The contribution Agri-Photovoltaic: New Solar systems protect Felix Baumann fruit trees first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed solar systems for the protection of fruit trees together with the roofing company Voen Vöhringer. Due to a new technology, they should be significantly cheaper than previous systems.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has together with the company Voen Vöhringer concept Developed to create solar power and protect fruit trees from extreme weather. Ultra -light solar modules, which can be installed directly on existing weather protection systems such as foils or networks, should enable such use.
In contrast to classic agriculture photovoltaic systems that require elaborate and expensive steel structures, the new system is based on existing structures. Obsetents in particular, which are already equipped with protective devices against hail, sun or rain, can benefit from the system.
The aim is to save costs, space and material. The new solar modules weigh less than five kilograms per square meter and achieve an output of up to 420 kilowatts per hectare.
Solar systems for protecting fruit trees
The project team built up a first demonstration system at the Vöhringer Obsthof near Ravensburg. There, the PV modules cover two cherry tree rows over 40 meters in length. The special thing: The weather protection film can be stowed in times when no protection is necessary, simply stowed under the solar modules. These then continue to deliver electricity all year round.
Felix Basler from Fraunhofer ISE explained that the concept solves two weaknesses of classic agricultural PV: the high costs for the structure and assembly. At the same time, agricultural benefits remain fully preserved. The plants would even benefit: through partial shading, protection against extreme weather and an improved microclimate, which also increases the performance of the solar modules on hot days.
Great opportunities for fruit growing – and beyond
In southern Germany alone, there are over 5,000 hectares of fruit growing areas under foils or networks. These show enormous potential for double use. With a self -developed software, the research team would like to ensure that the module size does not affect the yields of the cherry trees.
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs supports the project called “Voen E-Crops”. It provides a practical example of how climate protection, agriculture and energy generation can interpret intelligently – and to consume it without new areas. The electricity and harvest yields are to be evaluated in 2025.
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The contribution Agri-Photovoltaic: New Solar systems protect Felix Baumann fruit trees first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the concept of Agri-Photovoltaic systems is a promising innovation that integrates solar energy production with agricultural practices. By using solar panels to protect fruit trees, farmers can maximize land use efficiency and generate clean energy at the same time.
This technology not only provides shade for the fruit trees, reducing water evaporation and temperature stress, but also generates electricity that can be used to power irrigation systems or sold back to the grid. This dual functionality of Agri-Photovoltaic systems can help farmers reduce their carbon footprint and increase their overall sustainability.
Furthermore, the integration of solar panels into agricultural settings can help address land shortages for solar energy production and contribute to the transition towards renewable energy sources. Overall, I see Agri-Photovoltaic systems as a win-win solution that combines the benefits of solar energy production with the needs of modern agriculture.
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