Germany should introduce a separate auction for agrivoltaic solar projects to benefit from the dual use of agricultural land and reach the targeted installed solar capacity of 215 GW by 2030, according to energy and water industry association BDEW.
BDEW's head, Kerstin Andreae, suggests that regular solar tenders are not suitable for effectively promoting the expansion of agri-PV due to the differing cost structure of these projects. In order to encourage the simultaneous use of agricultural land and photovoltaics, Andreae proposes the creation of a separate tender category. Initially, this category would offer a capacity of 200 MW in 2024, with a planned increase to 1 GW per year starting in 2028.
While it is currently possible to promote special solar installations outside of tenders, the level of promotion remains insufficient. Furthermore, BDEW recommends that the support for small-scale agri-PV projects be promptly determined.
The organisation also highlights the limited usability of designated "disadvantaged areas" as a regulatory obstacle. To fully exploit the potential of numerous fragmented plots, BDEW suggests making such areas available for solar installations below 1 MW.
To ensure the swift availability of land, it is important to maintain agri-PV areas as agricultural land without requiring reclassification. The reclassification of land should not be necessary, as the land used for agrivoltaics can be exclusively utilised for agricultural purposes after the solar system is decommissioned.
One major obstacle hindering the acceleration of agri-PV is the need to present evidence of ongoing agricultural activity every three years, confirmed by experts. In order to enhance investment security for equity providers and lending banks, BDEW recommends eliminating the recurring proof requirement and establishing a more practical method for verification.
These proposals are part of a comprehensive set of 12 measures that were introduced by the organisation last week, aiming to foster the expansion of agri-PV, floating PV, and solar systems on carports.
Additional suggestions include providing a clearer definition for permanent grassland, implementing practical requirements for solar installations on peatlands, and facilitating biodiversity PV through extensive agri-PV.
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Agri-PV pilot at a raspberry field in Oedheim, Germany. Copyright: MKG GÖBEL. Image source: BayWa r.e. (handout)
