Photovoltaics on farmland still has potential in Switzerland

(CONNECT) Photovoltaics on agricultural land—known as agri-photovoltaics—can contribute both to the generation of renewable energy and to the protection of agricultural crops. However, according to a press release from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), a recent study by the ZHAW Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management in Wädenswil shows that there is still a great deal of untapped potential in this area.

According to the study, Switzerland has a theoretical potential of 113 terawatt-hours per year, provided a minimum distance of 300 meters from a potential grid connection point is maintained. That is nearly double Switzerland's electricity consumption in recent years. In reality, however, agri-PV systems account for only 0.1 percent of electricity production. The ZHAW report highlights the obstacles contributing to this situation. “The technology isn’t the problem. The key factors are whether a project can be approved despite the high requirements, whether connection to the power grid is possible at a reasonable cost, and whether the plant can be operated profitably under current conditions,” says Jürg Rohrer, professor of renewable energy at ZHAW and co-author of the report, as quoted in the press release.

The obstacles listed include uncertain profitability, limited investment capital, planning uncertainties—including those associated with stringent regulatory requirements—restrictions on land use, and a lack of local acceptance. On the other hand, there are the so-called drivers. Agri-PV systems could provide protection against future energy price fluctuations. They could be used as a climate protection measure against wind, heavy rain, and hail, thereby promoting the cultivation of crops at risk. Land that is not used for agricultural purposes due to prior damage could generate additional income with a solar power system. By contributing to the energy transition and low-greenhouse-gas food production, these facilities could gain a positive image and, as a result, broader social acceptance. Finally, according to the study, a return of 5 percent could be achieved with the right marketing model.

The research results presented were developed with financial support from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) as part of the SWEET consortium EDGE. ce/ww