HoPVen – Enhancing hop resilience to climate change: Exploring agri-photovoltaics opportunities and risks in conventional hop growing

HoPVen

Enhancing hop resilience to climate change: Exploring agri-photovoltaics opportunities and risks in conventional hop growing

Manuel Riedl, Michael Beck, Tobias Troidl

 Bavaria, Germany

University of Applied Science Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Germany

 

Agrivoltaics and hop growing in the Hallertau:

Climate change threatens hop growing in the Hallertau region with heat, drought and extreme weather conditions. To mitigate these effects and provide income diversification, the world's first agrivoltaic system for hops was introduced in 2023. This study investigates its effects on growth, quality, microclimate and pest pressure.

 

Methods:

A 2 ha experimental field was established with two hop varieties, Hallertauer Tradition (HTR) and Hercules (HKS), under three conditions: no shade, 27% and 36% reduced solar radiation (RSR). Soil moisture, temperature and humidity were monitored by sensors. Weather stations collected environmental data. Pesticide application was adjusted to minimise spray drift onto the photovoltaic panels while ensuring crop protection.

 

Results:

Yield losses ranged from 10-30%, depending on shade and variety. Alpha acid content remained stable. Pest frequency decreased slightly in 2023, but powdery mildew pressure increased in 2024. The combined land use efficiency reached 150% (80% hops, 70% electricity). Future adjustments in pesticide use are needed to optimise the system.