Agrivoltaic solar PV technology company based out of Germany and Austria, Next2Sun has commissioned the '1st' large-scale vertical bifacial agrivoltaic plant with an installed capacity of almost 2 MW in Gabersdorf, Styria in Austria.
In a brief statement released, Next2Sun said the project was officially inaugurated with its project partner G&G Sonnenstrom. Bifacial solar panels are installed vertically in rows within a pumpkin field.
Next2Sun's patented technology comprises a vertical, stable steel frame with 2 posts and 3 beams. These can hold 2 stacked bifacial glass-glass PV modules. Installing panels vertically helps minimize shading on the modules.
"We must not let the current crises frighten us. On the contrary, they show us how important it is to move forward quickly with the energy transition – this Agri-PV project is a great example of how it can be done," said Austria's Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler during the inauguration.
A majority of agrivoltaic projects in Europe are still small in size, but these are sprouting in several countries of late thanks to the dual use of agricultural land these allow. Even vertical installations are being experimented with in this space so as to ensure agricultural activities are not hampered with the presence of modules in the midst of the farm.
Recently, 2 companies Corab and Kelfield announced plans to develop over 1 GW agrivoltaic projects in Poland in the form of free-standing vertical structures on meadows and pastures (see Agrivoltaics Projects For Poland).
SolarPower Europe launched an Agrisolar Best Practices report to offer updated guidance for the deployment of sustainable agrivoltaic projects in the European Union (see Expanding Agrivoltaics' Reach In Europe).