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Agrisolar: transforming food and energy production

Agrisolar technology has many benefits for both planet and people. Solar PV combined with agricultural practices can transform the way food and energy are produced in Europe.

SolarPower Europe recently visited BayWa r.e.’s Agri-PV fruit farm in the Netherlands. During the visit, their Head of Product Management Agri-PV, Stephan Schindele, gave us some expert insights into the benefits of agrisolar.

Photo: BayWa r.e. Head of Product Management Agri-PV, Stephan Schindele.

1. Reduced plastic waste

Fruit farming often involves plastic covers for protecting fragile crops like raspberries and other fruits. By replacing these plastic foils with light transparent solar panels, we can reduce plastic used in farming while also improving crop yield and producing green energy!

Photo: Red berries BayWa r.e. Agri-PV farm in Babberich, Netherlands.

2. Reduced water usage

Agri-PV technology can be made to harvest rain water throughout the year. This water can then be stored and reused. In addition to this, solar PV panels reduce evapotranspiration meaning overall water used in agriculture can be reduced by up to 30%. Read more in SolarPower Europe’s Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines.

Photo: BayWa r.e. Agri-PV farm in Babberich, Netherlands.

3. Improved biodiversity

Solar is nature’s best friend. Solar technology can be installed in perfect harmony with nature, helping to protect and even restore biodiversity. Read more in SolarPower Europe’s Solar, Biodiversity and Land Use Best Practice Guidelines.

In the video, Stephan explains the key benefits of Agrisolar plus shares a message with European policymakers: “We must make farming cool again!”.

Stephan stressed the importance of understanding the farming sector and the challenges faced. In addition to this, it is vital different players come together to progress Agrisolar technology in Europe.

Watch the full message in the video below.

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