PES calls for greater commitment to agri-PV in Brussels

The European Commission has announced guidelines for the dual use of agricultural land. These guidelines are currently being developed, as Lina Dubina reported at this year's Agrivoltaics World Conference in Freiburg. She is a policy advisor for sustainability at Solarpower Europe (SPE) and points to the proposals put forward by the European Solar Association regarding agri-PV.

Maintain agricultural support

Farmers who want to invest in agri-PV primarily need clarity that they will continue to have access to support under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). "This is a major issue affecting farmers in many member states," says Lina Dubina. In many countries, farmers no longer have access to payments if they install agri-PV.

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in agri-PV and the solar energy transition on farms, subscribe to our free agriculture newsletter.

Recognize agri-PV as sustainable

Furthermore, SPE proposes that member states develop their own eco-schemes specifically for agri-PV within the framework of the CAP. Farmers can receive additional support for these schemes. Currently, biodiversity, diversity in arable farming, and the avoidance of chemical and synthetic pesticides, among other things, are supported by eco-schemes. Including agri-PV would also apply to farmers who use their land for dual purposes.

Reducing CO2 emissions in agriculture

In addition, agri-PV systems should also be recognized as an approach to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. "This is not just about restoring destroyed nature, but also about integrating it into the carbon farming market," explains Lina Dubina. Carbon farming involves transferring the carbon stored in plants into the soil, for example by leaving unused plant parts in the field. "We believe that photovoltaics can also be a solution for such concepts," explains Lina Dubina. After all, solar power also prevents carbon dioxide emissions in the entire energy system, so this could also be recognized as carbon farming in conjunction with agriculture.

Solarpower Europe: Digital Agri-PV Atlas shows 200 projects across Europe

Mitigate risks for farmers

Furthermore, SPE proposes that the European Central Bank mitigate the risks for farmers when investing in agri-PV. This would allow them to have easier access to financing for such projects and, most importantly, reduce financing costs.

One percent of the arable land is sufficient

Such approaches can help grow the agri-PV market. After all, the EU Commission has ambitious goals. 720 gigawatts of photovoltaic capacity are to be installed by 2030. "This means an average increase of 70 gigawatts per year," calculates Lina Dubina. She points to a study on the technical potential of agri-PV commissioned by the EU Commission itself.

Solarpower Europe launches digital platform on agri-PV and publishes guide on the topic

According to the report, this potential in Europe is 944 gigawatts if just one percent of agricultural land is covered with agri-PV systems. "That's much more than the EU's target," emphasizes Dubina. "This report also shows that even more than one terawatt of solar capacity could be installed in combination with agriculture." The SPE expert points out the many advantages of dual-use land—not only in terms of land efficiency, but also in terms of profits for agriculture. This includes protecting plants and animals from the effects of climate change.

Time is running out

Lina Dubina points out that time is of the essence. The EU Commission recently adopted guidelines for the development of renewable energies , which also include agri-PV. The Commission has also announced the publication of a study on innovative forms of photovoltaics in the second week of July. Agri-PV also plays a major role here.

Solar power from fields and barns: Our special for double harvests on farms

This also incorporates the results of an event in Parliament organized by the SPE in mid-April 2025. This, in turn, is based on a handbook published by the European Solar Association last year. SPE collaborated with various stakeholders from the agricultural sector in its preparation.

Cooperate with farmers

In addition to Copa Cogeca, the two major agricultural organizations in Europe, these include the European Landowners Organization (ELO) and Farm Europe. "We want to strengthen cooperation with farmers and provide them with guidelines on how they can adapt photovoltaic systems to their respective agricultural production," emphasizes Lina Dubina. We have also looked at various agri-PV business models and different ownership structures to also consider the socioeconomic aspect."

In addition, the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee has announced a report on the future of the CAP after 2027. This report is currently being negotiated. Adoption by Parliament is scheduled for September 2025. (see below)