New Agrisolar Handbook reveals benefits for the farming and energy sectors, including up to 60% crop boost

• Developed in consultation with the farming industry, and supported by external consultancy Metabolic, the Agrisolar Handbook identifies ten agrisolar archetypes and case examples, of how farmers and landowners can benefit from agrisolar projects on their farms. 

• The paper highlights a decade-long experience that the solar PV sector has developed on agrisolar, working hand-in-hand with the agricultural sector. 

• The paper outlines agrisolar’s triple benefits for the farming and solar sectors, and wider society, including, depending on technology and location, but not limited to: up to 60% crop yield increase; up to +7°C increase of soil temperatures during cold periods, and up to – 6°C decrease of soil temperatures during warm periods; and up to 60% in pollinators observed on one project.

• SolarPower Europe identifies recommendations for developing a robust policy framework to support the growth of agrisolar in Europe. 

Madrid, Spain (Tuesday 5th November 2024): SolarPower Europe launches its new Agrisolar Handbook, a key tool for supporting both the farming sector and solar developers, to address climate, energy, and food security concerns. 

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, (she/her) said, “This is a significant step in SolarPower Europe’s efforts to bring together two critical industries to embrace our shared synergies, working together for a more sustainable future. The future of farming is critical to the EU food independence and resilience. Agrisolar systems boost the farm’s revenue, which can support productive and sustainable investments, and strengthens the farm’s climate resilience on its energy transition journey.” 

Based on the decade-long experience the solar PV sector has developed on agrisolar, working hand-in-hand with the agricultural sector, the handbook highlights ten archetypes for supporting profitable business models of agrisolar. The paper also showcases agrisolar’s multiple benefits for the farming and energy sectors, and for wider society. Depending on the technology and geography, this includes: up to 60% crop yield increase; up to +7°C increase of soil temperatures, and up to – 6 °C decrease of soil temperatures during cold and warm periods respectively; and up to 60% increase in pollinators observed on one project! Finally, the paper emphasises that farmers can contribute significantly to the renewable energy transition, while increasing their revenue streams, and improving land productivity.  

Seán Kelly, Member of European Parliament, (he/him) said, “To fully harness the potential of agrisolar, we must ensure farmers have the tools and incentives to participate. This includes simplifying grid connections, streamlining planning approvals, and putting payment schemes in place that encourage collaboration between agriculture and renewable energy - all of which are discussed in the report. By providing clear pathways and support, we can help farmers embrace this opportunity and contribute to a more sustainable future.” 

The European agricultural industry is currently facing a complex set of challenges, ranging from rising costs, uncertainties around income, and access to land, to the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and other environmental challenges. These combined challenges shed light on the need to develop innovative solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the European agricultural sector. 

Eva Vandest, Chair of SolarPower Europe’s Land Use and Permitting Workstream and Group Head, Amarenco, (she/her) said, “This new Agrisolar Handbook proposes several archetypes for a successful, profitable project, where the value created must benefit the farmer, the solar stakeholders, investors and the local community, in particular through practices that are beneficial to the environment, the soil, and biodiversity. This dual land-use model should allow us to achieve the energy transition and mitigate carbon emissions, while providing additional services and income to farmers, supporting their adaptation to climate change.” 

The report urges EU policymakers to take action to support agrisolar development, for example through: 

1. Clarifying that eligible agricultural land equipped with agrisolar can access Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) direct payments, based on an EU definition of agrisolar. 
2. Develop relevant incentive schemes to recognise the value of multiple land-use.  
3. Recognise and integrate agrisolar into environmental requirements or support schemes on agricultural land, including by gathering data on agrisolar projects’ environmental and nature benefits.  
4. Improve permitting and grid connection procedures.  
5. Support further research and innovation in the agrisolar field.  

The Agrisolar Handbook was developed by SolarPower Europe’s Land Use and Permitting Workstream, and follows the previous publication of the Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines Volumes 1 and 2. The paper is set to be presented at the AgriVoltaics Industry Forum in Madrid, taking place on 5-6 November. The event brings together relevant stakeholders including solar industry experts, representatives from the farming sector, and policymakers to exchange on the most relevant topics related to agrisolar. 

Notes: 

• Agrisolar refers to projects that combine agricultural activities with solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation. Different to traditional solar farms, agrisolar projects are seamlessly integrated into existing agricultural landscapes, allowing the dual use of land for food production and energy generation that goes hand in hand with nature conservation.  

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