Challenges that Farmers have to face
Climate change has a tremendous impact on modern farming:
Those challenges collide with two global trends:
At first sight it looks like a dilemma: Agriculture vs. decarbonization, food vs. clean energy. But there is a way to combine both:
Agrivoltaics - The integration of solar PV systems into farming.
Agrivoltaics turn a dilemma into an opportunity to increase crop yield by advancing the transformation into a sustainable energy supply at a big scale. They offer multiple advantages for farmers:
Sunzaun - Vertical Solar for Agriculture
Using land for farming and energy production by applying bifacial module technology is the approach of Sunzaun. There are multiple ways to integrate solar PV into farmland. The main difference between Sunzaun and other agrivoltaic systems is the vertical east-west orientation of bifacial modules. The design of Sunzaun has specific benefits when integrated into farmland:
Contact us to see how your agricultural business can benefit from Sunzaun!
Cow-PV
Cow-PV is an innovative approach within agrivoltaics that integrates photovoltaic systems with cattle grazing areas, maximizing land use efficiency while supporting sustainable farming. By installing vertical or elevated solar panels, such as the Sunzaun system, farmers can generate renewable energy without significantly reducing pastureland. The partial shading from the panels helps maintain soil moisture, reduces heat stress for livestock, and can even enhance grass growth in certain conditions. This synergy between solar energy production and cattle farming contributes to a more resilient and climate-friendly agricultural model, aligning with the goals of sustainable land management and energy transition.
Crop - PV
Crop-PV is a key application of agrivoltaics that combines solar energy production with crop cultivation, optimizing land use for both agricultural and renewable energy purposes. By installing vertical or elevated photovoltaic systems like the Sunzaun, farmers can protect crops from extreme weather conditions, reduce water evaporation, and create a more stable microclimate. The partial shading provided by the solar panels can enhance plant growth by reducing heat stress and preserving soil moisture, benefiting crops such as leafy greens, berries, and certain grains. Research initiatives worldwide, including experimental setups at universities and agricultural institutions, are exploring the best panel configurations to maximize both crop yield and solar efficiency. Crop-PV not only helps farmers increase productivity and resilience against climate change but also contributes to a more sustainable and energy-efficient agricultural future.
Agrofencing
Agrofencing is an innovative subcategory of agrivoltaics that uses vertical solar panels to function as both a boundary and a renewable energy source. By installing these panels along fields or pastures, farmers can generate clean electricity while effectively separating crops or livestock from roads and other external spaces. This dual-purpose approach not only improves land use efficiency but also provides practical benefits such as reducing unwanted access to farmland, preventing animal escape, and offering partial shading. As a result, agrofencing supports sustainable agriculture, boosts energy production, and protects valuable agricultural resources—all in one streamlined solution.