How AgriPV is Revolutionising Farming and Clean Energy

AgriPV is revolutionizing farming by combining solar energy generation with crop cultivation on the same land, addressing both agricultural and energy challenges. The PV4Plants project enhances this innovation with advanced technology that optimizes light for crops while generating clean energy. Tested across diverse climates, it protects crops, saves water, reduces energy costs, and supports rural communities by creating new income opportunities. By bridging agriculture and renewable energy, PV4Plants paves the way for a sustainable future that benefits farmers, the environment, and local economies.

A Game-Changer for Agriculture and the Planet

Imagine a future where farmers can grow crops, generate renewable energy, and protect the environment—all on the same piece of land. Sounds revolutionary, right? This is the promise of AgriPV, a groundbreaking technology that combines solar energy generation with agricultural production in the same area of land.

At its core, AgriPV solves a significant problem: the competition for land between farming and renewable energy projects. By allowing crops and solar panels to coexist, AgriPV ensures farmers don’t have to choose between food production and clean energy.

How Does AgriPV Work?

It’s simple. Solar panels are installed above farmland at a height and arrangement that allows crops to grow underneath. These are not ordinary solar panels. The technology behind AgriPV systems, like those developed in the PV4Plants project, is designed to optimize conditions for both plants and energy generation.

Figure 1: PV4Plants installation in Bursa

For instance, in PV4Plants, we use cutting-edge materials to adjust the light spectrum that reaches the crops. This means plants get the perfect light for photosynthesis while the panels continue to generate electricity.

Why Should You Care?

  • It Protects Crops and Saves Resources

    AgriPV creates a gentle shade under the panels, which protects crops from extreme weather—like scorching heat or hail—and reduces water evaporation from the soil. This means less water is needed for irrigation, a huge win in areas where water is scarce.

  • It Powers Farms with Clean Energy

    The energy produced by AgriPV systems can be used directly on the farm for irrigation pumps, refrigeration, and more. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and lowers energy bills.

  • It Helps Farmers and Rural Communities Thrive

    AgriPV systems generate extra income for farmers by producing renewable energy that can be sold or used locally. They also create new jobs in rural areas, helping to combat the depopulation of farming communities.

What Makes PV4Plants Special?

PV4Plants is a Horizon Europe funded project carried out by a consortium of 14 partners representing 7 EU countries and a multi-disciplinary team of small and large enterprises leaders their respective sectors (PV manufacturing, exploitation and innovation management, financing mechanisms, circularity), high-level universities and research organisations studying user engagement, crops physiology and harvesting quality testing and the development of required materials, and also other organisations such as entrepreneurs confederations and governmental authorities.

Figure 2: PV4Plants Consortium in the pilot site

The PV4Plants project is taking AgriPV to the next level. Our system uses advanced nanoparticle technology on solar panels to optimize the light spectrum for specific crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and even microalgae.

We’re also testing these systems in three diverse climates —Turkey, Spain, and Denmark— to ensure they work for different crops and weather conditions. And it’s not just about technology; we’re engaging with farmers, policymakers, and local communities to ensure AgriPV is affordable, sustainable, and easy to adopt.

A Vision for the Future

AgriPV is more than just a technology—it’s a vision for a sustainable future where agriculture and renewable energy go hand in hand. By adopting systems like PV4Plants, we can help decarbonize farming, reduce energy poverty, and create resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

Join the Movement

At PV4Plants, we’re excited to share updates from our journey to make AgriPV a reality. Follow our blog to learn more about how we’re transforming farming and energy, our latest news, progress and lessons learnt.