Livestock agrivoltaic structure

for crops

Overview
Agri-PV by Next2Sun combines agricultural land use with electricity production using vertical bifacial photovoltaic modules. The system is suitable for grazing, green areas and arable land and aims to enable continued agricultural operations while producing renewable energy. Under and between module rows, biodiversity can increase, soil moisture loss can be reduced and microclimate effects may benefit shade-tolerant crops such as potatoes, spinach and carrots.

Additional yield through dual use
Vertical bifacial modules capture direct and reflected sunlight on both sides and are typically installed with an east/west alignment. This shifts part of generation to morning and afternoon periods and can provide relative advantages in winter months, resulting in additional electricity yield from the same land area.

Benefits for farmers and landowners

• New revenue streams via land lease, electricity sharing or on-site consumption while maintaining agricultural use.
• High proportion of land remains available for farming (typical target: ≥85% continued use).
• Ecological benefits such as creation of flower strips, old-grass strips and improved soil conditions beneath module rows.
• Reduced evaporation and partial wind protection; potential yield improvements for suitable crops and reduced heat stress for livestock.

Why Next2Sun?

• Manufacturer and developer: Next2Sun supplies the vertical Agri-PV system directly as a single supplier.
• Experience: more than 20 years of activity in renewable energy system development.
• Direct and reflected-light yield increase due to bifacial design and east/west layout, with favorable production profiles in off-peak hours and winter.
• Vertical installation concept is designed to limit land sealing and to allow wide inter-row spaces for agricultural operations.
• System designed for long-term field operation with manufacturer support through project phases.

Possible models of cooperation
Leasing of land
Paramètres | Propriétaire | Next2Sun
Area: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✕
Erection: Propriétaire = ✕ | Next2Sun = ✓
Financing: Propriétaire = ✕ | Next2Sun = ✓
Ongoing operation: Propriétaire = ✕ | Next2Sun = ✓
Revenue: Propriétaire = Lease | Next2Sun = Electricity yield

Co-op model
Paramètres | Propriétaire | Next2Sun
Area: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✕
Erection: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✓
Financing: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✓
Ongoing operation: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✓
Revenue: Propriétaire = Lease and share of electricity yield | Next2Sun = Electricity yield

Own use
Paramètres | Propriétaire | Next2Sun
Area: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✕
Erection: Propriétaire = ✕ | Next2Sun = ✓
Financing: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✓
Ongoing operation: Propriétaire = ✓ | Next2Sun = ✕
Revenue: Propriétaire = Electricity yield | Next2Sun = ✕

Projects & references
Next2Sun has completed multiple Agri-PV reference projects (examples: Donaueschingen-Aasen, Neudorf an der Mur, Merzig-Wellingen, Eppelborn-Dirmingen). Reference systems show integration of vertical bifacial modules in working agricultural contexts and notable annual energy yields (example: Donaueschingen-Aasen ~11,000 bifacial modules on ~5,800 racks across ~12 ha; ~1,400 household equivalents).

Technology concept
The concept uses vertical mounting of bifacial modules so both front and rear irradiance contribute to generation. East/west alignment favors morning and afternoon production. The layout is designed to preserve agricultural operations, allow machinery access and enable conservation measures beneath module rows.

Important operational aspects

• Adaptations for agricultural requirements: working widths between rows, yield forecasts, subsidy/remuneration considerations, ecological assessments, animal safety, fencing and routine maintenance.
• Dual-use planning aims to maintain as much usable agricultural area as possible (typical target ≥85%).
• Possible ecological measures: flower strips, old-grass strips, brush piles under rows to support biodiversity.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Commercial name: Agri-PV (Next2Sun)
• Technology: vertical bifacial photovoltaic modules (cells on both sides), normally east/west orientation
• Main benefits: dual land use (agriculture + energy), increased yield from bifacial effect and reflected light
• Representative reference (Donaueschingen-Aasen): ~11,000 bifacial modules on ~5,800 racks across ~12 ha; supplies ~1,400 households (reference value)
• Reported yield improvement: up to ~10% higher electricity per installed kW vs. conventional ground-mounted systems (site-dependent)
• Target for continued agricultural use: typically ≥85% of area remains usable for agriculture
• System operation: designed for long-term field service with manufacturer support and project follow-up
• Typical spacing: wide aisles for agricultural operations (example: 10 m between rows in a reference project for hay/silage production and trials)
• Typical conservation strip under module rows: ~1 m (usable for ecological measures)