What opportunities do modern energy systems offer the agricultural sector?
Rising electricity costs, fluctuating energy prices, and increasing energy consumption due to milking equipment, cooling, ventilation, and irrigation—many farms are feeling the pressure on their energy balance more than ever. Traditional feed-in models have long since ceased to offset these costs. So the question is not whether, but how energy can be managed economically today.
We’ve noticed among our customers that energy is increasingly shifting from a cost factor to a strategic business element. And rightly so.
PV, Agri-PV, and Energy Storage: What Do These Terms Mean Today?
Photovoltaic systems on the roofs of barns, stables, or storage buildings have long been standard on many farms. What has changed is the broader context. Today, agri-PV concepts make it possible to use agricultural land simultaneously for food production and electricity generation—without one crowding out the other. This can be a real game-changer, especially for farms with limited roof space.
Battery storage systems have also evolved. They are no longer merely a tool for self-consumption, but rather an active instrument for optimizing operations.
More Than Just Self-Consumption: What Modern Energy Systems Can Do Today
Anyone who operates a battery storage system today can get significantly more out of it than in the past. Specifically, this means:
Peak loads can be specifically reduced—which lowers the so-called power price in the electricity rate plan. With dynamic electricity rate plans, electricity can be purchased and stored when market prices are particularly low. Smart energy management systems automatically shift controllable loads to off-peak time slots. Electricity generated on-site by photovoltaic systems can then be fed into the grid when it commands a high market price—a process known in practice as “energy shifting.”
Atypical grid usage is also of interest to many businesses: Those who consistently shift their consumption outside of peak grid load times can significantly reduce their grid fees. And with arbitrage models, electricity is stored during off-peak hours and used or sold when prices rise.
Reduce energy costs, ensure a reliable supply, and generate new revenue
Technology is advancing rapidly. This brings three specific benefits for farms:
- Lower ongoing energy costs
- Greater Independence in Ensuring Energy Security
- New sources of revenue that have been largely untapped so far.
This isn’t some futuristic scenario! It’s already a reality for many businesses today!
Josef Busch, co-founder of B&W Energy, has been exploring the potential of renewable energy in agriculture for many years. Interested farms can receive information and advice—with no obligation—on photovoltaics, agri-PV, battery storage, and modern energy concepts.
