The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and VOEN Vöhringer are testing an innovative agrivoltaic system in a cherry orchard in Germany. The system uses existing crop cover structures to support solar modules, eliminating the need for a dedicated mounting system. The lightweight modules weigh less than 5 kg per square meter and have a potential output of 420 kW per hectare. The project aims to reduce the cost of agrivoltaics, which is typically driven up by the construction of mounting structures and the installation of modules. The setup is designed to be simple and easy to install, with the potential for a new construction or retrofit solution. The test facility is monitoring the system’s electricity output and harvest yield, using custom software to simulate the optimal module size to avoid shading-related crop losses. The research project is funded by the German state of Baden-Württemberg and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Fraunhofer ISE tests agrivoltaics technology on conventional weather protection covers.
