SolarPower Europe Launches Agrisolar Policy Map To Benchmark Regulations Across 18 EU Countries And Accelerate Agri-PV Deployment

SolarPower Europe has introduced its new Agrisolar Policy Map, a comprehensive policy tool designed to benchmark agrisolar regulations across 18 EU Member States. The initiative aims to highlight best practices, identify regulatory gaps, and accelerate the deployment of agrisolar solutions that support both renewable energy generation and agricultural resilience. By mapping the current regulatory landscape, the Agrisolar Policy Map seeks to provide policymakers and stakeholders with a clearer understanding of where Member States are advancing or lagging in agrisolar development, thereby helping to guide future EU-level reforms and strengthen the link between solar energy and agriculture.

The Agrisolar Policy Map evaluates six key policy areas—legal definitions, land use and zoning, support schemes, technical requirements, agricultural productivity, and environmental safeguards. Its findings reveal significant disparities across the EU. While countries like France and Czechia have made notable progress by introducing clear frameworks for agrisolar, many Member States still lack formal definitions or coherent policies. Only five of the eighteen countries examined currently have a legal definition for Agri-PV, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements vary widely. Additionally, support schemes and eligibility under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remain inconsistent, limiting access to funding and creating uncertainty for farmers interested in agrisolar adoption.

SolarPower Europe has called on EU policymakers to harmonize agrisolar regulations and provide clearer guidance under the CAP to encourage wider implementation. A more unified policy approach would enable greater investment, simplify project development, and enhance farmer participation in renewable energy initiatives. The Agrisolar Policy Map was officially presented during the Agrivoltaics Industry Forum held in Milan on 21–22 October, following the European Commission’s recent acknowledgment of solar PV’s importance in its “Vision for Agriculture and Food” strategy. The European Parliament has also recognized the vital role of Agri-PV in supporting sustainable agriculture and energy transition.

Agrisolar refers to the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems within agricultural activities, such as placing solar panels on farm buildings or irrigation systems. Agri-PV, on the other hand, specifically involves dual-use systems where solar power generation and farming coexist on the same land. This multi-functional approach promotes techno-ecological synergies, enhances land-use efficiency, and supports a circular land economy. Through the Agrisolar Policy Map, SolarPower Europe emphasizes the importance of unlocking the full potential of agrisolar as a solution that strengthens Europe’s energy security while fostering sustainable and resilient agriculture.