- RWE's 3.2 MW agrivoltaics plant in Bedburg started in 2024.
- 6,100 solar modules power 1,044 homes while supporting crop growth.
- Three agrivoltaic systems tested: vertical, tracker, and pergola-like designs.
- Project funded by North Rhine-Westphalia's progres.nrw programme.
Overview
RWE's agrivoltaics demonstration plant in Bedburg, operational since early 2024, integrates solar power generation with agricultural activities. The facility features 6,100 solar modules, producing enough electricity to power 1,044 German homes while supporting the cultivation of grain and raspberries.
Technologies Tested
The project explores three agrivoltaic system designs: a vertical setup with rigid solar modules, a tracker system that follows the sun, and a pergola-like structure suitable for fruit growing. These systems aim to optimize the coexistence of agriculture and photovoltaics, ensuring efficient land use.
Initial Findings
Research indicates that crop yields from the agrivoltaic systems are comparable to conventional methods, with some improvements in quality, particularly in protein content. The systems also help maintain soil humidity and protect crops from adverse weather conditions.
Project Support
The initiative receives scientific input from the Institute for Plant Sciences at Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. It is funded by North Rhine-Westphalia's progres.nrw programme, supporting climate protection and energy transition efforts.
