The intersection of farming and renewable energy production is offering a groundbreaking solution to enhance food security and energy independence in Europe. Known as agri-PV, this innovative practice involves deploying solar panels on farmland, allowing crops to grow beneath them. A recent study by the energy think tank Ember highlights how this dual-use approach could significantly boost energy production while supporting farmers and protecting food supplies in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
Unlocking the Potential of Agri-PV
According to Ember’s research, installing solar panels on just 9% of farmland in these four central European countries could generate 180GW of solar power — triple the capacity targeted in current national energy plans. This amount would be sufficient to meet 68% of today’s energy demand in the region, providing a critical boost to renewable energy capacity.
Moreover, agri-PV could transform farming economics. In Poland, for instance, combining solar energy with wheat production could yield up to 12 times the revenue per hectare compared to wheat farming alone. This offers a lifeline to farmers facing challenges like volatile fertilizer prices, droughts, and extreme weather events.
Benefits Beyond Energy
Agri-PV does more than generate electricity. Solar panels can improve water retention in soil during dry seasons and shield crops from extreme weather conditions, potentially increasing yields. For crops like shade-loving berries and fruits, agri-PV setups can boost yields by as much as 16% while producing 63% of the energy of traditional solar arrays.
This dual approach addresses two of Europe’s most pressing challenges: food security and energy security. “Installing solar panels with agriculture can help farmers contribute to both while keeping business stable and profitable,” said Dr. Paweł Czyżak, co-author of the report.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its promise, agri-PV faces obstacles. Access to electricity grids remains a hurdle, and only Czechia among the Visegrad 4 countries has regulations supporting agri-PV. By contrast, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands already allow shared land use for agriculture and energy without losing farming subsidies, enabling over 200 agri-PV projects.
Farmers also have concerns about agri-PV’s impact on fertile land. Marion Picot, Secretary General of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA), emphasized that solar installations must not compromise the economic, social, or environmental value of agricultural soils. A priority should be given to installing solar panels on rooftops or integrating them efficiently with crop and livestock production.
A Call for Action
To unlock the full potential of agri-PV, governments must create supportive legislation and incentives for farmers. This includes grid access, subsidies for dual-use systems, and awareness campaigns to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of agri-PV.
Agri-PV represents a unique opportunity to address the intertwined challenges of food and energy security. By adopting this innovative approach, Europe can support its farmers, meet renewable energy targets, and secure a sustainable future.
