Complete Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Agrivoltaics

A complete guide to agrivoltaics in the Czech Republic – from operating principles through legislation to current subsidy programs. Learn how to combine agricultural production with electricity generation on a single plot of land.

What Is Agrivoltaics and How Does It Work

Agrivoltaics (sometimes referred to as agri-PV or agrophotovoltaics) represents a synergistic combination of agricultural production and electricity generation from photovoltaic panels on the same area.
Unlike conventional ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants, the primary function of the land remains agricultural activity – energy production is a supplementary activity.
The concept of agrivoltaics originated in Germany in 1981, when Professor Adolf Goetzberger of the Fraunhofer Institute proposed placing solar panels above agricultural crops.
Since then, the technology has spread worldwide and has experienced dynamic growth in recent years due to rising energy prices and the need for decarbonization.

Key Principles of Agrivoltaics

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Panels are positioned so as not to compete with cultivated crops for access to light.

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Structures allow passage of agricultural machinery.

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Land remains in agricultural use and is not removed from the agricultural land fund.

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Eligibility for both agricultural and energy subsidies is preserved.

Types of Agrivoltaic Systems

Horizontal Systems (Above Crops)

Panels are mounted on an elevated structure above the cultivation area. Structure height ranges from 3.5 to 5 meters, up to 8 meters for special crops such as hops. Panels can be south-facing or equipped with a single-axis tracking system.

Suitable crops under Czech legislation

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ovocné sady
(apple, pear, cherry trees)

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Vineyards

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Hop gardens

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Berry crops in nurseries and container operations

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Labor-intensive vegetables (from December 2025)

Advantages of horizontal systems

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Protection of crops from hail and torrential rain

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Reduction of plant stress from excessive solar radiation

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Protection against spring frosts (temperature in orchards +1–1.5°C)

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Reduction in irrigation needs by up to 65%

Vertical Bifacial Systems

Double-sided (bifacial) panels are oriented east-west and form vertical "fences" between crop rows. Panel height is approximately 3 meters, with a minimum spacing of 10 meters between lines.

Suitable applications under Czech legislation (from December 2025)
(od prosince 2025)

Arable land with high and very high labor-intensity vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, etc.)

Advantages of vertical systems

Two production peaks (morning + evening) better match consumption patterns
Minimal interference with agricultural activity – only 10% land take
At latitudes above 50°, higher annual output than south-facing panels
Easy passage of wide agricultural machinery including combine harvesters.

Benefits of Agrivoltaics for Farmers

Dual income from a single plot

Land use efficiency (known as Land Equivalent Ratio – LER) can reach up to 186% in well-designed systems. This means you can obtain nearly double the yield from one hectare compared to using it solely for agriculture or energy production.

Specific income examples

Combined income can reach up to €1,268/ha annually.
In Poland, incomes up to 12× higher than wheat cultivation alone have been documented.
According to studies, utilizing just 9% of agrivoltaic potential would be sufficient to cover the energy consumption of the entire agricultural sector.

Vyrobenou elektřinu využijete pro provoz farmy

Zavlažovací systémy a čerpadla
Klimatizované sklady ovoce a zeleniny
Třídírny, balírny a zpracovatelské linky...

Reduction of heat stress

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Partial shading protects crops from sunburn

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Lower leaf temperature reduces transpiration losses

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Some crops (raspberries, blueberries, lettuce) thrive better under partial shade

Water Savings

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Jalapeños: 65% reduction in transpiration loss while maintaining the same yield

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Tomatoes in Arizona: double production under panels due to protection from scorching

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Raspberries in the Netherlands: yield increase of up to 16%

Protection against extreme weather

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Hail – panels act as a physical barrier

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Torrential rain – they cushion the impact of raindrops

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Spring frosts – temperature beneath panels is 1–1.5°C higher

Key Topic

Subsidies for Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaic projects currently qualify for subsidies under the Modernisation Fund's RES+ program with support of up to 30 % of eligible costs. Applications open in January 2026.

A unique advantage of agrivoltaics is the ability to combine energy subsidies while retaining all agricultural support, including direct SAIF payments.

We minimize risks associated with subsidy claims and ensure a smooth process throughout.

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Grant programs

Return

Economics of Agrivoltaic Projects

money_range

Sample Calculation for 100 kWp

Gross investment

3 000 000 CZK

RES+ subsidy (30%)

-900 000 CZK

ČNet investment

2 100 000 CZK

Annual production

approx. 100 MWh

Annual electricity income (at CZK 3/kWh)

300 000 CZK

Payback period

approx. 7 years

Additional Economic Benefits

Agricultural production continues (SAIF subsidies preserved)
Savings on irrigation costs (up to 65% less water)
Crop protection against damage from extreme weather
Option to sell surplus to the grid

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Return on Investment

Without subsidy

10–12 years‍

With 30% subsidy

7–9 years

System lifespan

30+ years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A simple overview of answers to your most common questions.

Will I lose agricultural subsidies if I install agrivoltaics?

What minimum area do I need?

Can I install agrivoltaics on arable land with cereals?

Can I install agrivoltaics on permanent grassland?

How long does installation take?

What is the lifespan of an agrivoltaic system?

Do I need an ERO license?

