Agri-PV: the future of farming is now

Produce sustainable food and solar power on the same land, at the same time.

What is Agri-PV?

Agricultural photovoltaics (Agri-PV), also known as agrivoltaics or APV, enables the production of agricultural goods and renewable energy from the same plot of land.

Agri-PV installations improve land use efficiency, enhance biodiversity, protect agricultural operations against climate risks and provide financial stability to farmers. By integrating solar energy generation and agricultural activities, farmers can secure a diversified income stream, reduce financial risk, increase the sustainability of their farms, and contribute to the broader goal of safeguarding the natural environment.

Energy generated can be used partially for own consumption, or sold on the local energy market. Either way, investors, landowners, and farmers benefit from ecological and economical added value.

Agriculture is woven into our DNA through our parent company, BayWa AG, an agricultural cooperative with over a century of history. We verified all our Agri-PV solutions with our agricultural experts and farming clients. Technically, legally, and commercially we developed a holistic and financially viable Agri-PV product. Get that expertise on your side. Experience end-to-end support, from planning, purchasing, financing, and operating turnkey installation of your Agri-PV project.

Agri-PV is as diverse as farming itself

Agri-PV projects come in various forms and are adapted for different types of farming systems. Agri-PV can be tailored to your current agricultural practices. We’ll develop the right solution to make the most of each site’s technical and environmental potential, maximising efficient land use.

Happy Cow, Happy Farmer!

By the end of this century, stress events (drought, hail etc.) could potentially reduce milk yield. Providing shade is essential for animal welfare and forage production.

Cow-PV offers a hybrid solution that integrates cow grazing with grassland machinery for efficient hay and fodder production, while providing shade and shelter to animals.

BayWa r.e. has developed its own advanced tracking systems, offering:

  • Paddock system: it divides the area into subplots, allowing farmers to optimise grazing periods in line with the ideal growth stages of grass. It also minimises energy losses and avoids the risks of animals touching the panels by ensuring that PV panels can be positioned horizontally during grazing periods.

  • Advanced tracking Modes: These modes are farmer-controlled to minimise workload and promote cow welfare.

Where can we take you?

BayWa r.e. in your local energy market

You’re looking at our global website, but we’re also active in individual markets around the world.

Could your land be a good fit for Agri-PV?

Farmers and landowners have the opportunity to increase the resilience of their farm, diversifying and stabilising their income with renewable energy.

We’re actively seeking grassland green or arable land, ideally with at least 10 hectares.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity – contact us for a free assessment of your plot’s suitability.

Partner with BayWa r.e. and benefit from years of experience at the forefront of farming and solar technology. Futureproof your farm and secure a reliable new stream of revenue by becoming a project partner meeting us at eye level. Let’s grow our business and level of sustainability together!

Assess your Agri-PV Potential with the 7C Agri-PV Tool!

Created by BayWa r.e., the 7C Agri-PV Tool incorporates scientific findings from NREL and provides a standardized process and reporting protocol to evaluate the agronomical performance of your Agri-PV project.

The seven steps ensure that both the agricultural and energy aspects of the system are optimized for the farm’s needs. Additionally, it offers guidance to stakeholders, supports the permitting process, and delivers essential content for collaboration agreements.

Water management systems

Any Agri-PV solution can be expanded to include water irrigation and/or water storage systems. These put farmers in control of water flow, directing it where it’s needed through robust piping and guttering. 

Water can be stored for times of drought or used immediately to optimize growing conditions.

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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Helping balance supply and demand of renewable energy throughout the grid.