Keywords: environmental technology, environmental research, climate protection, resource conservation, citizen energy
Subject and objectives of the project
In the Czech Republic, thermal energy accounts for more than 50% of total final energy consumption, most of which is still based on fossil fuels. By coupling surplus solar power with thermal storage, fluctuations can be effectively balanced out. In this context, the development of a model agrivoltaic system in combination with thermal batteries makes an important contribution to the flexibility and decarbonization of the energy system.
This project aims to design, implement and validate a demonstration model of a vertical agrivoltaic system in combination with a latent heat storage system. This will address challenges in the areas of renewable energy use, food production and climate adaptation.
Specifically, two identical greenhouses are being measured, one heated conventionally and the other regeneratively via vertical agrivoltaics and latent heat storage. The vertical agrivoltaic system, the storage system and the measurement technology are being built as part of the project. The system is designed as a grid-independent system. The electricity generated by agrivoltaics will be used during colder periods to maintain optimal thermal growing conditions in the greenhouse. During peak periods of electricity production that exceed the capacity of the thermal battery, an additional solid storage unit (e.g. sand or stones) is used to store the energy. Measuring devices are installed to measure consumption.
A test area with a total of 600 m² will be set up at the CARC pilot site for this purpose. The PV modules are mounted vertically 0.8 m above the ground. Each vertical row is placed in the middle of a strip of grass. The test crop (wheat and barley) is grown between these vertical rows. The second section of the plot serves as a control area without a photovoltaic system. Important agronomic and ecological parameters are monitored and compared under both conditions.
Work packages and expected results
WP 1: Project planning and initial research
Project deliverable 1.1: Site preparation and technical assessment with detailed information on soil conditions, solar radiation and other relevant parameters;
Project deliverable 1.2: Development of the agronomic design with the framework conditions for field trials under agrivoltaic and control conditions;
Project deliverable 1.3: Complete technical design of the vertical bifacial agrivoltaic system with an output of approximately 9 to 16 kWp including circuit diagrams, supplier list and material list.
AP 2: Installation of the system
Project deliverable 2.1: operational vertical agrivoltaic system connected to the thermal storage system;
Project deliverable 2.2: fully installed and calibrated monitoring infrastructure, including sensors for solar radiation, air and soil temperature, humidity, power generation and thermal battery performance, with continuous data collection capability.
WP 3: Monitoring, optimization and dissemination
Project deliverable 3.1: dataset with measurements of plant growth and biomass, soil moisture and temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and associated microclimatic variables recorded on both the agri-photovoltaic and control plots;
Project deliverable 3.2: detailed energy balances on solar power generation, battery charging and discharging cycles, thermal storage efficiency and greenhouse energy consumption patterns, enabling an assessment of system performance;
Project deliverable 3.3: comprehensive assessment of the entire agri-photovoltaic and thermal storage system, comparing actual performance with control performance. This also includes the identification of optimization opportunities and a basic economic and environmental assessment;
Project outcome 3.4: Public relations and knowledge transfer with 3 field demonstration days at the pilot site for at least 80 participants, 3 excursions for students for about 60 participants, 3 articles in technical journals, publication of project results (infographics, factsheets and technical reports) on a dedicated website and Facebook profile. The results will be made available to leading German journals (e.g. Energie und Management, PV Magazine Deutschland, Erneuerbare Energien, Bauernzeitung) and proposed for presentations at German and international conferences (e.g. Intersolar, AgriVoltaics Conference).
Innovation and exemplary nature of the project
This project aims to design, implement and validate a demonstration model of a vertical agrivoltaic system in combination with a thermal battery. This will address challenges in the areas of renewable energy use, food production and climate adaptation.
In contrast to conventional agri-photovoltaic systems that focus solely on dual land use for solar energy and agriculture, this project includes a thermal battery to store excess energy to ensure its efficient use for greenhouse heating. By combining photovoltaics with thermal energy storage, the project improves energy self-sufficiency, balances fluctuations in solar energy production and improves year-round energy efficiency on farms. The project demonstrates an intelligent energy system that dynamically distributes energy between direct consumption, storage and greenhouse heating.
This small-scale project serves as a pilot model for the coupling of agrivoltaics with thermal energy storage and demonstrates its potential for sustainable agriculture and the use of renewable energy. It offers a scalable and replicable solution that optimizes land use while reducing water consumption, energy waste and climate-related stress on crops. By combining solar energy generation and greenhouse heating, the project demonstrates an innovative approach to energy management in agriculture.
Furthermore, the project is relevant for policy makers in the field of agricultural and energy policy as well as for research institutions focusing on agricultural sciences and energy systems, as it provides practical insights for future agrivoltaic applications and contributes to a wider adoption of sustainable agricultural and energy solutions. The model will also be applicable in a broader Central European context and in other regions with similar geographical or climatic conditions, providing valuable impetus for sustainable rural development across national borders.
Special aspects of the project
This project promotes sustainable regional development by testing the integration of agrivoltaic systems with thermal energy storage. It focuses on the practical validation of innovative approaches that combine food and energy production on the same land, with the aim of increasing land use efficiency and climate resilience.
Through knowledge transfer and outreach, the project helps to disseminate results and share practical know-how with the agricultural and renewable energy sector. It serves as an example of a scalable solution with potential benefits for both the local economy and the environment. The knowledge gained will serve as a basis for and inspire future applications. The results of the project will also be communicated to Czech energy communities. Practical information will be prepared for energy communities as “instructions” on how the system could work in practice in an energy community. The infographics and factsheets will be coordinated with the Union of Energy Communities of the Czech Republic (UKEN) and presented on the website. The presentation of the project results is also planned at a conference or seminar on community energy in the Czech Republic.
Funding theme 6: Renewable energy, energy saving and efficiency
Project implementation:
Location: Czech Republic
Funding period: February 2026 to February 2028
Project costs: Total volume: 149,822 euros, funding from DBU: 149,822 euros
DBU-AZ: 41000/01
Status: 09.02.2026