Paweł Kwiecień (Kelfield): Agrovoltaics will help secure our energy sector without limiting agricultural production
Since 2019, Kelfield has been dedicated to pioneering projects centered around renewable energy sources. Their primary objective is to bring variety to local agricultural practices by incorporating contemporary solutions.
Paweł Kwiecień, the Director of Renewable Energy Development at Kelfield, sheds light on the progress of agrovoltaics. He shares insights into the potential it holds and the advantages it offers to the agricultural sector.
What is agrovoltaics?
Agrovoltaics, also known as Agrofotowoltaika, Agro-PV, Agri-PV, or APV, are terms that capture the collaboration between agriculture and solar energy.
Agrophotovoltaics represents an inventive approach in agriculture, involving the integration of agricultural production with solar infrastructure. This infrastructure includes photovoltaic setups designed specifically for APV. This contemporary concept enables land to be used efficiently for ongoing agricultural activities and crop cultivation, all while generating energy from sunlight.
Not long ago, agrophotovoltaics referred mainly to ground or rooftop installations placed on farm structures. The energy generated from these setups powered the farm itself. However, today, the focus has shifted to APV installations situated on agricultural land where crops grow, pastures linked with animal husbandry, or even paired with beekeeping and aquaculture.
The central principle of APV is to prioritize agriculture, crop cultivation, and livestock breeding as the primary objectives. The energy-generation infrastructure serves as a complementary addition, occupying a modest percentage of the area (typically 95-99% of the available space is preserved for further agricultural endeavors).
What are the types and how are agroPV installations created?
Agrivoltaic setups are characterized by specially designed systems that support Agricultural Photovoltaic (APV) installations, optimized for farming purposes. When creating these structures or agrophotovoltaic systems, it’s crucial to consider their impact on plants, animals, access to sunlight and rainwater, as well as their effect on preventing soil erosion.
The DIN 91434:2021-05 specification, titled “Agrovoltaic systems Main agricultural application requirements,” was the first to categorize APV structures. The document introduces two main categories for agrovoltaic setups:
- Category I high constructions with cultivation under the panels.
- Category II structures on the ground with crops between the panels.
Both Category I and Category II constructions have the option of permanently mounting photovoltaic (PV) modules at an angle or using tracker systems to follow the sun’s movement. This enables agricultural activities, crops, and livestock breeding either under the panels (Category I) or between the panel rows (Category II).
Moreover, under Category II, there’s a fascinating innovation known as vertical Agro-Fence APV systems. These systems involve setting up solar panels in a unique way. Instead of the usual horizontal setup, the PV modules are actually mounted vertically on support structures that are organized in rows, aligned along a north-south direction. Getting the spacing between these rows just right is a bit of an art, influenced by a bunch of factors: the kind of crops being grown, the machinery being used, how much shade the structures or nearby objects (like forests or thick bushes) cast, and even the lay of the land. The Kelfield Group is a player in this game, working on agrophotovoltaic projects that rely on these vertical support systems. And guess what This could mean a big leap forward for vertical agrophotovoltaics right here in Poland!
How does this affect agricultural crops?
Systems for APV mitigate the impact of high temperatures, protect against wind, which helps to maintain appropriate conditions for crop growth.
Numerous factors play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. For instance, having access to oxygen and CO2 is essential for their overall well-being. Moreover, light plays a key role in driving the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, when designing an Agro-Photovoltaic (APV) structure, it’s vital to ensure that the plants receive sufficient sunlight to support their growth
In recent years, the issue of drought has garnered significant attention. Water is a critical element for plants to absorb essential nutrients. When selecting an appropriate APV system for a specific type of crop, it’s important to guarantee that rainwater can effectively reach the plants. Interestingly, APV systems offer an added benefit: the shading they provide helps to minimize water loss by protecting the ground from excessive evaporation.
What’s truly innovative about APV projects is their ability to shield crops from various weather conditions. Adverse weather elements like strong winds, hail, and high temperatures can lead to substantial crop losses. APV systems play a role in mitigating the impact of high temperatures and shielding against strong winds, ultimately contributing to maintaining the optimal conditions necessary for successful crop growth.
Can PV modules be used to grow any crop
Agrovoltaics can work with crops of various durations – one-year, two-year, and long-term plants – across different scenarios. However, it’s crucial to choose APV mounting systems that will have the most positive impact on these agricultural crops.
The key is to ensure that the chosen crop isn’t limited in its potential yield, while also minimizing any negative effects on energy production. Depending on whether we’re talking about grains (like wheat and barley), veggies (such as onions and peas), or fruits (like blueberries and strawberries), different types of APV systems will be needed.
