Study Finds German Farmers Embrace Agrivoltaics for Sustainable Farming and Extra Income

A recent study by the University of Göttingen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has revealed that a majority of farmers in Germany are receptive to agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for agricultural production and solar energy generation. The research team conducted an online survey and analyzed responses from 214 farmers, with findings published in the journal Applied Energy.

The study found that 72.4 percent of the surveyed farmers could imagine adopting agrivoltaics on their farms. The primary motivations cited included the additional income from self-generated electricity and the progressive development potential that agrivoltaics presents for agricultural operations.

Charlotte Bühner, a PhD student at the University of Göttingen and one of the main authors of the study, noted that over two-thirds of farmers recognized the fundamental benefits of agrivoltaics. She emphasized that a lack of confidence in the new technology is not a significant barrier, as farmers view agrivoltaics as a means to future-proof their farms. “Even more than the positive synergies that can arise between the agrivoltaic system and the crops, farmers currently seem to focus on the additional source of income from the electricity,” added Johanna Wagner, another author of the study and a scientist at Fraunhofer ISE until the end of 2023.

However, the survey also highlighted several challenges. Farmers reported that the bureaucratic efforts and perceived opacity of the legal framework conditions were problematic. There was also uncertainty regarding how agrivoltaic systems might complicate land management. Dr. Max Trommsdorff, Head of the Agrivoltaics Group at Fraunhofer ISE, stressed the importance of involving agricultural stakeholders significantly to ensure the long-term success of agrivoltaics. “Gaining a better understanding of the opportunities and risks from the perspective of agricultural businesses is therefore an important field of research for us,” he stated.

This study underscores the potential for agrivoltaics to become a transformative technology in agriculture, offering both economic and environmental benefits. As farmers look for ways to adapt to future challenges, the integration of solar energy systems into agricultural practices could provide a sustainable and profitable solution.