The state of Baden-Württemberg has set itself the goal of establishing Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) as a land-efficient and climate-resilient form of agriculture. Special emphasis is placed on promoting its use in specialty crops, such as fruit and wine production.
As part of the state-funded research project “RegioWIN Lighthouse Project – Viticulture 4.0,” Intech is working together with the State Institute of Viticulture (WBI) Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to address key challenges in Agri-PV and drive innovation across the region.
Pilot Site in Ihringen – Designed and Installed by Intech
One of the project’s four pilot systems is located in Ihringen, on a 0.4-hectare sloped vineyard. Two different Agri-PV systems were installed at a height of 4 meters, providing a total capacity of 240 kWp:
- Fixed-Mount System
Every vineyard row is equipped with PV modules. - Tracking System
Every third row is fitted with sun-tracking PV modules.
Intech developed a solar tracking control system based on shading analysis from Fraunhofer ISE and in collaboration with WBI. The system continuously records data such as:
- Solar irradiance
- Tilt angle
- Plant health indicators
- Soil moisture
- Electrical performance
This data is used to optimize PV output while considering the physiological needs of the vines.
Key Features and Advantages
- Installed directly above existing vine rows – no need for additional land
- No soil sealing or permanent land conversion required
- Fully compatible with mechanical harvesters and agricultural equipment
- Minimizes weather-related crop damage, including hail and frost
- Monitored and evaluated by WBI for continuous optimization
This pilot project is a vital step toward establishing climate-adaptive viticulture and exploring dual land use models that benefit both energy generation and agricultural productivity.