ACRRES - Agri-PV (agrivoltaics) facility

Good to know

In short

Versatile use of agricultural land
Research on crop growth under solar panels
Combining agriculture and solar energy

At the ACRRES Agrivoltaics facilities, we explore how farming and solar energy production can be combined on the same plot of land (multifunctional land use). We test how crops grow beneath or between solar panels, and how light, temperature and water use affect crop growth and soil conditions. Agrivoltaics is also known as agri-PV.

What can you do at the ACRRES Agrivoltaics facilities?

What can you do here?

The ACRRES Agrivoltaics facilities offer space to experiment with a wide range of configurations: overhead panels above fruit crops, vertical or sun-tracking panels between arable crops and grassland, and semi-transparent systems that partially transmit sunlight. We study how these setups influence crop growth, quality and yield, as well as light distribution, water use and the microclimate under or between the panels.

We also look at the implications for cultivation practices, soil quality and biodiversity, and at the economic and policy aspects of agrivoltaics. We provide advice on the design and management of agrivoltaics sites and develop models that combine crop growth and light interception – delivering essential knowledge for designing efficient systems. Our multi-year projects generate valuable data for improved business cases, system designs and policy decisions. We have extensive knowledge of both national and international agrivoltaics research and practices, not only on crops but also on livestock systems combined with solar panels.

Working with companies, government bodies and knowledge partners, we translate research results into practical insights. Through participation in international projects, we have gained unique expertise on system performance across different climatic conditions – knowledge that directly supports resilient farming systems and the scaling up of agrivoltaics in practice.

Who are the Agrivoltaics facilities for?

Who for?

The facilities are part of ACRRES and are relevant for agricultural businesses, energy developers, technology partners, policymakers, financial institutions, NGOs and research organisations seeking to explore how solar energy and agricultural production can successfully coexist.

“With agrivoltaics, ACRRES explores how farmland can serve a dual purpose: producing both food and renewable energy, with minimal compromise on quality or efficiency.”