Agri-PV Pilotprojekt

The agricultural company bioschmid gmbh based in Gelfingen is planning the system comparison of three different agri-photovoltaic systems (AgriPV) as part of a project on a sub-area of plots 344 and 346 GB Aesch im Tegerfeld in 6287 Aesch LU. In cooperation with the Agroscope Conthey research institute, the suitability of three agri-PV systems in comparison to the standard system used today in raspberry cultivation is being researched for their practical suitability. The aim of the investigations is to demonstrate the benefits of shading by a PV system for positive yield development from an agronomic point of view. The contribution to the energy transition through ecological and sustainable electricity production also plays a role as a secondary benefit. In addition to the increased agricultural yield due to the construction of the Agri-PVA, around 500 MWh of solar power can be produced annually, which covers the electricity requirements of around 110 households. This entry marks the official start of the project. The scientific investigations are scheduled to start on January 1st, 2023.

Initial position with current situation

At the bioschmid gmbh farm, berry production has been an important part of the business for 20 years. Increasingly, blueberries, raspberries, Blackberries and strawberries are produced on an area of almost 4 hectares. There is a long-standing cooperation with several major customers. The demand at Organic berries from Swiss origin is increasing. As climate change progresses, more extreme weather events are to be expected. The protection and shading of the sensitive This gives berry plants additional importance. Plots 344 and 346 GB Aesch in Tegerfeld in 6287 Aesch are leased long-term from bioschmid gmbh. The agreement of the two landowners with the Agri-PV project is stipulated and signed in the lease agreement and the associated agreement.

A new supplement to the Spatial Planning Ordinance provides for solar systems to be permitted outside the building zone in areas adjacent to building zones if they bring additional benefits to agricultural production (see planned Article 32c, RPA).

Globally, most agricultural PV systems are in operation in China and Japan. In Italy, France, the Netherlands and Germany, various systems of agri-PV systems have been and are being implemented on an ongoing basis. Agri-PV systems in Italy, France and Germany are already receiving large amounts of government funding.

In Switzerland, various pilot projects have already been implemented in Valais, where solar panels are tested as shading and protective elements on a small scale for their benefit for agricultural production on greenhouses or in combination with weather protection (over strawberries, raspberries and viticulture). In the canton of Friborg there is a pilot project with panels on a greenhouse.

In order for the development of Agri-PV to be further advanced in Switzerland, the systems available on the market and new developments on a larger scale in producing agriculture must be checked for their practical suitability and further optimized in a next step.

The planned Agri-PV system as part of a project on the farm of bioschmid gmbh will make it possible to test their systems in the field in cooperation with the research partner Agroscope Conthey and suppliers of Agri-PV and to gain valuable experience for the further development and optimization of the systems to collect. Agroscope is involved in several research projects in the context of Agri-PV in Switzerland and, in cooperation with the Swiss Fruit Growers Association, is establishing a competence network in the field of Agri-PV as part of the fruit and berry competence network.

Concrete objective

For research purposes, bioschmid gmbh is planning to install and operate three different agri-PV systems over an existing raspberry crop over the long term. In doing so, as The main benefit for the farm is an improvement in the yield and quality of berry production by shading and protecting the sensitive raspberries as well as the generation and sale of solar power as a side benefit.

Goals:

• Increase in quality and yield of the berries
• Research into the suitability of solar panels as shading and protection elements for berries
• Research into the effect of the solar panels on the development and health of the berry plants
• Production of electricity
• Contribution to the decentralized power supply through the direct sale of the energy produced to an industrial company in the immediate vicinity

Another goal is to contribute to the development of a useful, practical and cost-effective system for agri-PV with this project. The results obtained should deliver usable insights for productive agriculture. The project can also help identify income alternatives to animal production