Energy storage systems enable decentralized supply

In recent years, the decentralization of agricultural production has become increasingly important. The shift from industrial to sustainable agriculture is seen by many as an important step towards a better future. The strengthening of regional and decentralized agricultural production is a key aspect to ensure the supply of healthy and sustainable food.

Indoor farming is also playing an increasingly vital role. These are special facilities in which fruit, vegetables or even herbs and spices can be grown under controlled conditions. Unlike traditional outdoor cultivation, indoor farming is independent of weather conditions and seasons. In addition, the use of pesticides and fertilizers is reduced or can be completely dispensed with. Indoor farming is therefore an interesting alternative to conventional farming and offers many possibilities.

In agriculture, there is also growing demand for photovoltaic systems for generating energy, agricultural and solar solutions. European agricultural companies are looking for an autonomous power and energy supply as a sustainable source of energy. Ideas range from photovoltaic systems on farmland, which, for example, simultaneously serve to generate electricity and provide shade for plants, to self-sufficient indoor farming systems. A symbiosis between renewable energy and sustainable food production is planned. The combination of food and energy production not only offers ecological and economic advantages, but also new business models for agricultural businesses are created by feeding it into the power grid. On the one hand, photovoltaic systems can be financed from the income from the production of food, on the other hand, the excess electricity generated can be fed into the public grid and sold.

The expansion of renewable energies has arrived in agriculture and cannot be implemented without the rapid expansion of photovoltaics. Solar energy has come into focus in agriculture for the energy turnaround as decentralized energy generation with value creation potential. The dual use of agricultural land for food and electricity production is obvious. Compared to PV systems on roofs, open-space solar systems have the advantage of mobility, they follow the course of the sun and thus achieve a yield gain of up to 20%. Elevated photovoltaic systems continue to allow arable use, because the crops below receive enough sunlight. Research is being carried out on further advantages of a roof using higher-level photovoltaic modules when cultivating special crops such as herbs, wine, fruit and berries, and whether these solar roofs can replace conventional protective devices, in particular the foil protection tunnel.

Agricultural scientists regard indoor farming concepts as alternative and supplementary methods to classic agriculture, which score with the advantages of space-saving, seasonal independence and guaranteed growth under controlled conditions. The main disadvantage discussed is the high energy consumption of the systems. But experts see advantages in farms that produce their own electricity using photovoltaic systems. The combination of classic agriculture with indoor farming and the decentralized expansion of renewable energy offers a promising option for establishing sustainable food production. By integrating renewable energies, ecological and economic advantages can also be achieved. The idea of ​​such a symbiosis between PV modules on the field and food production is promising and definitely feasible. It is to be hoped that the idea will spread further and become an integral part of farming.