SolarPower Europe has released the Agrisolar Handbook, a resource designed to support the agriculture and solar sectors in tackling climate, energy, and food security challenges.
“This is a significant step in SolarPower Europe’s efforts to bring together two critical industries to embrace our shared synergies,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
“The future of farming is critical to the EU food independence and resilience. Agrisolar systems boost the farm’s revenue, which can support productive and sustainable investments, and strengthens the farm’s climate resilience on its energy transition journey.”
The handbook outlines agrisolar’s potential benefits, such as up to 60% increased crop yields, better soil temperature stability, and a notable increase in pollinators.
SolarPower Europe stresses that agrisolar-equipped land may qualify for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments and should be supported by incentives for dual land use.
The report also calls for streamlined permitting, improved grid connections, and increased research in agrisolar innovation.
Member of European Parliament Seán Kelly noted, “To fully harness the potential of agrisolar, we must ensure farmers have the tools and incentives to participate.
“This includes simplifying grid connections, streamlining planning approvals, and putting payment schemes in place that encourage collaboration between agriculture and renewable energy.”
Eva Vandest, Chair of SolarPower Europe’s Land Use and Permitting Workstream, added that agrisolar brings value to farmers, solar stakeholders, and local communities.
“This dual land-use model should allow us to achieve the energy transition and mitigate carbon emissions while providing additional services and income to farmers,” she said.
The Agrisolar Handbook will be showcased at the AgriVoltaics Industry Forum in Madrid on November 5-6, where industry and policy leaders will discuss advancing agrisolar in Europe.
This handbook builds on SolarPower Europe’s earlier Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines, reinforcing its commitment to a resilient agricultural sector.
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