Agri-PV module for vertical mounting at the edge of the field

Photovoltaics on agricultural land is often faced with a conflict of objectives. On the one hand, additional land is needed to generate electricity, while on the other, agricultural use should be preserved as far as possible.

Conventional solar farms in particular are often the subject of discussion because they take up large areas of land. Solutions are therefore increasingly being developed for agri-PV that combine electricity production and farming more closely. One example of this is a specially developed module for vertical mounting at the edge of fields. It is designed to generate electricity where land is not fully utilised anyway, while at the same time having as little impact as possible on field operations.

Aesolar develops Terra module for Agri-PV

Aesolar was founded near Augsburg in 2003 and has held its own through difficult market phases. Today, the company claims to have a global sales structure and production capacities in China and Turkey. A plant in Germany is being planned. The total production capacity is around two gigawatts. In addition to standard modules, Aesolar also develops specialised solutions. These include the Terra module, which was specifically designed for use in agri-PV. It is not intended for classic roof systems or large-scale solar parks, but for a special installation situation: vertical installation between field borders.

Vertical installation with greater resistance

Vertical installation places different demands on a solar module than classic inclined installation. Wind loads in particular play a greater role. The Terra module has therefore been designed to better absorb these forces. A key detail is the cell orientation. The solar cells have been rotated by 90 degrees. This distributes the wind-induced loads more evenly across the entire module. The aim is to avoid load centres in the middle. This design is crucial because modules at the edge of the field are more exposed and less protected than systems on roofs or in traditional substructures.

Bifacial module with two usable sides

The Terra Module has a bifacial design. This means that it not only generates electricity on the front side, but also utilises the rear side to produce energy. In the N-type version, the output on the rear side is up to 85 per cent compared to the front side, according to the manufacturer. Aesolar refers to two front sides. This means that the rear side is kept as free of shading as possible. Junction boxes, stickers and frame elements are positioned in such a way that they do not cover any cell areas. This feature can be particularly relevant with an east-west orientation. In the morning and afternoon, the light falls on the system from different directions. A module that utilises both sides well can therefore supply more even power over the course of the day.

Variants with PERC cells and N-type solar cells

The Terra module is produced in two versions. One version works with PERC cells, the other with N-type solar cells. Depending on the variant, the output data ranges up to 525 watts or 580 watts. The module is also available with or without a frame. These design options extend the range of applications and allow adaptation to different mounting systems. The most important features at a glance:

• developed for vertical mounting in the Agri-PV sector
• Turned cell structure for better distribution of wind loads
• bifacial power generation with high rear power
• Variants with PERC cells or N-type solar cells
• Version with or without frame possible

Power generation without interfering with cultivation

The practical benefits are particularly evident in everyday farming. The modules are designed to stand at the edge of the field or between field margins. Machines such as tractors can continue to drive between the rows and carry out their work. Meanwhile, electricity production continues. Unlike large-scale solar parks, no contiguous arable land is permanently occupied. Two modules can be mounted on top of each other, resulting in a comparatively high output in a small space. The concept does not replace a large solar farm in terms of total output. The decisive comparison is rather in relation to the area utilised. Additional energy can be generated where land is hardly used for any other purpose without significantly restricting agricultural use.

Agri-PV as a supplement to the classic solar farm

The Terra Modul shows that photovoltaics in an agricultural environment does not necessarily have to mean large-scale ground-mounted systems. Vertical systems at the edge of fields open up a different form of integration. For farmers, such a concept can be interesting if electricity generation and farming are to remain possible in parallel. For the energy industry, an additional component is created that can defuse land conflicts. Aesolar is thus positioning the module in an area that is technically more demanding than classic standard applications. Wind load, bifacial utilisation, mounting form and agricultural processes must all fit together. It is precisely this combination that makes the Terra module a specialised solution within Agri-PV.