Innovative Agrovoltaic Project in Germany Highlights Solar Solutions by GCL

GCL System Integration Fuels Germany's Largest Agrovoltaic Plant

GCL System Integration has made significant strides in the energy sector by launching Germany's largest agrovoltaic project in Tützpatz, located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This ambitious initiative has seen a collaboration with Vattenfall, one of the leading energy companies in Sweden, marking a pivotal moment for sustainable energy solutions integrated with agricultural practices.

Project Overview

On October 16, 2025, the Tützpatz agrovoltaic plant was officially inaugurated, boasting a remarkable installed capacity of 76 MW spread across 93 hectares. The facility is equipped with 146,000 high-efficiency bifacial solar modules, each rated at 550 W, provided by GCL SI. This project not only enhances the energy landscape in Germany but also emphasizes the importance of agricultural synergy by integrating solar energy production with farming activities.

The economic viability of the Tützpatz project stands out, having been achieved without any public subsidies. This was made possible through a ten-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PASM, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, ensuring the full purchase of the plant's energy production. This agreement underscores GCL's adaptability and resilience in navigating various regulatory and geographical challenges.

Cutting-Edge Technology

GCL has strategically focused on developing tailored products for agrovoltaic applications. Their solar modules feature customizable light transmittance ranging from 15% to 40%, striking a balance between solar energy generation and crop growth. Their robust design comprises dual-layer glass and entirely aluminum frames, having passed rigorous reliability tests, including exposure to salty mist for 1,000 hours and ammonia for 500 hours. Such durability is critical in varied environments, particularly those that are humid, saline, or livestock-rich.

The plant also incorporates elevated PHC mounting structures at 2.8 meters, along with single-axis trackers, facilitating machine access and light-controlled systems that enhance land-use efficiency beyond 80%. This innovative setup not only maximizes space but also ensures optimal conditions for both energy generation and agriculture.

Smart Agrovoltaic Management

In its continuous quest for technological advancement, GCL has rolled out a smart agrovoltaic management platform. This sophisticated system integrates meteorological data, crop growth sensors, and inverter analytics, utilizing AI algorithms to optimize the angle of solar modules and irrigation schedules. For instance, in the Zhundong project, a notable 310 MW initiative, this smart platform improved alfalfa yield by 20% while reducing irrigation needs by 15%. Similarly, in a pilot project in Jinzhai, Anhui, adjustable motorized supports enhanced oil camellia seed productivity by 30% and solar efficiency by 8%, achieving a true “dual harvest” of crops and energy.

Commitment to Sustainability

Recently, on August 21, GCL SI reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by formally joining the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This commitment aims to establish clear pathways for achieving net-zero emissions in the near term, showcasing the company’s dedication to sustainability and leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. GCL’s vertically integrated supply chain not only ensures significant cost advantages but also exemplifies its commitment to reducing module costs by 8% to 12% compared to outsourcing, further enhancing project affordability.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, GCL SI is determined to solidify its leadership in the agrovoltaic sector. Research is ongoing into tandem modules made from perovskite-silicon that will enhance light transmittance, fostering even greater synergy between agricultural practices and solar energy generation. Furthermore, the company is expediting the deployment of agrovoltaic projects at gigawatt scale in resource-rich regions, such as southwest and northwest China. By uniting photovoltaic energy, agriculture, and carbon traceability in scalable models, GCL SI is committed to transforming agricultural lands into productive and eco-friendly energy sources, driving both energy transition and agricultural modernization forward.