---
title: "SUNfarming GmbH, TH Köln and Nourtec; develop hydroponic-Agri-PV concepts in Erkner planning model for hydroponics in Agri-PV"
sdDatePublished: "2026-08-15T16:08:00Z"
source: "https://sunfarming.de/en/blog/circularfarming-in-nrw-sunfarming-explores-the-combination-of-hydroponics-and-agri-pv"
topics:
  - name: "agriculture"
    identifier: "medtop:20000210"
  - name: "renewable energy"
    identifier: "medtop:20000257"
  - name: "research and development"
    identifier: "medtop:20000208"
  - name: "environmental policy"
    identifier: "medtop:20000423"
  - name: "energy and resource"
    identifier: "medtop:20000256"
locations:
  - "Oder-Spree"
  - "North Rhine-Westphalia"
---


SUNfarming GmbH, TH Köln and Nourtec; develop hydroponic-Agri-PV concepts in Erkner planning model for hydroponics in Agri-PV

CircularFarming.IN.NRW: SUNfarming Explores the Combination of Hydroponics and Agri-PV - SUNfarming.de

15. August 2026 By U. Eckmann Comments are Off

Erkner |Sustainable agriculture goes beyond Agri-PV. As part of the CircularFarming.IN.NRW project, SUNfarming GmbH, together with TH Köln and Nourtec GmbH, is developing and testing innovative concepts that combine Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) with hydroponic cultivation systems.

The project aims to explore the potential of hydroponic farming under the specific conditions created by Agri-PV systems and to develop new approaches for resource-efficient and future-oriented agriculture. The focus is on the technical, agronomic and economic requirements that are essential for the successful integration of hydroponic systems into Agri-PV projects. To achieve this, several demonstration systems will be installed and tested under real-life operating conditions. The knowledge gained will be used to develop a planning model that supports the design and implementation of hydroponic systems within Agri-PV installations. The model will serve as a practical decision-making tool for project developers, farmers and other stakeholders. It will help assess which hydroponic systems are best suited to specific Agri-PV conditions and provide guidance for their efficient planning and operation. Through this research project, SUNfarming is making another important contribution to the advancement of sustainable land-use concepts. The intelligent combination of Agri-PV and hydroponics opens up new opportunities for resource-efficient food production while simultaneously generating renewable energy.

The project was selected as part of the GreenEconomy.IN.NRW competition and is funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union through the ERDF