SolarPower Europe, the continent's solar trade body, has recommended key policy changes to accelerate the growth of Europe's agrivoltaics (agriPV) sector, which combines solar energy production with agriculture.
In its newly released Agrisolar Handbook, the organization highlights the need for simplified permitting and grid connection procedures, as well as further research and integration of agriPV into existing environmental and agricultural policies.
A recent analysis from think tank Ember suggests that Central Europe alone could support up to 180 GW of agriPV capacity. However, SolarPower Europe contends that current EU legislation requires adjustment for this potential to be achieved, particularly regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a long-standing initiative that provides financial support to farmers.
The report suggests the CAP could support agriPV projects under its “climate and biodiversity” focus, clarifying that these installations should not be classified as “non-agricultural activities” that could compromise access to CAP funds.
Yves Madre, president of Farm Europe, emphasized that agriPV can play a critical role in Europe's shift to a carbon-neutral economy by combining solar production with sustainable agriculture to boost productivity, reduce ecological impact, and enhance farm incomes.
In line with this vision, SolarPower Europe advocates financial incentives within CAP, such as bonuses for farms that incorporate agriPV, and structures that classify agriPV installations as part of a farm's carbon-reduction efforts.
The report also underscores the importance of research in advancing agriPV technology, calling for an EU-wide framework that fosters coordination between energy and agricultural policies.
