The contribution Agri-Photovoltaik: climate protection from the field-with completely underestimated potential, first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Agri-Photovoltaik has a completely underestimated potential. This emerges from current studies. Accordingly, the space potential exceeds the entire German solar expansion goals. The background.
New findings of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE Show: Agri-Photovoltaic-i.e. the combination of agricultural use and solar power generation-harbors a previously underestimated potential for the energy transition in Germany.
For the first time, the research institute has extensively analyzed all types of agricultural areas. The result: 500 gigawatt solar power could be installed on the most suitable areas alone. This is significantly more than the expansion goal intended for 2040.
Agri-Photovoltaic: climate protection from the field
The researchers used geographical information systems for their investigation and developed two extensive catalogs of criteria to identify optimal areas.
“It is the first study in Germany to look at all types of agricultural areas for the identification of suitable locations, that is, permanent grassland, arable land and permanent cultures such as fruit growing, wine or berries,” explains study author Salome Hauger.
The first criteria catalog of the study took into account geographical factors as well as legal and official requirements. He differentiates between two scenarios:
- Scenario one Exclude areas that are eliminated due to hard restrictions, for example nature reserves.
- Scenario two Excludes areas of hard and soft restrictions. This includes, for example, Flora fauna protection areas. Therefore it is more nature -friendly.
In the potential analysis, there are 7,900 gigawatt peak in scenario and two 5,600 gigawatt peak installable photovoltaic capacity-a multiple of the amount required for the climate neutrality in 2045.
Index shows suitable areas
The second catalog of criteria includes political and economic and agricultural-economic aptitude criteria in order to find particularly suitable locations. The scientists, for example, looked at the sun’s rays, existing Neititz feeding points or possible synergy effects of long -term cultures such as wine or fruit.
Then all criteria were weighted. This resulted in a soil appropriation index. It classifies the areas in five aptitude classes – from the least suitable.
Agri-Photovoltaic shows potential at the local level
Not only at the national level, but also locally, the scientists examined the potential for agri photovoltaics in individual counties and plots. To do this, they included network data from local distribution network operators.
In the context of three scenarios, the identified areas were made from techno and agricultural economic perspectives [im Raum Hamburg] classified. Accordingly, permanent cultures in the old country and in the four- and Marschlande (up to 620 hectares) are ideal. The potential for greenhouses is also promising, here almost 50 megawatt peak could be installed on 160 hectares.
In counties such as Ahrenweiler and Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Agri-Photovoltaic systems could cover up to 16 percent of the current energy requirement. However, there is one problem: “An important result of the study is the role of network expansion: the lack of network connection points is a restrictive factor for many areas,” says Salome Haug.
The current studies provide a solid data basis for political decision -makers and the energy industry. They show that Agri-Photovoltaics can not only help to defuse land use conflicts, but can also make a decisive contribution to achieving the climate goals.
Also interesting:
- Despite the photovoltaic boom: German solar industry again on the abyss
- Combined solar cell is supposed to compensate for hydrogen production
- Blade coating: Production of perovskit tandem solar cells moves within reach
- The cheapest photovoltaic insurance
The contribution Agri-Photovoltaik: climate protection from the field-with completely underestimated potential, first appeared on basic thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I see great potential in the concept of Agri-photovoltaic for both climate protection and sustainable agriculture. The integration of solar panels into agricultural fields not only allows for the generation of renewable energy but also offers additional benefits such as reduced water evaporation, improved crop yields, and protection from extreme weather events.
However, I believe that the potential of Agri-photovoltaic is currently being underestimated by many in the industry. There is a lack of awareness and understanding about the benefits and possibilities of this technology, which is hindering its widespread adoption.
It is crucial for policymakers, farmers, and technology companies to recognize the importance of Agri-photovoltaic in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture. By investing in research, development, and implementation of this technology, we can unlock its full potential and make significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Overall, Agri-photovoltaic has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce food and energy, and it is essential that we prioritize its development and deployment in order to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Credits