Multi-functional land use initiatives in solar projects

In northeast Germany, the Tützpatz project is pioneering agrivoltaics. One area of the park will host chickens while two other areas will remain under conventional agriculture. In 2026, two coops will be installed, hosting approximately 5 000 chickens. 

This number will be expanded up to 15 000 chickens in the coming years. Mobile chicken coops will be used which are better for nitrogen infiltration of soil, as the coops will be repositioned during the year and thus the chickens will not remain on the same location all the time. Due to the mobile coops, the chickens will have more space to roam. 

The solar modules also protect the chickens from attacking birds and extreme weather. A fence with dug-under protection and electric wires will serve two purposes as a standard solar park security measure and to protect the chickens from foxes and wolves. Furthermore, native shrubs will be planted and a flower meadow spanning around two and a half hectares will be established.

In the Netherlands, several pilot projects aim to increase the provision of ecosystem services. For example, the Symbizon partnership – in collaboration with academic and industry organisations – is exploring the integration of cultivation for organic food production between solar panels. 

In 2025, the first crops – beetroots and field beans – were successfully harvested. Additionally, at the Echteld solar park, sheep are grazing underneath the modules all year round. Finally, in the Netherlands, Vattenfall supports the development of an Eco-certified Solar Label to recognise good biodiversity practices and outcomes during development and operation.