Light solar modules revolutionize fruit growing in Baden-Württemberg!
Light solar modules revolutionize fruit growing in Baden-Württemberg!
Süd-Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland - The German manufacturer Voen Vöhringer, together with the ISE Fraunhofer research institute, has developed an innovative photovoltaic body module that is specially tailored to the needs of agriculture. According to Econews , this module represents a groundbreaking solution for fruit growers, since conventional PV modules are often too heavy for assembly on constructions such as hail networks. The new product integrates electricity-producing areas directly into a PVC film that can simply be installed on the weather protection constructions.
With a weight of only five kilos per square meter, the new module is about a quarter lighter than conventional standard PV modules. A prototype of the module is already tested via cherry trees before the market launch is launched. Leo Vöhringer, project supervisor at Voen, emphasizes that the structure is easy to implement for both new buildings and for retrofitting.
advantages for fruit growers
The innovative concept aims to promote the use of AGRI PV in fruit growing. In addition to electricity production, the important cultural protection is preserved before the weather and other damage. In times of no need, the weather protection devices can be stowed under the solar modules, which increases flexibility and efficiency. The project team plans to monitor the yields of both the PV system and the cherry trees and to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the data by the end of 2025, reports .
Another advantage of agri photovoltaics is the double use of agricultural areas, which is particularly important in fruit growing. Due to the partial shadow of the PV modules, plants not only benefit from additional yields, but also from an ideal microclimate. These conditions ensure that electricity production increases on hot days, which increases the overall efficiency of the system.
funding and future of the Agri-PV
In South Baden-Württemberg there are over 5000 hectares of fruit trees under network or foil, and the potential of these areas could be exploited even better by such AGRI PV concepts. The research project "Voen E-Crops-Flexible Solar modules for weather protection systems in special culture cultivation" is funded by the State Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism Baden-Württemberg via the Invest BW program
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The importance of agri-photovoltaics should not be underestimated. This technology can not only contribute to more efficient land use, but also reduce water consumption in agriculture, which is particularly important in times of climate change. In addition, a stable source of income is created for agricultural farms that increases their resilience to harvest failures, Is Fraunhofer .
Federal Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Federal Minister Cem Özdemir actively support the concept of AGRI-PV. A current guide provides information about the technical possibilities, advantages, potential and the current state of technology. The electricity costs for AGRI-PV are between 7 and 12 Eurocent per kWh, which makes this form of electricity production competitive. The guide also offers information about successful application examples as well as hurdles and challenges that need to be mastered. In this context, early citizen participation is crucial for the success of the implementation of such projects.
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| Ort | Süd-Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland |
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