of this is Piet Albers, a Dutch farmer who demonstrates how combining solar power with agriculture can revitalise the sector. “Farmers today face extreme weather conditions, making fruit cultivation challenging. Solar systems provide a solution,” Albers explains.

Agri-PV refers to a solar installation co-located with agricultural and nature conservation practices dependent on sunlight.

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In April 2019, Albers launched a pilot agrisolar project with BayWa r.e. and GroenLeven to grow raspberries under solar panels. The semi-transparent panels protect crops from harsh weather, while generating green energy for farm use or sale to local communities. This installation features 10,250 solar panels over 31,000 raspberry plants, with a generation capacity of 2.7 MW.

“The benefits are clear. The weather protection from the panels increases crop yield by reducing fruit loss. Working under the panels is also more comfortable due to the cooling effect and stable climate,” Albers notes.

Agrisolar installations replace traditional plastic covers with durable, long-lasting solar panels, reducing environmental impact and maintenance costs. “The panels have a 30-year lifespan, unlike the frequently replaced plastic covers, which often break,” Albers adds.

Policy support is crucial for the expansion of agrisolar. “Government funding is needed for these specific and costly technologies. In the Netherlands, we also need to address the grid connection backlog for agrisolar projects,” Albers urges.

Agri-PV can reduce water usage on farms by 20-30%
Solar PV could cover global energy demand if less than 1% of cropland were converted to Agri-PV systems
Agri-PV systems can increase crop yield by 15%-60%
Solar sites can reach biodiversity net gain up to 280%

Over the past decade, agrisolar has demonstrated substantial benefits. A SolarPower Europe study shows agrisolar can increase crop yield, reduce water usage, and enhance biodiversity. Across Europe, agrisolar projects have noted an increase in crop yield of 15-60% depending on the crop. In France, agrisolar projects have shown a 20-30% reduction in water usage, while in Germany, solar installations have helped improve soil moisture retention.

Moreover, agrisolar initiatives support biodiversity. Through carefully planned PV structure design, and leveraging technological advancements, solar systems can facilitate varying degrees of light penetration. This promotes diverse plant growth, creates habitats for pollinators, and enhances soil quality. The boost in biodiversity can improve ecosystem resilience, a crucial element for the sustainability of agricultural practices.

The economic potential is significant as well. SolarPower Europe’s report highlights that agrisolar projects can offer dual land use, combining energy production with agriculture, maximising land efficiency. In Spain, agrisolar projects have demonstrated that farmers can generate additional income streams by selling excess solar energy, enhancing farm profitability.

To fully realise agrisolar’s potential, policymakers must act decisively. Streamlining regulatory processes, providing financial incentives, and investing in grid infrastructure are essential steps. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy could be a vehicle for promoting agrisolar by integrating support for renewable energy projects within its framework.

As Europe aims for a sustainable future, agrisolar offers a path to energise agriculture, support biodiversity, and secure food supply. By fostering innovation and supporting farmers, Europe can lead in this promising field, ensuring that solar energy empowers not only our grids but also our fields and communities.