Feb 09, 2026
Project start: Analysis of the influence of an agrivoltaic system on land use
Due to competition for land between energy production using photovoltaic systems and primary agricultural production, so-called ‘agri-photovoltaics’, which combines both types of use, is increasingly gaining attention. Investment in agri-photovoltaics is particularly justified if the economic profit per area in combined use is higher than the cultivation of two separate areas for agriculture and electricity production, provided that the additional costs remain within reasonable limits.
The project ‘Analysis of the influence of an agri-photovoltaic system on agricultural production processes using a model farm’ aims to provide information on the extent to which the small-scale division of land caused by the rows of PV modules impairs the efficiency of agricultural processes.
The Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG) therefore commissioned the Chair of Agricultural Systems Technology at TU Dresden to investigate the economic impact of combined use. For this purpose, the partner farm ‘Gut Krauscha’ is providing an agri-photovoltaic system that started operating in 2024 and a neighbouring comparison area. Using automated data recording via telemetry units on the machines used in the various agricultural processes, TU Dresden is analysing all workflows in detail over two growing seasons. Recommendations for measures and optimisation opportunities are derived from a full cost calculation as effective support for agricultural businesses.
The project kicked off with a meeting of the stakeholders on 21 January 2026 at Gut Krauscha. We look forward to a productive collaboration and are excited to see the project results!
This project is funded by the Saxon Competence Centre for Sustainable Agriculture – Lusatia Coal Region with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
