The solar industry is constantly on the lookout for suitable land for its systems. Such areas are increasingly found in rural areas, where multiple use as agricultural land and solar sites is possible - agri-PV is the name of the solution that farmers can use to diversify their income. “To do this, however, they need an experienced partner at their side“, says Markus W. Voigt, CEO of the aream Group, which will be represented at the “EnergyDecentral” trade fair in Hanover from 12 to 15 November.

The energy transition signifies an enormous and complex transformation in the landscape,  particularly in land use. This change is taking place primarily in rural regions due to the lower settlement density, resulting in intense competition between solar installations and agriculture. However, this competition can be resolved in a positive way to benefit both sides - through agrivoltaics (agri-PV), i.e. the installation of specialised solar systems on land that is still used for agriculture. “Agri-PV allows the multiple utilisation of land“, explains Voigt. ”It increases the efficiency of their utilisation and thus reduces competition for scarce sites.”

In terms of green electricity production, agri-PV is less land-efficient. Under planning law, however, agri-PV is primarily considered an agricultural use. This eliminates restrictions that actually serve to protect agriculture. “The lower land efficiency is therefore more than compensated for by an enormous increase in the area available for potential project developments“, says Voigt. “This ultimately benefits the farmers.“

Agri-PV not only has an exceptional position in terms of planning law, as the legislator has also introduced a corresponding subsidy package for these special solar systems. “On the marketing side, this results in economically viable business models that are not only attractive for project planners and investors“, explains Voigt. For farmers, this enables them to become energy producers. “They can diversify their income by generating rental income from agri-PV projects in addition to the income from agriculture, thereby reducing their dependence on agricultural subsidies.“ 

However, to realise the full potential of agri-PV, farmers need reliable partners. These are particularly found among market players who have both the knowledge and experience in project planning for agri-PV systems and also provide financing. Agri-PV now accounts for almost 50 per cent of the aream Group's active project pipeline. 

From 12 to 15 November, aream will be represented with its project development division at the “EnergyDecentral“ trade fair in Hanover in Hall 25, Stand K11 as part of ‘EuroTier 2024’.