Solar fences for agriculture
Fences with multiple applications
Numerous farmers have been setting a good example in renewable energy generation for many years. However, not all roofs are ideally suited to installing PV systems. An intelligent alternative and addition to the range is the bifacial solar fence – the fence that pays for itself.
The fence is a solar system and enclosure rolled into one, and can also provide shade for animals as well as visual cover from predators. The Next2Sun solar fence can do more than simply generate enough power to cover the requirements of a farm – it also serves as a low-maintenance, weather-resistant replacement for traditional fences. In addition, the bifacial solar fence offers another interesting area of application: it can provide independent generation solutions, such as water pumps or similar, for consumers in adjoining areas. Furthermore, the solar fence is also suitable for all animal species, including both large and small livestock, as well as for use on arable land
Benefits of the Next2Sun solar fence
- The solar fence can be used to enclose existing plots of land or pasture, but is also ideal for private power generation or grid feed-in.
- Easy mounting and maintenance thanks to arrangement close to the ground.
- Efficient and high electricity yields: in an east-west orientation it provides significantly better results than conventional systems during the morning and evening. In a north-south orientation, the system is also able to capture light particularly well when the sun is low.
- The high level of efficiency on the rear side means that electricity continues to be generated even on the side not directly in sunlight.
- Efficient even in the winter: whilst a rooftop system does not produce any electricity or requires time-consuming clearing when it is snowing, the activity of the solar fence will even be improved by increased reflection off the ground.
- The slim construction, modern design and long life of the solar fence make it an ideal space-saving, visually appealing fence replacement offering genuine added value!
- Grazing barriers can be integrated into the system, preventing large livestock from scratching the frame.
The Next2Sun solar fence –
a fence alternative that pays for itself more quickly than a roof PV!
Cover the energy requirements of a farm with an annual power consumption of 28,000 kWh with:
98.8 m of solar fence
| Roof PV | Solar fence | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment costs | € 24,9605 | € 34,900 |
| minus alternative fence | €0 | -€ 7,9126 |
| Net PV investment: | € 24,960 | € 26,988 |
| Electricity yield p.a. | € 3,4074 | € 4,1064 |
| PV pays for itself in | 7.3 years | 6.6 years |
| Fully pays for itself in | 9.6 years | 8.5 years |
1 Vacuum system with 5 kW
2 Heat lamp with 250 W
3 calculated at 40 kWh/fattening area/year (source: Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Elektrizitätsanwendung in der Landwirtschaft e.V.)
4 Power consumption savings at current kWh prices from a standard regional provider (25 ct/kWh), with installed power of 20.8 kWp and annual production of 1,050 kWp, with 80% (60%) private consumption from solar fence (roof mounting), excess feed-in at 6 ct/kWh
5 PV system price: calculated as €1,200 of costs per kWp
6 Comparable product: bar fence of comparable height (€80 per metre of length)
Each additional ten metres means:
€9.30 of savings per week
What does the solar fence cost?
Enter the characteristics of your plot to calculate the potential power, possible annual electricity yield, and rough budget for your solar fence!
For the yield and cost estimate, we need to know the total length of the planned fence/enclosure using the solar fence, as well as the number of corners or corner elements, if any.
Robust construction,
easy to install
- Solid steel construction, consisting of two posts and two bars.
- The foundations can be built on piled steel profiles, involve installation via individual concrete footings or be wall-mounted.
- 1.1 metres or 1.5 metres high and 2.11 long (post centre to centre). The dimensions of the PV module remain the same at approx. 1 x 2 metres.
- Double yields available: two modules can be stacked on top of each other (height 2.3 m to approx. 3 m).
- Installed on or in concrete walls (including between concrete posts) or using individual concrete footings. In open grassland areas, can also be installed by piling foundation posts.
- There are various combinations of options available when selecting the lower part of the fence (gap between the solar fence and the ground), such as wire mesh, a stanchion plate, a perforated plate or privacy plate
- A gap of 10, 15 or 20 centimetres can be used to compensate for the incline when installing on gradients or inclines.
Any questions about the solar fence?
Take a look at our FAQ with common questions about construction, installation, electricity yield and more.
Thoughts on solar fences
I spent a long time looking for an alternative way to generate power. The solar fence provides shade and a protected outdoor area for my organic chickens, and also produces power for my farm and my tavern all year round.
Next2Sun’s innovation has made us even more independent. We wanted an alternative to a living fence that still provided privacy. The 65 metres of solar fence on our property now produce electricity, even in winter. A truly worthwhile investment!
The solar fence is a good addition to existing solar concepts and perhaps also a good replacement for the neighbourhood-repelling plastic fences that are currently in fashion!
The full solar fence package
Working together with our regional installation and consulting partners, we provide the ideal solution and implementation of your solar fence. We offer the following services:
- Consulting and project planning for the fence system
- Assistance with any funding
- Supply of all installation materials
- Piling/producing foundations
- Frame and module installation
- Electrical installation and commissioning
