Climate change threatens our harvests through intense solar radiation and an increasing number of extreme weather events such as hail and heavy rainfall. In addition, there is growing competition between energy production and agricultural use for available land. Agrivoltaics (AV) could help address these challenges: photovoltaic modules are installed above the cultivated areas, allowing fertile soils to remain viable for farming while also providing additional weather protection for the crops. This way, food and electricity can be produced on the same plot. The orientation and transparency of the PV modules are tailored to the plants' specific needs. The foundation-free substructures allow complete removal without residues that could impair future agricultural use. Further research aims to unlock the potential of this technology for Germany.

The project »Model Region Agrivoltaics for Baden-Württemberg« involves an interdisciplinary consortium of over 20 partners aiming to advance the expansion of this technology across the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, with financial support from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy Sector and the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection. During the first phase (2021-2024), research concentrated on pome fruit, stone fruit and and berry fruits, with agrivoltaic systems exceeding 1.700 kWp installed at five sites (Bavendorf, Heuchlingen, Karlsruhe, Kressbronn am Bodensee, and Oberkirch-Nußbach). The second phase (2025-2026) broadens the focus to explore the potential of the combination between photovoltaics and livestock farming, winegrowing, reforestation, grasslands, and arable farming.