Growing Green: Exploring the Benefits of Solar Integration in Farming

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Recording of Thursday, June 20, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 7:46 .

Zimmermann PV Showcases Innovative Solar Integration Solutions for Farming at InterSolar

Lars Wissmann, Project Manager at Zimmerman PV, presented on the integration of solar systems in agriculture. Zimmerman PV offers various substructures for photovoltaic (PV) installations and has been active in the market for 15 years with projects totaling over 11 gigawatts of capacity. Wissman emphasized creating a symbiosis between energy production and farming. He highlighted examples where semi-transparent modules provided shade to crops like apples, resulting in larger fruits despite high summer temperatures. Current challenges include high capital expenditure due to increased structure heights and expensive semi-transparent modules with lower power output. Zimmermann's solution involves optimizing tracker controls through research collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute. They focus on providing optimal light conditions throughout different crop growth stages while minimizing costs by potentially avoiding transparent modules, thereby increasing field power density. Wissman further discussed advantages of their tracking system adapted for grasslands and crops that maximize land use efficiency compared to fixed structures or fence systems without compromising agricultural productivity. Improved gear setups allow these trackers to achieve vertical positions when necessary, enhancing yield by up to 40%. For more information on their solutions, visitors were invited to explore Zimmerman's exhibits at InterSolar.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Agricultural PV is on the rise - in many European countries, this application, which combines agriculture and PV on the same piece of land, is on the verge of a market breakthrough. The beneficial effects of PV systems on many types of crops as well as dual land use and protecting agricultural activity by avoiding competition for land are some clear advantages. In this session, pioneering agricultural PV companies will present their projects and best practices, demonstrate the profitability of agricultural PV and the benefits of this combination for agriculture and power generation.

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