More yield for agriculture and climate protection
Agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) is on the threshold of the next level of innovation. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have developed a new algorithm for controlling tracker systems that further optimizes the balance between solar power generation and agricultural use. The intelligent tracking of the modules ensures that agricultural crops are protected without losing solar yield. This means a double benefit for the environment and agriculture.
1. Synergies – how trackers create added value
The new technology allows the solar modules to be dynamically adjusted to the position of the sun, plant needs and weather. In contrast to rigid systems, the PV modules in tracker systems are continuously realigned – in one or two axes – in order to achieve the optimal angle of irradiation. At the same time, the shadow cast is controlled so that sensitive crops such as fruit trees, vegetables or berry bushes neither overheat nor suffer from a lack of light.
A pilot project on an orchard in southern Germany, supported by Fraunhofer ISE, shows how successfully this technology can already be used today. The tracker control specifically regulates soil moisture, reduces heat stress and ensures stable agricultural yields. At the same time, the solar power yield is significantly increased.
“A tailored tracking strategy also helps to meet the requirements of various regulations,” says Maddalena Bruno, project manager at Fraunhofer ISE. The technology therefore also plays an important role in the context of increasing network requirements, such as feed-in management or redispatch measures.
2. Hurdles to rapid expansion: bureaucracy, costs and a lack of standards
Despite the promising technology, the large-scale implementation of Agri-PV with tracker control remains the exception so far. A central problem is lengthy, sometimes contradictory approval processes at state level. Small and medium-sized companies are often put off by the complexity and high investment costs – even though the technology can pay off in the long term.
In addition, clear technical standards and coordinated funding mechanisms are missing. While classic PV projects are usually supported by existing EEG structures, there are currently hardly any specific incentives for combined agri-PV systems with trackers. Also questions about feed-in tariff and integration into existing market mechanisms are often unclear.
3. Intelligent tracker control in Agri-PV – the next step
A further leap in innovation is now intended to make the control software market-ready. The aim is to not only align the trackers according to lighting conditions and plant needs, but also to take electricity market prices into account. In this way, solar power could be fed in specifically when stock market prices are high or the network needs to be relieved.
This means that Agri-PV with intelligent tracker control is becoming the focus of the energy transition, not only ecologically but also economically. It will become a key technology that combines climate protection, security of supply and agricultural value creation.
4. Technology with a future – if the framework conditions are right
Agri-PV with intelligent tracker control impressively shows how innovative technology can serve several social goals at the same time: securing food, expanding renewable energies and reducing land pressure in the energy transition. The dual use of valuable agricultural land is therefore a viable solution to avoid conflicts and generate new added value.
In order for this technology to emerge from its niche, political support is needed: accelerated approvals, targeted funding programs and technical standards for operation and integration. The pilot project will then become a new standard with positive consequences for the climate, agriculture and electricity customers alike.