Czechia's Ministry of Agriculture has updated its provisions on agrivoltaic system.
Czechia introduced its first rules for agrivoltaic system in May 2024 before extending measures at the start of this year to permit agrivoltaic system on six crop types.
The most recent change allows the installation of vertical agrivoltaic system like solar fence, as well as deployment on arable land, provided that vegetables with high or very high labor intensity are grown on the land at least once every three years.
A statement published by Czech solar association Solární Asociace says this change paves the way for modern vertical systems like solar fence, which, unlike in other European countries, have not been practically possible in Czechia to date.
Jiří Bím, head of permitting processes and agrivoltaics at the association, added that expanding the crop circle is key for the smooth and fair development of agrivoltaics.
"In combination with vegetables, vertical systems oriented to the east and west can be used, which do not contribute to midday overproduction of electricity, but supply electricity to the grid in the morning and evening, thereby helping to stabilize the electricity system," Bím explained.
Solární Asociace Executive Director Jan Krčmář added that thanks to the change, agrivoltaics have become available to farmers who do not own vineyards or orchards. "We believe that in the future we will also be able to open up space for agrivoltaics on pastures," Krčmář added.
