2023-07-16 07:10:04
Beer and electricity: Germany’s first hop-agri-PV system is to combine these two areas. It is in Markt Au in the Hallertau, an hour’s drive north of the Bavarian capital of Munich. The area is considered the largest contiguous hop-growing region in the world.
According to Bavaria’s Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger, the hop-agri-PV system is the first of its kind in Germany. Hops are to be grown on an area of 1.3 hectares and solar energy is to be generated for around 200 households.
At the opening this week, Aiwanger spoke of a showcase project for the energy transition in Bavaria. “Because with this technology, we can reconcile energy production and agricultural use in the best possible way. We can significantly expand photovoltaics in open spaces without losing valuable arable land.” In view of the increasingly scarce land, solar panels over agricultural land are intended to help achieve climate targets, Agri-PV is considered a topic of the future.
In Bavaria, the PV modules are mounted on steel poles, on which hop plants can grow at the same time. The project, which costs around 1.5 million euros, is to be accompanied scientifically. According to Aiwanger, it should provide insights for future projects, such as which hop varieties and structural concepts are best suited.
It was not until the end of June that the groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of an agri-PV system on the Bavarian state farm Grub. According to the Bavarian Minister of Agriculture Michaela Kaniber (CSU), it will generate renewable electricity for around 250 households, while regional food will be produced at the same time.
Horizontally and vertically
The German government also trusts in the potential of agri-PV in adapting agriculture to climate change. “Farms can also increase their resilience with Agri-PV,” says the Ministry of Agriculture. Horizontal agri-PV systems protect against too much sun and dehydration as well as against heavy rain and hail. Vertical systems close to the ground with management between the rows of panels prevented wind erosion, for example. Animals could graze under the plants. The farmer’s income will be more diversified, additional value will be created on the land.
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