Study by the University of Bonn sees great potential for solar cells on grain fields or pastures.
Study by the University of Bonn sees great potential for solar cells on grain fields or pastures.
Photovoltaic systems are increasingly being installed not only on roofs but also on open land. This does not always meet with citizens’ approval. What is known as agrivoltaics (Agri-PV), however, is viewed more favorably, as researchers at the University of Bonn have now been able to show. In this case, the solar cells are installed in spaces used for agriculture – such as on pastures or as a canopy over grapevines. According to a survey of almost 2,000 people, this form enjoys much higher acceptance than normal solar parks. The study has been published in the journal “Land Use Policy.”
Solar electricity is an important environmentally friendly energy source. However, the light-sensitive panels swallow up a great deal of space. Many citizens also consider the systems to be unattractive and annoying – especially if arable land and grassland has been sacrificed for them.
One alternative is what is known as agrivoltaics. This involves installing the panels on land that continues to be used for agriculture – grain fields, pastures, apple orchards, or vineyards. “They usually reduce the yield,” explains Hendrik Zeddies from the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. “However, they sometimes also create synergies. For example, the solar cells can be used as a transparent canopy to protect fruit trees or grapevines from hailstones or harsh sunlight. On wheat fields, they often serve as wind protection – similar to a wall or a hedge.”
Read more at University of Bonn
Image: The researchers showed the respondents - images of land used for agriculture and identical landscape scenes in which they had installed solar panels for comparison (image). Compared to a conventional solar park, agrivoltaics met with greater acceptance. (Figure: AG Qaim/Uni Bonn)
