Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz
In order to achieve climate protection targets set by the German government, an enormous expansion of renewable energies is necessary, including solar energy. In order to avoid a land use conflict between agriculture and energy production, agrivoltaic (AV) systems could be increasingly used. In this project, vertical AV systems will be investigated. In vertical AV systems, the modules are installed vertically in row spacing of min. 8 m, so that the area between the modules can still be used for agriculture. Currently, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the compatibility of agricultural and photovoltaic use. In particular, the potential effects on functional biodiversity as an important element of producing high-yielding and healthy crops in such a system are unexplored. Therefore, this research project will investigate the impact of vertical AV systems on functional biodiversity. Two existing systems will be used to record abundance and diversity of selected taxa (hoverflies, sphecid wasps and spiders). Furthermore, possibilities will be tested how vertical AV systems can be designed to support the establishment and promotion of beneficial insects and thus reduce the occurrence of certain pests. Various elements that can be integrated into AV systems (e.g. flowering strips or nesting aids in the constructions) will be developed and field-tested. The research project is intended to provide recommendations on how an ecological enhancement of vertical AV systems can be achieved improving yield through sufficient pest control and pollination.
The German Federal Environmental Foundation
