ZHAW inaugurates agrivoltaic plant

(CONNECT) The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has inaugurated an agrivoltaic system on the Grüental campus in Wädenswil. According to a press release, the potential of the system, which enables both agricultural use and the generation of solar power on one area, is being tested.

The system now in operation on the ZHAW campus in Wädenswil is the first of its kind in Switzerland to be installed above a vegetable and arable field. Researchers hope to gain insights into the influence of partial shading by solar modules on the microclimate and crop growth and want to investigate which combinations of system control, installation and crop type lead to the best overall benefit.

At the inauguration, representatives from agriculture, the energy sector, research institutions, authorities and associations spoke about the advantages of dual use of an area. Jürg Rohrer, Head of the Renewable Energies Research Group, emphasized the importance of photovoltaics in the energy transition, "as it has the lowest electricity generation costs in the world". Director of Education Silvia Steiner emphasized the pioneering character of the facility and reminded the audience of the interdisciplinary effort involved in realizing the facility for the benefit of research.

Knowledge from climate-resilient agriculture, agroforestry, horticulture and soil ecology in combination with renewable energy systems for the construction of alpine solar systems and photovoltaic technologies on roof surfaces were combined in the development and implementation of the system. ce/heg