SoLAgri - Energy transition as a biodiversity-promoting agricultural value creation model - Agriphotovoltaics ecosystem

By adapting APV/agricultural management/production and promoting the development of species-rich habitat structures, valuable, multifunctional ecosystems can be created that generate energy at the same time. In the project, two case study examples (EWS Sonnenfeld in Bruck/Leitha and Öko-Solar-Biotop Pöchlarn) of agriphotovoltaics (APV), i.e. areas on which agricultural and electricity production take place in parallel, will be analysed for the first time under the same aspects. Measurement setups already in place prior to the project will be harmonised in order to create a larger data basis, which will enable an improved interpretation of the data for practical use. The project will initially record microclimatic parameters in both APV systems with the different forms of land use (arable farming, orchards and grassland with grazing), document and optimise agricultural production on arable land and investigate cultivation under the PV modules and optimisation of these in the project. Another focus is on analysing habitat structures in the area of APV systems and measures to promote species diversity and biodiversity. The two sites are to be assessed in terms of their environmental impact using life cycle assessments and hotspots, i.e. processes that contribute particularly to environmental impacts, are to be identified. The organisation of a workshop for relevant stakeholders is intended to promote networking within the APV community as well as the exchange of experience. Finally, the findings of the project are to be summarised in a guideline or practical handbook and include recommendations for action for policymakers, farmers and energy companies. By implementing these measures, the "SoLAgri" project will make a significant contribution to the sustainable, resource-efficient and ecologically balanced development of APV systems in Austria.