Yingli Solar’s Post

The concept of agrivoltaics (AgriPV), which combines agriculture with photovoltaic solar energy production, is gaining traction in Central Europe. A recent study by Ember suggests that countries like Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia could collectively install up to 180 GW of AgriPV capacity. AgriPV, also known as “dual-use solar,” could significantly boost the region's renewable energy output while also benefiting agricultural productivity. For instance, certain crops that thrive in shaded environments, such as berries, could see a deployment of 39GW of AgriPV, enhancing land use efficiency and potentially increasing crop yields. https://lnkd.in/gYp6P_Ef #solar #solarpower #sinovoltaics #innovativeinsider #QA #QualityAssurance

Taiwan is rebooting its controversial program to turn fishponds into power producers, as part of a high-stakes push to massively scale up renewable energy. We profile 泓德能源 HD Renewable Energy's Qigu operation in Tainan, designed from the ground up to integrate solar power with fish and shrimp breeding. With input from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)(工業技術研究院, 工研院)'s Alan WU and Yuping Chen, executive director at the Taiwan Environment and Planning Association. This news report foreshadows a soon-to-drop feature story from my reporting in Taiwan for IEEE Spectrum.

SolarPower Europe Introduces Best Practice Guidelines for Agrisolar Projects in Bulgaria SolarPower Europe’s Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines are now available to solar developers and farmers in Bulgaria, translated by the Bulgarian Association for Production, Storage, and Trading of Electricity (APSTE). The guidelines focus on best practices for integrating solar installations with agricultural activities. The document provides a customized scoring mechanism for assessing Agrisolar project performance based on agricultural, environmental, social, economic, and lifecycle quality criteria. It delves into practical instances of EU Agrisolar projects, presenting data on crop yield, water usage, land efficiency, biodiversity improvement, and socioeconomic advantages. This translated guide arrives at a crucial juncture for Bulgaria’s solar industry, aligning […] Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dJ5-sY75 #solarenergy #alternativeenergy #solarpv #pvsolar #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #cleantech #climatechange #middleeast #africa #india #asiapacific #asia #agriculture #agrisolarparks #bulgaria #europe #india #renewableenergy #solardeveloper #solarenergy #solarpowereurope

The Rise of Smart Farms in Yeongdong, South Korea #SmartFarming #AgricultureInnovation #SustainableAgriculture #ICTinAgriculture #AgriculturalEntrepreneurship #SouthKoreanAgriculture #GeothermalEnergy #CropManagement #AgriculturalTraining #FutureofFarming Discover how Yeongdong, South Korea, is spearheading agricultural innovation with the establishment of a cutting-edge smart farm complex spanning 6.3 hectares, backed by a staggering investment of 200 billion won. This initiative integrates geothermal energy facilities and 4.3 hectares of state-of-the-art smart greenhouses, harnessing the […] https://lnkd.in/eHu9xPmz

Could the PM-KUSUM Scheme have a similar impact to that of ONDC for the Agri sector? This new scheme will connect farmers directly with solar pump vendors through a national portal, giving them the freedom to choose their preferred solar pumps. Drawing inspiration from the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, this initiative aims to simplify the process and reduce delays, promising a smoother transition to solar energy for agriculture. Despite the new approach, the subsidy structure of the PM-KUSUM scheme remains consistent, with the Centre providing a 30% subsidy and states contributing a minimum of 30%. This ensures that solar pumps remain affordable for farmers, minimizing their financial burden and making solar technology an attractive option for agricultural use. (ET) While, industry giants may face significant challenges under this new scheme. They must adapt to a transparent national portal, potentially disrupting their pricing and distribution strategies and impacting profit margins. Additionally, the portal encourages new players to enter the market, pushing established companies to innovate and enhance their offerings to stay competitive. This raises important questions about the broader impact of the new policy on the industry. Will the move towards a national portal ultimately benefit farmers at the expense of industry veterans? Or will it drive innovation and efficiency across the board, leading to a more robust and competitive market? What changes do you think are necessary to maximize the benefits of the PM-KUSUM Scheme for both farmers and the solar industry? Let’s discuss how we can transform these challenges into opportunities for a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture. #PolicyImpact #RenewableEnergy #PMKUSUM #SolarRooftop #ClimateAction

