Agri-PV Industry Insights: Expert Analysis of Trends, Challenges & The Top 10 Questions Answered

This article was co-authored by Constantin Klyk, Consultant at Agri-PV Consulting and expert in Agri-PV with 8 years experience in the PV sector.

Agri-PV, the integration of photovoltaic systems with agricultural land use, is an emerging field experiencing rapid change. As global energy demands rise and governments push for renewable energy solutions, Agri-PV has gained traction as a viable approach to balancing food production with solar energy generation.

For example, the global agri-voltaics market was valued at USD 4.59 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 5.13 billion in 2025, and is projected to exceed USD 13.88 billion by 2034.

Source: Precedence Research

However, due to its relatively young status, the market is still evolving, with new technological advancements, policy shifts, and business models emerging at a fast pace. In this article, we’ll be exploring who is leading the charge in Agri-PV, the challenges of PV development in this growing industry, and the different strategies different markets have taken. We’ll also be covering the top 10 Agri-PV questions answered by industry experts.

Regulations and Frameworks: A Diverse Landscape Across Europe and Beyond

Regulations play a crucial role in shaping Agri-PV adoption, and different countries have taken varied approaches to establishing legal frameworks. Some European nations have long-established policies, while others are in the process of developing their own.

• Germany and France: These two countries are the frontrunners in Agri-PV regulations in Europe, with the longest-standing frameworks in place. However, these regulations are not static—both countries regularly update their policies, and legislation continues to evolve. In France, for example, strict definitions of Agri-PV require projects to demonstrate their contribution to agricultural productivity.
  
  

• Italy and Austria: Building on the regulatory foundations set by Germany and France, these nations have developed advanced policies that actively promote the integration of solar energy within agriculture. Their frameworks have evolved by learning from earlier implementations, refining approaches to avoid past challenges. Italy has introduced incentives for Agri-PV projects that meet sustainability criteria, while Austria provides clear guidelines on land use and dual-purpose functionality.
  
  
• Other European Countries: Many nations, including Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK, are still in the process of drafting or refining their Agri-PV policies. These evolving regulations reflect a growing interest in the sector but also highlight the challenges of balancing energy production with food security and land preservation. In some cases, regulations are highly specific—for example, in the Czech Republic, current policies only apply to horticultural applications, leaving other forms of Agri-PV unaddressed.
  
  
• United States: Agri-PV regulation in the U.S. is highly fragmented, as zoning laws and relevant policies are determined at the state level. With 50 different regulatory landscapes, the approach to Agri-PV varies widely across the country. While some states have introduced pilot programs or definitions for agrivoltaics, others have yet to establish any formal framework, creating an uneven and evolving regulatory environment.

Differing National Strategies in European Agri-PV

Due to concerns over land use and food security, some countries have implemented policies that restrict conventional photovoltaic (PV) installations on farmland, unless they meet Agri-PV standards. The goal is to ensure that agricultural activities remain a priority while still enabling the integration of solar energy.

For example, France and Italy have strict bans on conventional PV installations on farmland unless they qualify as Agri-PV projects. In the Netherlands, the approach is more of a recommendation rather than a legal requirement, while in Germany, local communities often signal that they will only approve projects if they incorporate at least some Agri-PV elements. This strategy has accelerated Agri-PV adoption and helped protect farmland, but it also increases costs for solar development—an important factor in the broader energy transition.

To comply with Agri-PV requirements, solar installations must often demonstrate their ability to maintain or enhance agricultural productivity. This can include features such as adjustable mounting systems, continued crop cultivation, or livestock grazing beneath the panels. Other successful strategies involve using elevated panels to allow machinery access, spacing arrays to optimize sunlight for crops, and leveraging innovative agronomic techniques that benefit from partial shading.

Key Challenges in Agri-PV Development

1. Traditional utility-scale solar farms are often more cost-effective than Agri-PV installations. The additional requirements for maintaining agricultural productivity—along with more complex system designs—typically drive up costs. This makes Agri-PV less competitive in markets where the priority is maximizing energy yield per square meter and per euro spent.
   
   
2. The regulatory landscape for Agri-PV is also still evolving in many countries. Developers often face uncertainty regarding land-use policies, subsidy structures, and compliance requirements. This lack of clarity makes it risky to invest in long-term Agri-PV projects, as rules may shift mid-development.
   
   
3. Another challenge is that Agri-PV projects often take longer to develop compared to standard solar farms. In some cases, projects are planned and designed based on expected regulations that have not yet been fully implemented. This creates uncertainty and potential financial risk, as developers may have to adjust their projects to meet new legal requirements that emerge after development has begun.

While these challenges slow progress, they also highlight the need for clearer regulations, improved incentives, and continued technological innovation to make Agri-PV a more viable option on a larger scale.

Current Agri-PV Markets & Major Projects

So, which European markets are seeing the most success with Agri-PV projects?

Italy has set ambitious targets for Agri-PV, with 1.6 GW of capacity planned by 2027. The country has implemented strong financial incentives to encourage developers to integrate solar energy with agriculture, making it one of the most attractive markets for Agri-PV investments.

France continues to lead in Agri-PV development, with a significant 450 MW project currently in progress. With its strict regulations ensuring agricultural productivity remains a priority, the country is positioning itself as a benchmark for sustainable Agri-PV development.

Germany, already a leader in solar energy, is expanding its Agri-PV capacity, with a 750 MW project currently under development. Given Germany’s strong regulatory framework and experience in solar deployment, this project could serve as a model for future large-scale Agri-PV initiatives across Europe.

