Calculation tool helps farmers choose when it comes to energy issues

The agricultural entrepreneur in Limburg is increasingly approached to make land available for the installation of solar panels. But is this an investment that can actually be turned into a return? To help farmers with their decision, consultancy Arvalis developed a calculation tool.

National Program Regional Energy Strategy

Part of the national climate agreement is the National Program Regional Energy Strategy (RES). This is an instrument to jointly come to choices for the generation of renewable electricity. It also determines how much renewable energy must be generated in a particular area, especially through wind and solar power.

Advisor René Beek of Arvalis explains why this is important for the Limburg farmer: "Through the RES the generation of renewable energy suddenly becomes concrete for local governments and farmers. Developers of solar parks are increasingly focusing on agricultural entrepreneurs in Limburg. Farmers and gardeners near high voltage stations are approached with the question of whether they want to make their land available for the construction of solar panels."

Return

Although the offers from developers seem positive at first glance, it is not always clear to the farmer what exactly participation means. What is the earnings model behind it? Is it possible to achieve a higher return by keeping solar panels under one's own management? In order to answer these questions Arvalis, in collaboration with its parent organisation LLTB, developed the calculation tool.

"The calculation tool visualises the earnings model of the solar panels. This makes it clear how much money we are talking about and what the return of the solar panels would be under own management. This knowledge makes us a full discussion partner with the developer, so we can optimally support the entrepreneur in his choice," explains René Beek.

Quickscan

"The calculation tool contains all possible costs and revenues that the installation of solar panels may entail. Among other things with a quick scan we collect these data and fill them in the calculation tool. This results in an overview of the returns from the solar panels for the coming years. The entrepreneur can then easily compare this with the offer of the developer. The calculation tool also focuses on the renovation of disused agricultural buildings (VABs) in combination with the installation of solar panels on the building plot."

Use the calculation tool

Entrepreneurs who want to use the calculation tool, or want insight into any other consequences, can contact René Beek via 06-51843960 or rbeek@arvalis.nl.

Source: New Harvest