Study Tour "AgriPV" 2024
AgriPV: latest development and investigation in Germany
Exploring the future of AgriPV: Study tour to Germany
Last year, we participated in a study tour of Germany with the aim of familiarising ourselves with the experiences of the German market and the latest developments in implementing AgriPV (agri-photovoltaics). The trip enabled us to visit innovative projects, participate in workshops with industry experts and learn from developers who are working on solutions for the integration of agriculture and solar energy.
Large-scale testing at Fraunhofer ISE
In Merdingen, we visited one of the largest solar system test facilities in Europe, where Fraunhofer ISE tests the performance and reliability of photovoltaic technologies under real conditions. The project started in 2022 within an area over 3 ha where Frauenhofer ISE is testing solar panels to collect relevant data about efficiency and degradation of the solar panels over their service life span in different climate areas which might help to evaluate AgriPV systems.
This trip reaffirms the importance of international collaboration to promote the energy transition and the development of innovative solutions in Chile. AgriPV represents a key opportunity to maximise land use and generate energy without affecting agricultural production.
AgriPV with viticulture and fruit production
Viticulture and solar energy at the technical University of Geisenheim
One of the projects we visited is investigating whether solar modules can mitigate the effects of climate change on viticulture and make it more sustainable. The installation has an output of 100 kW and represents a breakthrough in the combination of agricultural production and energy generation.
Innovation in fruit farming in Nussbach
At the Vollmer fruit farm, where apples, kiwis and pears are grown, we explored an 850 kW agro-photovoltaic system divided into three solutions:
Photovoltaic tunnel with semi-transparent modules for berries (0.2 ha)
Fixed installation with opaque modules for espalier fruits (0.5 ha)
Tracking system with opaque modules for espalier fruits (0.8 ha)
Floating solar power in Bensheim
We also visited a 1 MW floating photovoltaic system on the pond of a gravel extraction quarry. Intech Clean Energy showed us how these floating modules can harness water surfaces to generate energy without affecting land use.
Intersolar Fair in Munich
During this study tour we were able to attend one of the world's most important fairs for renewable energies, where we got to know initiatives from Germany, Asia and Africa. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the association BSW - Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V., we discussed the development of best practices and the establishment of standards for the private sector.
This Study Tour was organized by GIZ Chile and took place within the framework of the Energy Partnership Chile-Germany, an alliance that seeks to increase energy efficiency, promote a greater use of renewable energy, and transform the energy systems of both countries for the future.