A demonstration project for agrivoltaics (agriPV), with a capacity of 3.2 MW, has been successfully launched by German utility RWE. This project has commenced supplying electricity to the grid in Germany.

Situated on approximately seven hectares of recultivated land near the Garzweiler opencast mine in North Rhine-Westphalia, a pioneering project is set to explore the symbiotic relationship between solar power generation and agriculture. This initiative aims to conduct significant application research and demonstrate how these two sectors can be mutually developed at the site. The research activities are scheduled to commence in spring and are expected to span a minimum of five years.

The project will benefit from the scientific expertise of two renowned German research institutions, Forschungszentrum Jülich and Fraunhofer Institution for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE). These institutions will contribute their knowledge and research capabilities to support the project’s objectives.

RWE has announced that the project, which is financially supported by the North Rhine-Westphalia state, will focus on the development of appropriate cultivation methods and the creation of three operational concepts for agrivoltaic systems. These efforts aim to enhance the understanding and practical application of agrivoltaics in the region.

The solar modules are securely attached to a supporting structure in a vertical orientation. They are mounted on a movable axis that enables them to track the sun’s path from east to west. Additionally, the modules are elevated on a substructure resembling a pergola, providing a stable and elevated platform for optimal sun exposure.

RWE has stated that the project will include monitoring the interaction between plant growth and solar PV technology across various seasonal weather conditions over an extended period of time. This comprehensive monitoring will provide valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between vegetation and solar power generation.

In a previous article, PV Tech explored the increasing interest in agrivoltaics. Significant advancements in the field were observed in 2023, including the European Commission’s approval of a 1.7 billion investment scheme in November to foster agrivoltaic development in Italy. PV Tech Premium conducted an in-depth analysis of agrivoltaic deployments, including the emerging trend of urban or rooftop agrivoltaics. The publication also featured an interview with bluewave, a prominent agrivoltaics developer in the United States, discussing the valuable lessons that the broader solar industry can learn from the growth of agrivoltaics.