Revolutionizing Energy and Agriculture: Germany Unveils the World’s Largest Agrivoltaic Park

Vattenfall Launches Pioneering Agri-Photovoltaic Park in Germany

Berlin, germany – Vattenfall, a leading European energy company, officially opened its groundbreaking Agri-Photovoltaic (Agri-PV) park in Tützpatz, Germany, on September 22nd. This substantial project represents a significant step forward in integrating renewable energy production with agricultural land use.

A New Scale for Agri-PV

The expansive Tützpatz solar park, situated in the Mecklenburg Lake District of northeastern Germany, blankets an notable 93 hectares – equivalent to 126 football fields. It incorporates 144,800 photovoltaic modules boasting a cumulative peak power of 76 Megawatts. What sets this installation apart is its deliberate integration with ongoing agricultural activities.

The park uniquely coexists with both outdoor poultry farming, housing up to 15,000 laying hens in mobile coops, and conventional arable agriculture, rotating crops of peas, oats, wheat, and barley. This dual-use approach exemplifies the potential of Agri-PV to optimize land resources.

Powering Deutsche Telekom Through a PPA

The electricity generated by the Tützpatz park is being supplied to Deutsche Telekom under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The financial details of this agreement remain confidential. Notably, the project received no public subsidies, showcasing its economic viability.

According to Vattenfall officials, this project signifies a turning point, elevating Agri-PV from experimental stages to a commercially viable technology. Claus Wattendrup, Vattenfall’s Solar Manager, emphasized the pioneering nature of the installation.

Germany’s Agri-PV Potential

Vattenfall believes Germany possesses substantial, largely untapped potential for Agri-PV development.Estimates suggest a theoretical capacity of up to 7,900 Gigawatts across the nation’s agricultural lands. However, factoring in regulatory restrictions, such as those related to open-space photovoltaic areas, this potential is revised to around 5,600 gigawatts.

Recent studies, including one from the Fraunhofer ISE Institute in July 2025, indicate that Germany could install up to 500 gigawatts of Agri-PV capacity on suitable land – more than double the nation’s installed photovoltaic power target for 2030.

The number of Agri-PV systems currently undergoing approval in Germany has increased dramatically in recent years, although large-scale installations remain limited. Project developers are increasingly recognizing the financial attractiveness of Agri-PV, finding it to be as profitable as conventional solar ventures.

deutsche Telekom is committed to sourcing its entire energy supply from the site for the next decade. (© Vattenfall)

Key Facts About the Tützpatz Agri-PV Park

feature	Specification
Location	Tützpatz,Mecklenburg Lake District,Germany
Area	93 hectares (126 football fields)
Photovoltaic Modules	144,800
Peak Power	76 MW
Agricultural Activities	Poultry Farming (15,000 hens),Arable Farming (peas,oats,wheat,barley)
Power Purchaser	Deutsche Telekom

The Rise of Agri-Photovoltaics

Agri-PV systems represent a growing trend in renewable energy,addressing concerns about land use competition between food production and power generation. These systems enhance land-use efficiency. They are gaining traction globally, particularly in regions with high population densities or limited land availability.

Did You Know? agri-PV can also benefit crop yields by providing shade and reducing water evaporation,especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

Recent advancements in bifacial solar panels, which generate electricity from both sides, are further optimizing the performance of Agri-PV systems. The global Agri-PV market is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.3% from 2021.

Frequently asked Questions About Agri-PV

What role do you see Agri-PV playing in the future of sustainable energy? How can governments incentivize the adoption of Agri-PV technologies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might the implementation of agrivoltaic systems, like the one in Brandenburg, impact local food production and security in regions facing land constraints?

The Rise of Agrivoltaics: A Synergistic Solution

Germany is leading the charge in sustainable innovation wiht the recent unveiling of its groundbreaking agrivoltaic park – currently the world’s largest. This project isn’t just about generating renewable energy; it’s about reimagining the relationship between agriculture and solar power.Agrivoltaics,the co-location of agricultural production and photovoltaic power generation,is gaining traction globally as a solution to land-use challenges and the urgent need for both food and energy security.This new facility represents a significant leap forward in this field, demonstrating the potential for large-scale implementation.

