Agrivoltaics (AgriPV) one solution, many benefits
Agrivoltaics (also written agri-PV or agrivoltaics) is the practice of installing photovoltaic modules several metres above crops so that the same plot of land can simultaneously (1) generate electricity, (2) harvest and store rain-water, (3) create a favourable micro-climate that protects the soil from drought, and (4) maintain or even increase conventional crop yields. The farmer, therefore gains not only an additional revenue stream from solar power but a full package of environmental and economic advantages that together make the holding more resilient to climate change.
1. What exactly is agrivoltaics and why so many names?
| Term | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Agrivoltaics | Standard English form (USA, UK, Asia) |
| AgriPV | Preferred in EU policy papers and SolarPower Europe reports |
| AgroPV | Common in German-speaking markets and Central Europe |
| APV (Agro-Photovoltaics) | Abbreviation in academic literature |
Why so many names?
The variations stem from language differences and research traditions in various countries. The European Commission’s RED III documents use “AgriPV,” the Fraunhofer Institute prefers “AgroPV,” and academic papers often shorten it to “APV.” In practice, every label describes the same concept: arranging PV modules so that the farmland beneath can keep doing its job.Regardless of the wording, the underlying idea is identical—one piece of land, multiple functions:
generation of electricity,
collection and storage of rain-water,
micro-climate improvement and soil protection,
stabilisation or even increase of standard crop yields.
2. Why is the topic growing so quickly?
Over the past five years agrivoltaics has moved from a scientific curiosity to one of the cornerstones of the EU Fit-for-55 strategy.
First, land pressure is rising. Poland’s National Energy and Climate Plan alone calls for at least 16 GW of new PV capacity by 2030, and the area needed for conventional solar farms is beginning to compete with food production.
Second, field trials deliver hard evidence. Studies in Germany, Japan and the United States show that partial shade reduces water and heat stress in plants, changing yields from –5 % to +20 % depending on species, while cooler module temperatures improve conversion efficiency.
Third, the financial outlook is attractive. Allied Market Research estimates that the global agriPV market exceeded 6 billion USD in 2024 and is expanding at 5–6 % per year.
Finally, policy momentum is clear. The RED III Directive and the reformed CAP reward installations that combine energy and food, offering CAPEX bonuses and faster grid-connection procedures.
All these forces converge on the modern farm, which now has to act simultaneously as a food producer, a water manager and an energy generator.