Considering both shade-loving and light-loving plants, it’s important to ensure that the APV installation doesn’t harm the plant or cast shadows on the PV modules themselves. Also, the frequency of harvest must be taken into account when blending APV and crop systems. The design of structures should be carefully planned so they don’t interfere with harvesting operations.
When strategizing about agricultural crops and their integration with technical infrastructure, local conditions and climate play a big role. Don’t overlook the significance of flower meadows with complex root systems that help retain water in the soil, supporting biodiversity. These meadows not only enhance the environment but also fit well into beekeeping systems.
In Europe, research is ongoing to assess various plant types when combined with APV systems, and initial findings and analyses are being shared. It’s important to realize that determining whether a specific structure suits a particular plant requires years of research. Plus, it’s advisable to avoid growing the same plant varieties on the same agricultural land year after year.
agroPV installation; source: Kelfield.pl
Many animal species also live in agricultural areas. What impact do agroPV installations have on them?
When planning out an Agrophotovoltaic (APV) setup, it’s important to consider the needs and advantages for the local wildlife, including birds and insects. These systems can indeed influence the biodiversity in the area. However, well-thought-out APV installations can actually provide habitats for various species while also contributing to the overall protection of biodiversity.
Solar panels placed on the suitable APV structures cast shadows over the land, which can impact the amount of natural light that reaches the ground. This alteration can affect the normal behavior and daily rhythms of animals. For instance, at our headquarters in Główczyce, we’ve set up a demo APV installation. And guess what We’re expanding it with more rows of modules.
Drawing from our current experience, we conducted a trial involving dairy cattle, and the results were clear – these animals benefited from the shade offered by the vertical APV systems. When designing APV installations in pastures, it’s crucial to ensure that the structures are arranged in a way that minimizes any negative effect on animals. This means giving them room to move freely and access both sunny and shaded areas. Importantly, the technical elements must not pose any danger to the animals and must be safeguarded against potential damage.
By considering these factors, we can create APV systems that not only generate energy but also coexist harmoniously with the local environment, supporting wildlife and biodiversity.
What other benefits can farmers opting for agroPV benefit from?
With their innovative solutions, agrophotovoltaic systems are transforming farms into hubs of innovation. Whether a farm follows conventional or ecological practices, the integration of agrophotovoltaics turns it into a farm of the future – a more environmentally friendly and sustainable one.
The introduction of APV systems onto farms brings forth a host of advantages. These can include lowered energy costs, additional income from energy production, and even the possibility of leasing land for APV installations. Whichever route is taken, the result is a more economically stable and progressively developing farm.
Farms that opt to blend agricultural and energy production not only maximize land utilization but also foster a synergistic relationship between these activities.
Beyond the economic gains, agrophotovoltaic farms play a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The rising demand for products from eco-conscious and sustainable farms adds another layer of appeal.
In fact, APV crops align well with the concept of carbon farming. By implementing specific agricultural techniques, a farm can generate carbon credits that are marketable. What’s significant is that, with careful planning and effective land usage, the farmer can retain their direct payments for eligible hectares while undertaking this transformative journey.
In essence, embracing agrophotovoltaic technology allows farms to flourish not just economically, but also ecologically, paving the way for a brighter and greener future.
Is agrovoltaics an opportunity for the dynamic development of PV?
Agrophotovoltaics is the future of agriculture and the photovoltaic industry, which is currently developing dynamically, but still has many unknowns.
The increasing global demand for both food and electricity has fueled the rapid growth of Agrovoltaics, a cutting-edge direction in photovoltaic technology. Unlike traditional PV systems that solely occupy land for energy generation infrastructure, Agrovoltaics innovatively utilizes the land for multiple purposes.
This approach doesn’t just contribute to the advancement of the photovoltaic sector, but it also effectively doubles its development impact, not just in Poland and Europe, but across the entire world.
In recent years, shifts in climate patterns, soil degradation, and the encroachment of deserts have directly affected agricultural land. These changes could potentially lead to a shortage of usable agricultural land in the future.
As available agricultural land becomes more limited, the competition for its utilization could give rise to conflicts. The installation of APV systems plays a vital role in securing the essential resources required for human sustenance and progress, like food and other vital materials that drive our development.
Agrophotovoltaics stands as the future of both agriculture and the photovoltaic industry. This evolving field is making rapid strides, but still holds numerous uncertainties. The emergence of these unknowns emphasizes the importance of conducting continuous research and analysis for the dynamic growth of APV systems. As the world seeks sustainable solutions, Agrovoltaics stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping our future.
Why are these solutions still not very popular? Especially in our country.
Conventional photovoltaic installations have become highly popular in our country. However, the concept of Agrophotovoltaics (APV), which stems from photovoltaics, is still relatively unfamiliar to farmers and landowners, leading to a lack of sufficient knowledge about its benefits.
