Solar fences for agriculture
Fences with multiple applications
Many farmers have been setting a good example in renewable energy production for years. But not everywhere the roofs are optimally suited for a rooftop PV system. An intelligent alternative and addition to this is the bifacial solar fence – the fence that finances itself.
The fence is a solar system and boundary in one and can also serve as a shade for animals as well as a visual screen for predators. The Next2Sun solar fence is not only capable of generating enough electricity to cover the needs of agriculture, but also offers a low-maintenance and weather-resistant replacement for traditional fences. The bifacial solar fence additionally represents another interesting possibility: it can realize in adjacent areas on site, self-sufficient generation solutions, such as water pumps or similar, for the consumer. In addition, the solar fence is ideal not only for all types of livestock, large and small, but also for farmland
Benefits of the Next2Sun solar fence
- With the solar fence, existing property boundaries or pasture area can be optimally used for fencing and power generation at the same time.
- Easy installation and maintenance due to ground level arrangement.
- Efficient and high electricity yield: in east-west orientation, it provides significantly better results than conventional systems in the morning and evening time. In south-north orientation, the plant can also capture the low sun particularly well.
- Due to the high back side efficiency, power production also runs on the side not directly exposed to sunlight.
- Efficient even in winter: While a rooftop system produces little or no power in snowy conditions or requires costly clearing, the solar fence even benefits from the stronger ground reflection.
- The slim design, modern look and durability of the solar fence make it the optimal, space-saving and visually appealing fence replacement with real added value!
- Possibility of attaching grazing cords to the system, which prevent scratching the rack in large livestock.
The Next2Sun solar fence
as a fence alternative paid off faster than rooftop PV!
Cover the energy requirements of a farm with an annual power consumption of 28,000 kWh with:
98.8 m of solar fence
| Rooftop PV | Solar fence | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment costs | € 24.9605 | € 34.900 |
| less Alternative fence | € 0 | -€ 7.9126 |
| Net investment PV: | € 24.960 | € 26.988 |
| Electricity yield p.a. | € 3.4074 | € 4.1064 |
| PV paid off in | 7.3 years | 6.6 years |
| Total paid off in | 9.6 years | 8.5 years |
1 vacuum suction unit with 5 kW
2 heat lamp with 250 W
3 calculated with 40 kWh/fattening place/year (according to Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Elektrizitätsanwendung in der Landwirtschaft e.V.)
4 Savings in electricity consumption at current kWh prices from the regional standard supplier (25 ct/kWh), with an installed capacity of 20.8 kWp and an annual production of 1,050 kWp, with 80% (60%) self-consumption solar fence (rooftop), surplus feed-in at 6 ct/kWh
5 PV system price: calculated with € 1.200,- cost per kWp
6 Comparison product bar fence of comparable height (€ 80,- per linear meter)
Every 10 meters additionally mean:
9,30 € savings per week
How much does the solar fence cost?
Calculate here, with the help of your personal property conditions, the possible output, the potential annual electricity yield and the rough estimated cost of your solar fence!
For the yield and cost estimation, we need the total length of the planned fencing/enclosure with the solar fence, as well as the number of corners or corner elements that may be needed.
Robust construction,
easy to assemble
- 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.
- Height of 1.1 meters or 1.5 meters and length of 2.11 meters (post center-center). The size of the PV module remains the same, at about 1 x 2 meters.
- 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.
Do you have questions about the solar fence?
Take a look at our FAQ with frequently asked questions about construction, installation, power yield, etc.
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
In cooperation with our regional installation and consulting partners, you will arrive at an optimal solution and implementation of your solar fence. We offer the following services:
- Consulting and design of the fence system
- Support with regard to possible subsidies
- Delivery of all mounting material
- Pile driving / making the foundations
- Rack and module assembly
- Electrical installation and commissioning
