Agri-PV competence booster – Future opportunities for your business

Why agri-PV is important

Switzerland must significantly accelerate the expansion of renewable energies. The installation of photovoltaic systems on roofs is not happening quickly enough to meet the expansion targets set out in the Energy Act. At the same time, agricultural land should continue to be used primarily for food production.
Agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) offers a valuable solution here: agricultural land is used for two purposes – food production and electricity generation. As a farmer, you can make a direct contribution to the energy transition and open up new opportunities for your business.

Typical questions and challenges

Despite its great potential, agri-PV has hardly been implemented in Switzerland to date. We know that many farmers are still hesitant. This is mostly due to uncertainties such as:

• How much does an agri-PV system cost – and what are the benefits?
• How can I market the electricity (own consumption, pooling for own consumption, grid feed-in)?
• What permits do I need – and how will the system affect the soil, yields or animal husbandry?
• Is battery storage a sensible option – and are there alternative financing models such as contracting, crowd financing or energy cooperative models in the region?

This is exactly where our project comes in: our goal is to clarify all these questions together with you – specifically for your business.

Our offer for 10 businesses

We support 10 agricultural businesses with an individual feasibility study. The study includes:

• Analysis of your land and crops: Which types of agri-PV systems are possible and sensible?
• Yield and practical assessment: Effects on harvest, plant health, animal husbandry and water use.
• Checking grid connection and permits: Clarification of technical and legal feasibility.
• Profitability calculation: Initial simulations of electricity yield, costs and revenues.
• Market and marketing check: Own consumption, vZEV/LEG or feed-in to the grid – what is most cost-effective?
• Concretisation: Obtaining quotes for 1–2 system types and comparison.
• Optional additional modules: Examination of battery storage, alternative financing or accompanying research.
• Individual project report: All results presented in a clear and understandable way for your business.

Your advantage and your participation

• You will receive clear decision-making criteria to help you determine whether agri-PV is worthwhile for your farm.
• You will gain planning security and avoid bad investments.
• You will benefit from concrete figures, simulations and offers.
• You will receive support with questions about direct payments and permits.
• You will be part of an innovative group of farms and can benefit from the exchange of experiences.

Costs: The total cost per study is around CHF 16,000. Thanks to the support of the Office for Waste, Water, Energy and Air (AWEL) of the Canton of Zurich, your farm will only pay a contribution of CHF 1,500 (excluding VAT).

Secure one of the 10 places and find out whether agri-PV is also a future opportunity for your farm.