Agrivoltaics and nature conservation

The aim of the project is to provide a systematic overview of ground-mounted PV systems on agricultural land. The focus is on the impacts of high-mounted and vertical PV modules on nature and landscape. The current state of knowledge on construction-, installation- and operation-related factors and their impact on nature conservation issues– abiotic (water balance, soil, microclimate, landscape) as well as biotic (segetal weeds, fauna, field margins) – is analysed. The results of the analysis are used for the assessment from a nature conservation perspective.

Economic aspects of agrivoltaics are also examined in the project. A comparative analysis of different technical approaches to agrivoltaics regarding their yield structures, both for solar energy and agricultural production, reflects the current status and also helps to estimate future trends. In this context, different forms of agricultural use are distinguished in addition to the various designs of the systems.

In addition to the agrivoltaics, the project also addresses the impact of those forms of agrivoltaic farms which claim to fulfil nature conservation functions to a particularly high degree. The focus is on the conditions under which the construction-, system- and operation-related interactions of these (sometimes referred to as "biodiversity”) agrivoltaics with the biotic protected goods (avifauna, amphibians, reptiles, bees, grasshoppers, butterflies) turn out to be particularly positive. Particular attention is paid to the question of whether and under what conditions an enhancement of biotic functions would be possible with the new construction of a solar park on previously agriculturally used land.

On the basis of the results, starting points for minimum nature conservation standards for so-called biodiversity agrivoltacis installations are derived. Finally, the potential and limits of integrating agrivoltaics into territorial allocation pools for renewable energy plants are explored.

Method

The basis of the project work is an international literature research. This includes publications, planning and approval documents (especially those that cover the condition of the area in question before, during and after plant construction) as well as practical examples. In addition, interviews are conducted.

The findings will be systematized in accord with the lines laid out by the research questions, which in turn will form the basis for an assessment of the impacts from a nature conservation perspective.