Keywords: Agrivoltaics , Agri-Photovoltaik, Agri-PV
"PV+Agriculture is an emerging business model for photovoltaic power generation and a type of PV-compounding project. This model solves the problem of land competition between photovoltaic power stations and agriculture, and enables multiple uses of land in agricultural production practices, providing a strong technical support for the sustainable development of agriculture and the photovoltaic industry. In fact, in addition to becoming autonomous and self-sufficient in terms of energy, the farm can also produce excess energy (instead of using it for its own use), which can be sold to the national grid.
How can photovoltaics be installed on farms?
In addition to the roof of a shed, it can also be installed on the roofs of barns, granaries, other buildings, land or greenhouses. Greenhouses are part of the agricultural photovoltaic sector and are represented by photovoltaic greenhouses whose roofs are replaced by opaque or transparent solar panels.
A photovoltaic system on a farm, shed or other structure allows you to capture the sun's rays and convert them into electricity, making full use of renewable energy. This allows the farm to meet its energy needs without disruption, and this energy can be used for heating, air conditioning or various production functions.
How much PV do I need for my farm
Agricultural PV systems can come in different sizes and powers, and the most suitable choice depends on the company itself, for example in terms of energy requirements.
The recommended minimum power is around 20kWp, below which it may not meet the needs of the farm. This option is ideal for farms with an average annual consumption of 26,000 kWp. A PV system of this type requires approximately 220 m2 of surface to mount the panels.
If the company is larger and has a higher energy demand, the reference average power is 50 kWp. For an average annual consumption of 65,000 kWp this is the right choice. A company PV system of this type requires a surface of approximately 550 m2.
The maximum recommended power corresponds to 100 kWp. Beyond this, a power higher than 100 kWp may be excessive. For a farm consuming approximately 130,000 kWp per year, this is the right choice. For a PV system with this power, a surface of approximately 550 m2 is required.
Policies related to agricultural PV
In the EU, in addition to the full implementation of the CEP (Clean Energy Package) and in particular the Renewable Energy Directive, there are several policy initiatives to encourage the development of agricultural PV in Europe.
However, in some European countries, such as Italy and France, current regulations prohibit the installation of ground-mounted PV systems in agricultural areas for reasons that include, in addition to potential environmental issues such as soil hardening, landscape and biodiversity degradation, the demand from stakeholders to maximise PV capacity and benefit from high subsidies, regardless of the light requirements of the crop.
French solar company TSE has developed an agricultural PV rotating roof that allows large agricultural machinery to drive beneath the panels. The system has a rotating roof that can accommodate bifacial solar modules over 5.5 metres in height. The canopy is set on a four-post structure with dimensions of 27 metres by 12 metres.
Italy has the relevant incentive called PNRR, specifically, €1.5 billion for the entire national territory, of which the maximum eligible expenditure per beneficiary is equal to €250,000.00 (excl. VAT). Solar panels are only allowed to be installed on the roof of buildings used for agricultural/livestock/agro-industrial purposes and therefore also not on the ground.
Maysun Solar, as a manufacturer of photovoltaic modules with 15 years of professional experience, can provide you with high quality solar panels. We have experience with large scale PV systems and can view our project examples at
You can also contact us for a product quote by clicking the button below.