Agri PV: A Dual Solution for Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy Agri PV (Agrivoltaics) offers a powerful solution to simultaneously produce food and renewable energy by optimizing land use. By integrating solar panels on agricultural land, farmers can boost crop yields by up to 16% while generating clean electricity. In Central Europe alone, Agri PV has the potential to add 180 GW of solar capacity, nearly tripling current renewable electricity production from 73 TWh to 191 TWh. Agri PV systems is estimated to be 11-40% higher than traditional ground-mounted PV, depending on the system design. The economic potential is equally impressive. Agri PV can achieve land use efficiency of up to 178% compared to traditional single-use systems. The combined food and energy production ensures land is used more productively, crucial in regions facing land shortages. Farmers can earn between €20,000 and €26,000 per hectare from energy sales, compared to €1,700 from traditional wheat farming. Moreover, Agri PV enhances climate resilience by reducing water consumption and protecting crops from extreme weather. However, high installation costs and inconsistent policies remain barriers to adoption. While countries like Germany lead the way with supportive frameworks, Central Europe still has untapped potential. Overcoming these challenges will require reducing costs and expanding legislative support. Agri PV represents a win-win for food security, clean energy, and sustainable farming practices. #AgriPV #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #AgTech #CleanEnergy #SolarEnergy #Agriculture #EnergyTransition Info source & image Credit: Ember

Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security's ambitious plan to deploy €1.7 billion towards developing over 1GW of agrivoltaics (agriPV) projects in Italy. This funding, approved by the European Commission as part of its Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), aims to aid economic recovery post-COVID-19. Key points include: The planned capacity of 1.04GW will be online by 2026, with 300MW reserved for smaller projects by agricultural entrepreneurs and 740MW for projects of any size. RRF funding will cover up to 40% of eligible investment costs and offer tariffs based on electricity delivery to the grid. Italy has previously supported agrivoltaics with a €1.5 billion scheme in August 2022, aiming at 375MW of capacity. Benefits of agrivoltaics: Opens up land for solar development and can make projects more attractive to local communities. Modules positioned above plants operate more efficiently due to the cooling effect, enhancing solar output. Makes farmland more profitable, providing extra income for farmers and landowners. Some studies suggest improved growth conditions for plants under partial shading. The technology is gaining momentum in Europe, with the EU's Joint Research Centre (JRC) highlighting the potential for almost 1TW of agrivoltaics capacity, signaling growing industry attention and support. #ASTORIOS #agrivoltaics #greenenergy #solarenergy

"When the costs of agricultural crops soared and the economic output in Kibbutz Dafna plummeted, we recognized the value of an alternative: ground solar projects." #partners_talk | Kibbutz Dafna Uri Shovel serves as the business manager of Kibbutz Dafna. His journey into the realm of renewable energy alongside Doral commenced in 2008, marked by the installation of solar power systems in kibbutzim across Northern Israel. "Recently, we've expanded our collaboration with Doral within our kibbutz, increasing our project area from 90 dunams to 220," shares Uri. "We've come to realize that this endeavor proves more financially lucrative than our previous ventures. As labor and water costs surge, traditional crop cultivation's viability diminishes. Embracing ground-based solar projects with Doral emerges as a viable alternative that bolsters our kibbutz". Moreover, in Dafna, they actively advocate for agro-voltaic projects, integrating solar technology with agricultural practices. "Given our kibbutz's proximity to the border and the consequent six-month evictions of our residents, we strive to navigate these challenges. Initiatives like these provide crucial support," he emphasizes. "I firmly believe in pursuing energy independence, reducing reliance on conventional electricity transmission systems. Not only does this bolster security, as conventional systems are susceptible to damage, but incorporating storage capabilities enhances resilience. My hope is that every organization can soon fulfill its electricity needs autonomously, preferably through sustainable and eco-friendly means." Amidst the flourishing flowers of Dafna and the radiant Hermon Mountain in close proximity, we eagerly anticipate the return of the kibbutz residents to their homes, infused with renewed vigor and energy.

Master of Renewable Energy student Juan Cabrera Pirela is at the forefront of agrivoltaics—combining solar energy production with agriculture. His research could contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand's journey to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Juan’s insights show how agrivoltaics can benefit kiwifruit orchards, vineyards, and more, boosting crop quality, improving water efficiency, and protecting against extreme weather. “Solar energy is crucial, given our abundant solar resources. However, installing all the necessary panels requires significant land. Agrivoltaics offer a solution by allowing us to use agricultural land for solar arrays [groups of solar panels], benefiting both energy and agricultural production,” says Juan.

🌱 Harnessing the Power of Agrivoltaics for a Sustainable Future 🌞 Agrivoltaics, the innovative combination of agriculture and solar energy, offers a multitude of benefits for farmers, communities, and the environment. By integrating solar panels with crop production, we can achieve increased land productivity by maximizing the output from the same area. Solar panels provide shade, reducing evaporation and irrigation needs, which is crucial in arid regions. Certain crops benefit from the moderated temperatures and reduced stress under solar panels, leading to enhanced crop yields. Additionally, farmers can generate additional income through land lease payments or selling surplus solar energy, providing economic diversification. Agrivoltaics also supports biodiversity by creating habitats for pollinators and other wildlife, contributing to environmental benefits. Let’s embrace agrivoltaics to drive sustainable agriculture and renewable energy forward! 🌍💡 #Agrivoltaics #SustainableFarming #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #ClimateAction #GreenEnergy #WaterConservation #Biodiversity #CleanEnergy #FutureOfFarming