Lower Saxony's First Vertical Solar Farm Completed in Dörverden
Lower Saxony's first vertical solar farm has been completed in Dörverden. The innovative project combines agriculture and renewable energy, with solar panels standing upright and crops growing beside them. The farm, managed by local farmer Bernd Burdack, generates electricity for the grid operated by Avacon.
The solar farm, covering one hectare of arable land, has an installed capacity of 170 kW. It's part of a research project aiming to gather practical experience on dual land use. Researchers are investigating the effects of shading on crops and panels, irrigation, and insect colonization until at least 2029, with a total budget of around €510,000.
The Environment Ministry of Lower Saxony has supported the project with €400,000. The vertical panels are bifacial, capturing sunlight on both sides, and are oriented east-west. This design allows for organic farming to continue on the land, making the most of limited space.
The solar farm in Dörverden is a testament to innovative thinking in renewable energy and agriculture. By 2029, the project aims to provide valuable insights into the practicality of dual land use, benefiting both the environment and local farmers like Bernd Burdack.
