First Agrovoltaic Installation in the Czech Republic – Starý Poddvorov

As a subcontractor for STAVEBNÍ FIRMA PLUS, we delivered the first building-permitted agrovoltaic power plant in the Czech Republic for MND a.s. (Moravské naftové doly).

The project was built on a reclaimed plot of land formerly used for oil and gas extraction in the village of Starý Poddvorov in the Hodonín district. It combines electricity generation with the cultivation of Riesling and Donauriesling grape varieties.

The 99.45 kWp installation produces approximately 100 MWh of electricity annually, supplying the adjacent MND technology centre. The structures are mounted on eco-friendly ground screws without concrete foundations, allowing full agricultural use of the land beneath the panels and easy dismantling at the end of the plant's lifespan.

All generated electricity is consumed directly at the adjacent MND collection station, where it powers pumps for oil extraction and transportation.

The project also serves as a research platform in collaboration with Mendel University in Brno and Czech Technical University in Prague, which are studying the impact of agrovoltaics on grapevine growth and quality.

MND a.s. financed the project entirely from its own resources without using any subsidies.

About the Project

Brownfield Reclamation

‍The site was previously used for oil and gas extraction. By installing agrovoltaics, MND demonstrates a meaningful approach to reclamation and efficient reuse of industrial land.

Vineyard Under Panels

‍1,555 grapevine seedlings of Riesling and Donauriesling varieties were planted beneath the photovoltaic structure. The vineyard is tended by a local winegrower. The panels protect the vines from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions.

Research Collaboration

‍A control vineyard without photovoltaics was also established as part of the project, enabling scientists from Mendel University to compare grape growth and quality under the panels and without them.

Custom-Built Structure

‍The steel structure with a south-east orientation was designed so that the panels provide a protective function over individual vineyard rows while ensuring optimal electricity generation. The foundations consist of ground screws – an eco-friendly solution without concrete.

Publicly Accessible Site

‍The agrovoltaic installation is located in close proximity to a popular cycle path between Dolní Bojanovice and Starý Poddvorov.

Project Significance

The agrovoltaic installation for MND represents a milestone in renewable energy development in the Czech Republic. The project demonstrated that agricultural production can be effectively combined with electricity generation on a single plot of land, and contributed to the creation of a legislative framework for agrovoltaics, which came into force in 2025.