Photovoltaic systems on agricultural land

Background and Objective

Due to the energy turnaround, the expansion of electricity generation in photovoltaic (PV) systems is steadily increasing. In addition to roof space, agricultural land is increasingly being used for expansion. The question arises as to how this expansion affects farms and the agricultural structure in general. To address this question, we are working on various topics in order to create a comprehensive data basis. In addition to classic PV ground-mounted systems, we are primarily looking at the feasibility and economic viability of new agri-photovoltaic concepts that combine agricultural production with electricity generation in photovoltaic systems. Various concepts for this are currently under discussion.

Our Research Questions

In order to answer the questions about photovoltaics on agricultural land, the project is divided into the following topics:

1. Determining the status quo - How much and which land is currently occupied by PV ground-mounted systems?
2. How do the current legal framework conditions affect the economic viability of ground-mounted PV systems?
3. How high are the energy yields from ground-mounted PV systems compared to other renewable energies on agricultural land?
4. How much land will be needed for ground-mounted PV systems in Germany in the future?
5. How can PV systems and agricultural use be combined in an economically viable way in order to reduce competing uses?
6. What are the repercussions of the increasing land requirements for PV electricity generation on the agricultural sector?
   
   

Links and Downloads

The dossier "Photovoltaics on agricultural land - for a rapid energy turnaround" by our President Prof. Dr. Folkhard Isermeyer can be found here (German).