Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBl) - Frick Switzerland - Reference object Agri Photovoltaics in fruit cultivation

Planning, design and construction of an agri-photovoltaic system at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBl).

• East-west alignment of the substructure - modules, installation type 2 x 2 x 1 modules vertically, inclination approx. 10°
• Generator output approx. 50 kWp

Technical details:

• Clearance height / distance from the bottom edge of the module to the ground 3.50 m
• Side cantilever overhang approx. 1.25 m (outer edge of the module)
• Gutters on both outer sides of the substructure
• A total of 180 modules installed, with the module dimensions 2,095 mm x 1,039 mm x 30 mm, framed, including aluminum frame
• Semi-transparent glass-glass modules with 45% light transparency
• Stability certificate through geotechnical report
• The supporting structure is statically calculated according to the semi-probabilistic partial safety concept (snow load, wind, etc.) (Eurocode)
• Post/stand spacing according to statics according to EUROCODE
• Concrete-free fixation using rammed profiles
• C-profile with connectors and fastening clamp
• Corrosivity category C3 (moderate load in outdoor areas)
• Fronius brand inverter, with high maximum efficiency of approx. 98.10%
• Complete professional Installation of the photovoltaic system according to the layout plan with modules and inverters

Thomas Franke and Martin Hibsch took over the sales support, planning and project management, project support and monitoring up to commissioning with documentation.

Inauguration of our agrivoltaic project in Frick AG - Interview Regionaljournal Aargau Solothurn from 17.10.2024:

Research: Generating energy and increasing harvests thanks to solar panels - News - SRF

Advantages:

• Simultaneous use of the area for photovoltaic power generation and agriculture and its further use (apple cultivation)

• Protection of the crop from extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, hail, frost, direct sunlight, wind, etc.), enables dry cultivation, protection against plant damage

• Shading of the apple trees by semi-transparent glass/glass solar modules (45% transparency) provide sufficient light for photosynthesis, improving soil properties and soil life

• Reduction in the use of pesticides due to less moisture on the crop

• Cooling of PV modules through evaporation of water, increasing soil moisture