The case for ground-level agrivoltaics
German engineering firm BEC Energie Consult has developed a substructure for low-mounted agrivoltaics designed to provide cost-efficient installation while supporting crop growth and livestock management, with the potential to enhance economic viability.
Iran conflict stirs solar demand debate in Germany
Germany’s solar sector is reporting a surge in inquiries following the military escalation between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with E.ON citing a doubling of demand for solar installations. Other industry participants are more cautious, attributing much of the increase to seasonal patterns rather than geopolitical anxiety.
India extends solar manufacturing mandate to wafers and ingots
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, with mandatory compliance for new project bids taking effect from June 1, 2028.
K2 Systems unveils elevated PV mounting solution for metal roofs
The K2 MultiRail High mounting system is a one-piece elevated solution with a height of 100 mm tailored to improve rear ventilation on metal roofs. K2 Systems says greater distance between modules and metal roof surface improves airflow and lowers module temperature, which can translate to higher annual energy yield.
Tigo debuts 725 W optimizer for high-power solar modules
The new product has a maximum wattage of 725 W, a maximum current of 22 A, and a maximum efficiency of 99.6%.
Iraq slashes solar import tariffs to 5%
The Iraqi Customs Authority has cut customs duties on solar energy systems from 33% to 5% – covering PV panels, inverters, cables, and lithium batteries – to accelerate solar adoption, following financing support from the Central Bank of Iraq.
New solar tracking strategies aim to maximize crop yield in agrivoltaics
Swedish researchers developed two novel single-axis solar tracking strategies that dynamically adjust panel tilt based on crop light requirements, balancing photosynthesis and energy production. One strategy prioritizes daily light integral targets before shifting to energy capture, while the other uses the light-response curve to optimize photosynthesis, offering improved dual-use efficiency compared with conventional tracking methods.
Agrivoltaics? Yes in my vineyard
Researchers in Spain surveyed 238 wine tourists in the Murcia region and found broad support for trellis-integrated agrivoltaics in vineyards, with 94% backing solar integration and most respondents seeing no landscape conflict.
All agrivoltaic cropping systems at a glance
An international research team reviewed agrivoltaic systems, highlighting challenges in design, crop performance, and PV efficiency, while mapping their global potential. They call for innovative layouts, targeted crop selection, and improved modeling to maximize energy yield and land-use efficiency.
The impact of agrivoltaics on potato farming
New research from Italy has shown that agrivoltaic systems can reduce potato yield by up to 15% compared to full-light cropping. However, moderate early-season shading was found to delay soil-moisture depletion, extending biomass accumulation and improving water-use efficiency.
