Agricultural solar combines the productivity of farming with the revenue generation of solar energy. From small irrigation pumping systems to MW-scale agrivoltaic arrays, Antalya Solar Energy Co. designs solutions that work with — not against — agricultural operations.
Antalya's agricultural sector is a major energy consumer. Irrigation pumps, cold storage, packing facilities, and greenhouses all represent significant electricity costs. Properly sized solar systems can eliminate or drastically reduce these costs while the land continues to produce food.
Agricultural Solar Applications
- Irrigation Pumping: Solar-powered variable-frequency drive pump systems replacing diesel generators. Systems from 5 kWp for drip irrigation to 500 kWp for large-scale pivot irrigation.
- Agrivoltaic (Dual-Use): Elevated solar panels (3–4m clearance) allowing tractor access and crop production underneath. Best for shade-tolerant crops: leafy vegetables, herbs, soft fruits.
- Greenhouse Covers: Semi-transparent BIPV or opaque panel arrays on greenhouse roofs. Reduces summer overheating, eliminates shading cloths, and generates electricity simultaneously.
- Cold Storage & Packing Facilities: Rooftop solar for refrigeration compressor loads — ideal match since peak solar generation coincides with peak cooling demand in summer.
- Livestock & Poultry Facilities: Solar for ventilation, lighting, and climate control. Systems typically sized at 50–200 kWp for medium farms.
Why Agrivoltaics Work in Antalya
- Antalya receives over 2,900 sunshine hours per year — ideal for maximising solar yield
- Agricultural electricity tariffs have risen dramatically — solar provides long-term cost certainty
- Partial shading from elevated panels reduces soil moisture evaporation by up to 30% — beneficial in dry summers
- Micro-climate effect under panels extends growing seasons for heat-sensitive crops
- Agricultural land zoning requires less permitting complexity than residential or commercial zones for sub-1MW systems
Our Process for Agricultural Projects
Technical Specifications
| Application | Typical Size | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Pump | 5–500 kWp | Solar pump inverter + VFD, deep well pump |
| Agrivoltaic Array | 100 kWp–5 MWp | Elevated racking 3–4m, bifacial modules |
| Greenhouse Cover | 50–1,000 kWp | BIPV semi-transparent or standard modules |
| Cold Storage | 50–500 kWp | Rooftop standard system, optional battery |
| Poultry/Livestock | 30–200 kWp | Rooftop, optional battery for night backup |
Financial Returns — Irrigation Example
A 50 kWp solar irrigation system for a 20-hectare vegetable farm:
- Investment: ~₺600,000 (EPC turnkey)
- Annual electricity saving (replacing grid pump): ₺220,000
- Simple payback: 2.7 years
- 25-year saving: ₺5.5M+
- Additional benefit: elimination of diesel generator maintenance costs and fuel price risk
Why Choose Antalya Solar Energy Co.
- Experience with Ministry of Agriculture approval processes for agricultural land installations
- In-house pump and irrigation engineering capability
- Local agricultural knowledge — we understand Antalya growing seasons and crop requirements
- Financing partnerships with Ziraat Bankası green energy loans
- Post-installation crop yield monitoring (for agrivoltaic research collaborations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Prime agricultural land (Class 1–4) requires a Cabinet Decree for any change of use. However, agrivoltaic configurations that maintain agricultural production can qualify for dual-use approval from the Ministry of Agriculture, which is significantly easier to obtain.
Studies show mixed results depending on crop type. Shade-tolerant crops (leafy greens, herbs) often show equal or improved yields under agrivoltaic panels due to reduced heat stress. Sun-demanding crops (tomatoes, peppers) require careful panel spacing to maintain sufficient light transmission (>50%).
Yes. Off-grid solar pump systems with battery storage or water reservoir storage are ideal for remote agricultural land without grid access. The system pumps during daylight and stores water for night-time or cloudy-day irrigation.
Yes. Ziraat Bankası and Tarım Kredi Kooperatifleri offer subsidised green energy loans for agricultural solar projects, typically at 3–5% annual interest with 5–7 year terms. We prepare the application documentation as part of our service.