Farmers Acknowledge the Benefits of Agri-Solar According to DLG Survey

2024-11-21

A recent survey by the Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft e.V. (DLG), a renowned German agricultural society, highlights the growing interest and optimism among German farmers regarding agri-photovoltaics (Agri-PV). The findings, detailed in the report "Agri-Photovoltaics - Current Situation in Agriculture," reveal that Agri-PV is increasingly seen as a beneficial innovation, despite some economic and regulatory challenges.

Strong Optimism and Interest in Agri-PV Systems

The survey shows that two-thirds of farmers remain optimistic about the future, even in the face of high energy prices. This optimism aligns with their openness to risk-taking and innovation:

  • High Interest in Agri-PV: Over half of the farmers surveyed are willing to invest in open-space PV systems.
  • Conditional Acceptance: An additional third of farmers would consider Agri-PV installations if farming activities could continue alongside PV operations.

Benefits of Agri-PV for Farming Practices

Farmers acknowledge several advantages of Agri-PV systems, particularly in improving agricultural outcomes:

  • Optimized Light for Plants: Agri-PV systems can be designed to ensure plants receive adequate sunlight without compromising electricity yield.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: Farmers noted Agri-PV's potential to promote biodiversity.
  • Wind Erosion Mitigation: These systems may help reduce wind erosion, a critical issue in many regions.

While concerns about machinery compatibility exist, issues like shading effects and weather protection were deemed relatively minor by respondents.

Economic Hurdles for Agri-PV Adoption

Despite its farming benefits, Agri-PV faces skepticism from an economic standpoint:

  • High Initial Investment Costs: Farmers highlighted the steep expenses associated with installing Agri-PV systems.
  • Bureaucratic Challenges: Complex regulatory requirements and unpredictable political conditions were cited as significant obstacles.

In terms of energy production, many farmers showed a preference for feeding power into the grid. Businesses with high energy consumption, such as those in animal husbandry, displayed a greater interest in self-supply compared to arable farming enterprises.

Knowledge Gaps and Legal Challenges

While farmers generally understand the potential of Agri-PV systems, knowledge gaps remain:

  • Legal Framework: There is a lack of clarity around construction laws and grid connection processes.
  • Industry Developments: Farmers feel uninformed about the latest advancements in Agri-PV technology.

Concerns also arise over land usage, particularly whether farmland can be restored to its original state after PV installations are removed.

Proven Success from Pilot Projects

Pilot projects demonstrating the coexistence of farming and electricity generation are crucial in building farmer confidence. Many arable farmers showed increased interest in Agri-PV after observing minimal disruption in pilot trials.

Survey Highlights

The DLG survey, conducted among 125 participants (78% full-time farmers), provided key insights:

  • Land Size: Most respondents managed farms between 101 and 200 hectares.
  • Experience with PV Systems: Over 77% of participants had already invested in traditional roof or roof-parallel PV systems, with an average power of 570 kWp per installation.
  • Technology Preferences: Two-thirds of these systems utilized monocrystalline PV modules.

Conclusion

The DLG survey underscores the growing recognition of Agri-PV as a transformative approach to modern farming. While economic and regulatory challenges persist, the demonstrated benefits in crop production, biodiversity, and wind erosion mitigation are undeniable. With clearer legal frameworks and successful pilot projects, Agri-PV adoption is poised to rise, driving sustainability and productivity in agriculture.

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