Agrivoltaic systems are demonstrated at 3 different European sites, namely in Belgium, Denmark and Germany. Different crops were cultivated underneath or in between the panels at the three pilot sites. Wheat was chosen as common crop over sites. In addition, each pilot site had an additional focus on other crops to compare agrivoltaic versus open field. Furthermore, for the German site, site-specific effects on yield formation under agrivoltaic systems were investigated by studying microplots, which led to a better understanding of the observed effects. Finally, biochar experiments in greenhouse and underneath the agrivoltaic setup were performed which showed diverse effects. Experimental data from these crop trials became available throughout the project and were used to validate the newly developed, publicly available and user-friendly agrivoltaic simulation tool. The final result of this web tool can be found on the project website (www.hyperfarm.eu).
The HyPErFarm project also develops and demonstrates new ways of utilizing and distributing the locally produced energy. One application is the implementation of H2 production and consumption on farm. The project demonstrated the viability of hydrogen panels within an agrivoltaics framework. Based on the output properties of the H2 panels, the design of H2 compressor module and its components was successfully updated and optimized to accommodate the H2 gas input, which operate at low pressures. Implementing hydrogen in agricultural operations presents however several challenges. Setting up a hydrogen refueling station, for instance, is a complex process involving permitting, risk assessments, and investment justification, which requires a certain scale to be economically viable.
Regarding the electricity production and storage, an analysis on the energy consumption profiles of relevant farm types was performed by a specialized newly developed modeling tool, in order to analyze how they can benefit from APV electricity generation. CO2 emissions were also taken into account. Usage of locally produced electricity is being demonstrated by developing of an electric farm robot. Electrification of a farm was demonstrated at TRANSfarm by implementing fossil-free technologies to fuel the farm operations.
The agrivoltaics technologies were assessed in order to develop business models for the HyPErFarm project. A stakeholder analysis was performed to identify and characterize a group of active entities in the field of farm decarbonization through agrivoltaics.
Furthermore, the social acceptance of agrivoltaic systems was examined, by analyzing the public perception, compatibility and acceptance. Stakeholders drivers and barriers were examined and personas (fictitious characters) were developed that respresent ciritical users or key stakeholders. A cross-country acceptance survey was performed, by collecting qualitative stakeholders interviews. In addition, a VR study was designed, to assess the public perception of agrivoltaic systems.
Finally, efforts focussed on the mapping of how the current energy markets and agricultural landscape work together and how a farmer can intelligently participate in it in terms of flexibility, energy sharing, energy communities, etc. An overview of current agrivoltaics legislation in different countries (EU and non-EU) was provided. In parallel, policy recommendations about future European agrivoltaic legislation were drafted.
As the experimental results and outcomes were exponentially increased, various outreach activities were performed which gained a lot of attention worldwide, which boosted the communication and dissemination campaign of HyPErFarm significantly. Finally, HyPErFarm is participating in EU clustering activities in the Area Zero Cluster, which joins 6 European projects.
