MarcS: Reshape solar energy
How can agriculture and solar energy work together even more efficiently? In our innovation projects, we think photovoltaics outside of the box and break new ground. One of these research projects is MarcS. MarcS stands for Modular Arc System and opens up new perspectives on hybrid land use. The development was honored with the Inter Solar Award in 2021.
The idea MarcS
MarcS is a hybrid solution that combines agriculture and photovoltaics in a completely new way. The striking feature is its shape: The solar modules are arranged in arcs and are aligned to the east and west with different angles of inclination. This arched shape of the system means that the modules and substructure grow together to form a solid static part.
Installed on a rail system, the solar modules can be moved flexibly. In this way, the design opens up new application possibilities for the system. For example, individual module sections can be extended with side walls to create greenhouses, storage facilities and other usage options.
How MarcS works
| Shape | Bow |
|---|---|
| Orientation | East-West |
| Utilization | Multiple use/solar energy, agriculture, animal husbandry |
| Support column spacing | up to 9 metersdepending on the module size, a distance of one support pillar every 20 m2 possible |
| Surface efficiency | > 2 MWp / ha |
| Surface coverage | up to 100% |
| Height | 2.50 to 3.50 m |
| Energy production | up to 1.9 million kWh/ha/year in the the test environment in the Netherlands |
| Status | currently being tested in the Netherlands |
The advantages of the innovative system
Flexible
Installation on a rail system allows the modules to be moved flexibly.
Multipurpose PV
The area under the modules can be used classically and as an Agri-PV solution can be cultivated, extended to create watertight rooms and used for livestock farming.
Efficient
MarcS is characterized by a very high area output of more than 2 MWp/ha.
Support-free
The area under the arches does not require any additional supports.
Possible extensions for MarcS
- Water management system: including water collection, storage and selective release to plants and animals.
- LED lighting: a controllable light source for plants and animals, lighting storage rooms or for other purposes.
- Automated auxiliary systems: Harvesting robots or robots for autonomous weed removal without pesticides, which are self-propelled on the rail system.
- Greenhouse: With side walls, the MarcS can be flexibly converted into a greenhouse for the winter season.
- Weather control: Extension to motion control through weather-dependent automation.
MarcS meets farming
The MarcS system was developed together with farmers and is therefore particularly well suited to the needs of agriculture. As climate conditions change, agriculture must also think ahead. Extreme weather events such as heat, drought and heavy rain pose major challenges for livestock and farmers. Rising energy prices are putting pressure on companies. MarcS is an innovation project that aims to provide sustainable answers.
Agri-PV one step further.
Safety for crops and animals
- The solar modules provide shelter and protection from extreme weather conditions and predators.
Control of the harvest cycles
- Temperature, water evaporation and light conditions can be better controlled and harvest cycles optimized.
Additional source of income
- The sale of surplus electricity offers a passive source of income.
The MarcS system was developed together with farmers and is therefore particularly well suited to the needs of agriculture. As climate conditions change, agriculture must also think ahead. Extreme weather events such as heat, drought and heavy rain pose major challenges for livestock and farmers. Rising energy prices are putting pressure on companies. MarcS is an innovation project that aims to provide sustainable answers.
Agri-PV one step further.