Project Details: Scale and Location

Located in the Brandenburg region, east of Berlin, the park spans approximately 66 hectares (163 acres).Developed by Enerparc AG, the facility boasts over 330,000 solar panels strategically positioned to maximize both energy production and agricultural yield. the key is the elevated mounting structures,allowing sufficient sunlight to reach the crops below. Initial crops being cultivated include potatoes, wheat, and various types of forage for livestock. The park is expected to generate 205 GWh of electricity annually – enough to power approximately 75,000 households.

How Agrivoltaic Systems Work: Optimizing Land Use

Traditional solar farms often require vast tracts of land, potentially competing with agricultural areas. Agrivoltaics addresses this conflict by integrating the two. Here’s a breakdown of the core principles:

* Elevated Solar Panels: Panels are mounted high enough to allow agricultural machinery to operate underneath and for crops to receive adequate sunlight.

* Bifacial Panels: Increasingly, bifacial solar panels are used. these panels generate electricity from both sides, capturing reflected light from the ground and boosting overall energy output.

* Optimized Spacing & Orientation: Panel spacing and orientation are carefully calculated to balance energy generation with the specific light requirements of the crops being grown.

* Water Management: Some agrivoltaic systems incorporate rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques, further enhancing agricultural productivity.

Benefits of Agrivoltaics: Beyond Renewable Energy

The advantages of combining renewable energy and farming extend far beyond simply generating clean electricity.

* Increased Land-Use Efficiency: Maximizes the productivity of land, producing both food and energy on the same acreage.

* Crop Yield Enhancement: Studies show that strategically placed solar panels can provide shade,reducing water evaporation and heat stress on crops,leading to increased yields for certain varieties.

* Water Conservation: Reduced evaporation translates to lower water consumption, crucial in regions facing water scarcity.

* Livestock Benefits: The shade provided by panels can offer shelter for livestock, improving animal welfare and reducing heat stress.

* Diversified Income Streams: Farmers can generate revenue from both crop sales and electricity generation, enhancing economic resilience.

* Reduced Carbon Footprint: Contributes to a lower carbon footprint through the production of clean energy and potentially reduced fertilizer use.

Crop Compatibility: What Works Best?

Not all crops thrive under solar panels. Research is ongoing, but certain plants demonstrate especially strong compatibility with agrivoltaic systems:

* leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens often benefit from the partial shade.

* Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can experience improved fruit quality and yield.

* Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and beets can perform well due to the moderated soil temperature.

* forage Crops: Grasses and legumes for livestock grazing are well-suited to agrivoltaic systems.

* Specialty Crops: Herbs and medicinal plants can also benefit from the controlled environment.

Case Studies: Agrivoltaics in Practice

While Germany’s new park is the largest, agrivoltaic projects are emerging worldwide:

* France: Numerous smaller-scale agrivoltaic installations are being deployed, focusing on vineyards and fruit orchards.

* Italy: Agrivoltaics are being used to support olive groves and other Mediterranean crops.

* United States: Projects are underway in states like Colorado and Arizona, exploring the potential for agrivoltaics in arid and semi-arid regions.

* Japan: Early adopters of agrivoltaics, Japan has been integrating solar panels with rice paddies and tea plantations for years.

Challenges and Future Outlook for Solar Agriculture

Despite the promising benefits, agrivoltaics faces some challenges:

* Initial Investment Costs: Setting up an agrivoltaic system can be more expensive than traditional solar farms or agricultural operations.

* System Design Complexity: Optimizing panel placement and crop selection requires careful planning and expertise.

* Regulatory Hurdles: Clear regulations and permitting processes are needed to facilitate the widespread adoption of agrivoltaics.

* Long-Term Research: Continued research is essential to understand the long-term impacts of agrivoltaics on soil health, biodiversity, and crop yields.

Looking ahead,the future of agrivoltaics is bright. As land becomes increasingly scarce and the demand for