Agri-PV offers environmentally friendly path for solar growth

The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has examined how the expansion of photovoltaics can move forward with minimal environmental impact. The conclusion: If we choose sites for solar installations carefully, rapid solar expansion can succeed while preserving both ecological and agricultural assets.

In practical terms, this means that Germany’s ambitious solar expansion can be achieved without harming nature or agriculture. The study’s authors therefore recommend prioritising rooftop photovoltaic systems to meet the 400 gigawatt target set out in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).

Ground-mounted PV is indispensable

However, to reach this EEG target quickly enough, ground-mounted installations also remain essential. “It is both important and feasible to install PV systems in ways that preserve soil fertility and valuable semi-natural habitats,” says Dirk Messner, President of the UBA. “Even with environmentally responsible development, photovoltaics produces several times more electricity per hectare than energy crops — so the potential for a more efficient and sustainable use of agricultural land is considerable.”

Accordingly, the UBA’s position paper “Photovoltaics on farmland? – A Position Paper” provides an overview of the current situation in Germany, highlights areas of conflict, and offers solutions for expanding solar ground-mount installations in ways that respect both the environment and agriculture.

Prioritising sites of lower ecological value

Alongside prioritising rooftops, car parks, landfill sites, industrial areas and other already sealed or previously used sites, agricultural land should only be considered when necessary. Here, both economic and ecological factors are crucial. “If additional land is needed, the focus should be on sites with lower ecological value and soils of low to medium quality,” the experts advise. “Combining different infrastructure projects can help reduce habitat fragmentation.” Particular attention is given to areas along motorways. Environmentally sensitive sites should be kept off-limits.

Conserving land, reducing climate risks

The UBA also sees agri-PV — efficient dual land use — as a key approach to environmentally friendly and land-efficient solar expansion. Agri-PV systems, which combine farming with electricity generation, offer significant potential for more efficient land use. They can also help farmers manage climate risks by shielding crops and livestock from hail, heavy rain or sunburn, while generating electricity with high land-use efficiency.

Supporting the environment and biodiversity

Strict environmental standards should apply to all PV systems. Solar parks should always provide ecological improvements to the land they occupy. To this end, the UBA recommends at least the following requirements be included in building permits: Modules and associated equipment should cover no more than 60 percent of the site. Vegetation that promotes biodiversity should be planted and maintained under and between modules. Solar parks should also incorporate wildlife corridors to allow animals to cross the site. The creation of biotope features tailored to the location should also be mandatory. These include flower strips on at least ten percent of the site, as well as stone piles and ponds to create habitats for lizards and amphibians.

Protecting sensitive areas

The UBA opposes the use of drained peatland for solar parks, except in the case of “peatland PV projects” that require rewetting and contribute to climate protection. Building solar systems on soils considered valuable from a soil science or ecological perspective should be avoided. Developers should also be obliged to ensure soil-conserving and environmentally responsible construction, operation and dismantling of modules, storage, cabling and access routes.

The UBA position paper “Photovoltaics on farmland?” is available for download in German language on the agency’s website.

Text: Sven Ullrich, pv Europe