What Is Agrivoltaics? Combining Agriculture and Solar Energy

Agrivoltaics, also known as agrovoltaics or Agro-PV, is an innovative approach combining agricultural production with the generation of electricity on the same area of land. First described in 1981 by German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow, the concept enables the simultaneous use of agricultural land for growing crops or raising livestock and for generating clean solar energy. The key principle of agrivoltaics is that agricultural production remains the primary function of the land, while energy generation is a beneficial addition. Covering just 1% of agricultural land in the EU with Agro-PV systems could provide approximately 944 GW of installed capacity – a significant contribution to EU climate targets for 2030.

How Does an Agrivoltaic System Work?

An agrivoltaic system is based on specially designed structures that allow plants to access adequate sunlight while simultaneously producing electricity. PV panels in Agro-PV systems are mounted on structures at heights of 2.1 metres or more, allowing free passage of agricultural machinery and proper crop growth. Partially transparent modules are most commonly used, which transmit a defined amount of sunlight adjusted to the needs of the specific crop. The agrivoltaic structures create a favourable microclimate beneath the panels, characterised by:

• Reduced evaporation of water from the soil, leading to savings in irrigation and greater drought resistance.
• Protection from extreme weather events – hail, heavy rain, excessive sunlight.
• Temperature equalisation, protecting plants from heat stress.
• Improved water retention, particularly important during drought periods.

PG Group Agrivoltaic Structure Technologies

PG Group, as a certified photovoltaic structure manufacturer, offers comprehensive solutions dedicated to agrivoltaics, combining many years of experience in building photovoltaic farms with an innovative approach to agricultural needs. The company supplies two main types of agrivoltaic structures, designed to maximise the efficiency of both agricultural and energy production.

Vertical System AgroWall – The Photovoltaic Fence

AgroWall is a vertical agrivoltaic system in the form of a massive load-bearing structure to which photovoltaic modules are attached – an innovative combination of fencing functions with solar energy production. Vertical structures work excellently at field boundaries, along access roads or as pasture fencing, serving as livestock enclosures while simultaneously generating clean energy. Key advantages include: minimal soil shading allowing free passage of agricultural machinery; energy production at peak demand – morning and evening; compatibility with bifacial double-sided panels; and negligible loss of cultivated area.

Horizontal System – Protective Roof for Crops

Horizontal systems have panels mounted high above the ground, creating a protective umbrella for crops. The height and spacing of supports are designed individually to ensure unobstructed passage of tractors, combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery. This system works particularly well for vegetables, soft fruits – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries – as well as vineyards and orchards. Horizontal structures stabilise conditions beneath the panels, protecting plants from heavy rainfall, hail and excessive sunlight, while improving growing conditions.

Technical Parameters and Certifications

PG Group agrivoltaic structures are made from structural steel S350GD with advanced anti-corrosion coatings such as PosMAC®, which offer 2 to 10 times higher protection than traditional galvanising. These coatings are resistant to fertilisers and crop protection agents characteristic of the agricultural environment. PG Group produces structures in accordance with PN-EN 1090 with CE marking and holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certificates confirmed by TÜV Rheinland. Each structural system is designed individually taking into account ground conditions, wind and snow zones and the needs of the specific crop.

Funding Opportunities for Farmers

From October 2025, farmers in Poland can benefit from significant financial support for investments in renewable energy sources through a programme offered by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), providing a refund of up to 65% of eligible costs. Key details: photovoltaics funding up to PLN 200,000 for microinstallations with energy storage; energy storage capacity of at least 50% of installation power required; maximum support amount of PLN 1.7 million when combining different investment areas; and an advance payment of up to 50% of the aid value.

Summary

Agrivoltaics represents a promising direction for both agriculture and renewable energy, addressing food production and clean energy generation simultaneously on the same land. With specialist structural manufacturers like PG Group offering certified, customised solutions, and with substantial public funding available, agrivoltaics is becoming an increasingly accessible and attractive investment for European farmers.