Agrophotovoltaics is a budding field in our nation, and it’s crucial to raise public awareness about the advantages, prospects, and technical intricacies of APV. Some countries have established special financial programs to support farmers who choose to implement APV systems on their land.
In Poland, there’s currently a lack of well-defined legal frameworks and incentives that could encourage the adoption of this technology. As members of the Polish Photovoltaic Association, we are actively involved in its Agrophotovoltaics working group. Collaboratively, we’re striving to ensure that APV receives appropriate legislative attention in our country.
The primary goal of agrovoltaics is to preserve agricultural land while sustaining crop cultivation and livestock activities. The installation itself serves as infrastructure that generates electricity, all the while positively impacting farming endeavors. An encompassing legal framework for agrophotovoltaics should provide guidelines that facilitate its growth within our country. This way, we can align ourselves with other nations that are shaping the future of agrovoltaics in Europe.
I frequently participate in meetings organized by the working groups of Solar Power Europe association. One of these groups focuses on agrophotovoltaics and explores its applications across various countries. I am eager to take part in discussions that highlight Poland as a country open to hosting APV installations on agricultural land, such as class III. Embracing agrophotovoltaics can secure our energy needs without compromising agricultural output.
What agroPV projects do you have in your portfolio as Kelfield?
The development of APV is very important to us and that is why we do not stop, we have taken further steps to contribute even more to the development of agrophotovoltaics in Poland and Europe.
Established in 2019, Kelfield is dedicated to the development of renewable energy projects with a unique vision. Our primary aim is to enrich local agricultural practices by integrating modern solutions that merge contemporary agriculture with the latest trends in energy transformation.
Our pioneering initiatives revolve around agrophotovoltaic (APV) farms, anchored on vertical support structures designed to hold double-sided (bifacial) photovoltaic modules.
Moreover, we’re embarking on a hybrid project that involves a wind farm featuring 9 turbines with a combined capacity exceeding 59 MWp, alongside a vertical APV installation boasting 50 MWp capacity. To optimize energy use, we intend to incorporate energy storage, leveraging a portion of the energy for green hydrogen production through electrolysis.
Currently, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer IWU institution, we’re engaged in a technical and economic exploration of hydrogen applications in various scenarios. Kelfield’s headquarters in Główczyce hosts the Polish Center for Agrophotovoltaics, a hub dedicated to advancing vertical APV systems.
Beyond this, we’re actively executing five APV projects, totaling 40 MWp capacity. These projects span multiple stages of development: two have secured building permits, a third is in the permit application process, a fourth is navigating through development conditions, and the fifth is nearing completion of local zoning plan adjustments.
Committed to maintaining the highest project standards, we’re setting up two additional GPO stations. Each station will encompass three 50 MVA transformers. The projects are located on Kelfield’s 300-hectare agricultural lands where wheat, triticale, and rapeseed are cultivated.
Our overarching ambition, encapsulated in the KelfieldGiga project, centers on advancing renewable energy. During this year’s Intersolar fair in Munich, we inked a letter of intent with Corab SA, outlining plans to establish 1 GW capacity projects utilizing vertical APV structures.
Kelfield will serve as both developer and investor, while Corab will contribute optimized vertical agrophotovoltaic structures. KelfieldGiga is a platform open to farmers and landowners nationwide, offering favorable remuneration for leasing land that can continue supporting agricultural activities.
We’re unwavering in our commitment to APV development. By participating in the AgriVoltaics IFE23 event in Strasbourg, France, we’re determined to take yet more strides in enhancing agrophotovoltaics in Poland and Europe. Kelfield extends a warm invitation to join us at this event, where we’re proud sponsors.
The discourse around agrophotovoltaics is gaining momentum across conferences, webinars, PV training sessions, and various other platforms. Kelfield’s emphasis on APV education stems from our belief that increasing awareness among farmers, communities, and policy makers is pivotal in broadening the scope of agrophotovoltaic development.
Agrovoltaics has a chance to develop on a much larger scale? What does it take to make that happen?
The expansion of agrophotovoltaics demands the establishment of clear legal regulations that streamline administrative procedures for farmers, alongside financial initiatives that endorse and promote APV. I firmly believe that funding and support programs tailored for farmers can play a pivotal role here. Well-crafted loan options and rural development funds can significantly contribute to offsetting investment expenses.
The innovative essence of the APV concept necessitates continuous research and development. Consistently seeking enhancements is paramount to boosting the efficiency of APV systems, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and profitability. To foster agrovoltaics’ growth, forging partnerships and collaborations is essential. This collaborative approach accelerates development by facilitating the exchange of valuable insights and knowledge.
Reference:
- DIN SPEC 91434, Agrivoltaic Systems – Requirements for Main Agricultural Application, May 2021