Can agrivoltaics be combined with battery storage?

Legislative Framework in the Czech Republic

Advantages of the New Legislation

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Agrivoltaics = agricultural structure (no zoning plan amendment required)

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Land is not removed from the agricultural land fund

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Eligibility for agricultural subsidies preserved (SAPS, agri-environmental measures)

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No obligation to pay land-take levies

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Simplified permitting for capacities up to 100 kW

Permitted Agricultural Crops

Original decree (from 1 January 2025):

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Vineyards

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Hop gardens

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Orchards

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Nurseries

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Container operations

Important notice:

Permanent grassland and arable land with cereals are not currently permitted for agrivoltaics. The decree applies only to the crops listed above.

Extension from 1 December 2025:

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Arable land with high and very high labor-intensity vegetables

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Vertical agrivoltaic systems

Další zajímavá témata

Technical Requirements Under Czech Legislation

Structural Requirements

Structures must, through their spacing, height, and foundation placement, allow free passage and operation of standard agricultural machinery, including sprayers and harvesters.

Agriculturally usable area

At least 80% of the total plot area must remain usable for agricultural activity.

Foundations

Only ground screws without concrete footings are permitted. Stripping of cultural soil layers is not allowed.

Anti-corrosion protection

Structures must be hot-dip galvanized with a guaranteed lifespan of at least 20 years.

Recultivation

After the end of operation, there is an obligation to restore the land to its original condition.

Agrivoltaics represents one of the most promising ways Czech agriculture can respond to the challenges of climate change and rising energy prices.

Thanks to new legislation, the Czech Republic has a clear legal framework for developing this technology, and farmers can take advantage of attractive subsidy support.The combination of dual income from a single plot, crop protection against extreme weather, and preservation of all agricultural subsidies makes agrivoltaics an attractive investment for wine growers, orchard farmers, and vegetable producers, as well as for investors seeking stable returns in the renewable energy sector.

Key Legislation

Act No. 334/1992 Coll. on the Protection of the Agricultural Land FundThe 2024 amendment introduced the definition of agrivoltaics into Czech law in Section 8a. The Act designates agrivoltaics as an agricultural structure, which brings significant advantages over conventional PV plants.

Decree No. 425/2024 Coll. (as amended by Decree No. 463/2025 Coll.)The implementing decree sets out technical and agricultural requirements for agrivoltaic electricity generating facilities. From 1 December 2025, an extended version applies, enabling installations above arable land with vegetables.

Act No. 458/2000 Coll. (Energy Act)Regulates the conditions for obtaining an electricity generation license from the Energy Regulatory Office.

Useful External Resources

Draft decree – Ministry of the Environment
Decree No. 425/2024 Coll. on Agrivoltaic Electricity Generating Facilities
Subsidy information – Sustainable Agriculture
Agrivoltaics in Czech Conditions – Agromanuál
Solar panels over agricultural land receive better legislative framework – Solární novinky
Wine with the right energy – Estate & Business

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Useful External Resources

Draft decree – Ministry of the Environment
Decree No. 425/2024 Coll. on Agrivoltaic Electricity Generating Facilities
Subsidy information – Sustainable Agriculture
Agrivoltaics in Czech Conditions – Agromanuál
Solar panels over agricultural land receive better legislative framework – Solární novinky
Wine with the right energy – Estate & Business

Alternative Energy Systems a.s.
Hlinky 45/114, 603 00 Brno - Pisárky
REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04381866, TAX NUMBER: CZ04381866

Everything You Need to Know About Agrivoltaics

What Is Agrivoltaics and How Does It Work

Key Principles of Agrivoltaics

Types of Agrivoltaic Systems

Horizontal Systems (Above Crops)

Suitable crops under Czech legislation

Advantages of horizontal systems

Vertical Bifacial Systems

Suitable applications under Czech legislation (from December 2025)(od prosince 2025)

Advantages of vertical systems

Benefits of Agrivoltaics for Farmers

Dual income from a single plot

Specific income examples

Vyrobenou elektřinu využijete pro provoz farmy

Reduction of heat stress

Water Savings

Protection against extreme weather

Subsidies for Agrivoltaics

How Can You Access Subsidies?

Economics of Agrivoltaic Projects

Gross investment

RES+ subsidy (30%)

ČNet investment

Annual production

Annual electricity income (at CZK 3/kWh)

Payback period

Additional Economic Benefits

Without subsidy

With 30% subsidy

System lifespan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Legislative Framework in the Czech Republic

Agrovoltaika

Advantages of the New Legislation

Permitted Agricultural Crops

Original decree (from 1 January 2025):

Important notice:

Extension from 1 December 2025:

Další zajímavá témata

Modelový příklad: Investice do fotovoltaiky s dotací RES+ pro průmyslový podnik

Fotovoltaika pro volná prostranství: Maximální výkon a efektivita

Structural Requirements

Agriculturally usable area

Foundations

Anti-corrosion protection

Recultivation

Agrivoltaics represents one of the most promising ways Czech agriculture can respond to the challenges of climate change and rising energy prices.

Key Legislation

Useful External Resources

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Useful External Resources

Suitable applications under Czech legislation (from December 2025)
(od prosince 2025)