Austria is advancing in Agri-PV with a significant 164 MW installation in Burgenland, spanning 180 hectares. This project integrates 260,000 PV modules using Schletter's "Tracking System 2V," allowing over 75% of the land to remain available for agriculture. The system's design facilitates easy transition between energy production and farming activities, exemplifying a harmonious blend of renewable energy generation and sustainable agriculture.

With these large-scale projects underway, Agri-PV is gradually moving from a niche concept to a mainstream renewable energy solution. However, its success will depend on continued regulatory support, financial incentives, and technological advancements that make it more competitive with traditional solar installations.

Future Predictions for Agri-PV

So what does the future of Agri-PV look like?

Interspace tracker technology, particularly two-panel (2P) configurations, is expected to dominate the Agri-PV sector due to its ability to optimize land use while maintaining high energy yields. These systems allow for better integration with agricultural activities, ensuring minimal disruption to farming operations.

Regulatory frameworks are anticipated to become more stringent, driving a gradual transition from standard PV installations on farmland to dedicated Agri-PV projects. This shift is already taking place in Italy and France, where regulations strictly enforce dual land use, and is happening unofficially in Germany, where more projects are aligning with Agri-PV principles despite the absence of formal mandates.

Additionally, Agri-PV is expected to expand significantly in animal husbandry, as integrating solar panels with livestock grazing areas presents a practical and easily achievable solution. This sector offers a low-hanging fruit opportunity for Agri-PV adoption, enabling farmers to enhance land productivity without major operational changes.

Top 10 Agri-PV Questions Answered by Industry Experts

We sat down with Boris Kamana from Vensolair and David Cattelin from Solarhona to get their answers for the top 10 questions about Agri-PV. Read on to see their responses!

1. What additional site characteristics should developers assess when prospecting for Agri-PV compared to traditional ground-mounted projects?

Boris: "An agri-voltaic project involves ongoing agricultural activity throughout its operation, which means it must be developed in partnership with an experienced farmer, preferably young.

It is also advisable to prioritize pasture or permanent grassland, as the agro-pedological potential is generally not suitable for large-scale crops. This makes it more favorable for livestock farming projects (which are often easier to develop)."

2. What topographical features are ideal or problematic for combined agricultural and solar energy use?

David: "The topographical constraints remain the same as for ground-mounted projects, as the elevation of structures does not necessarily impact Agri-PV/ground projects."

3. What are the main buffer zones and setback requirements for Agri-PV developments?

Boris: "The design of an agrivoltaic project must consider ongoing agricultural activity. Depending on the type of agricultural production (crop farming, livestock, sheep, cattle, etc.), the requirements may vary. More generally, it is recommended to:

• Plan for headlands, typically 10 meters wide (space between peripheral tracks and the panels).
• Provide crossings to facilitate farm operations.
• Plan for one or more containment areas to manage livestock or for animal care.
• Include some agricultural equipment, such as water troughs and feeders.
• Sometimes, an agricultural storage shed for hay may be required.
• Row spacing and minimum panel height should be adapted to agricultural production."

4. How should row spacing be adjusted in preliminary designs to accommodate agricultural activities?

Boris: "The inter-row spacing must meet two criteria: The coverage rate must not exceed 40% for projects over 10 MWc and there must be compatibility with the type of agricultural production (e.g., more space for cattle than for sheep)."

5. What critical design factors affect both solar optimization and agricultural accessibility?

David: "From my interpretation, factors such as sunlight exposure, plot size, and electrical grid connection affect both the PV and agricultural aspects of a project, in addition to legal decrees and framework documents/charters."

6. What are the key GIS layers to analyze when evaluating Agri-PV potential?

Boris: "Regulatory protection zones, including environmental areas (ZNIEFF, NATURA 2000, ZSC, PNR, etc.) wetland areas, and local urban planning rules (PLU/PLUi), such as hedge protection and construction regulations."

7. Which French regions have specific requirements before permitting Agri-PV projects?

Boris: "Almost all regions/departments have specific requirements, depending on different aspects or project development stages.

It is difficult to list all the specificities here. It is up to the project manager to contact State services to understand the necessary adaptations.

For example:

• Wetland regulations vary between DDTs.
• In Moselle, the agricultural chamber requires a review by the Agricultural Technical Committee before submitting a building permit.
• OLD (Obligations Légales de Défrichement) rules differ between departments."

David: "Each region has its own characteristics, which is a major issue - there is no national policy regarding agricultural chambers, and CDPENAFs (Commissions for the Protection of Natural, Agricultural, and Forest Areas) often have conflicting opinions on the same project. Developers must adapt locally to each project."

8. What key data should teams share when collaborating on Agri-PV site evaluations?

Boris: "I would say all the basic information, including:

• Location
• Parcel surface area
• Current land use
• Type of intended agricultural production
• Information about the farmer/landowner
• Distance to the nearest electrical substation
• Natural risks
• Environmental constraints"

David: "I would also add solar exposure (possibly redundant with location, but project location determines what is feasible based on local conditions)."

9. What are common red flags in the initial site selection for Agri-PV projects?

Boris:

• "Too many environmental constraints (ZNIEFF, NATURA 2000, ZSC, PNR, etc.).
• Parcels are too small.
• Grid connection is too far.
• Presence of natural risks on the parcels.
• Steep slopes.
• Farmer is too old, with no succession plan.
• PLU/PLUi regulations are not compatible."

10. What preliminary studies are crucial for Agri-PV development compared to traditional solar development?

David: 

• "Assessment of the agricultural potential of the parcels.
• Agri-voltaic feasibility study (sometimes a simple analysis is sufficient).
• Wetland studies (important because, in addition to avoiding wetlands, coverage rates must be respected, leaving less space for panels)."