The companies signed an agreement on Sept. 17 to jointly develop agrivoltaic systems using Qcells modules and POSCO structures. They also plan to build an alliance of domestic companies to provide broader agrivoltaic solutions.
Agrivoltaics allows crops and solar panels to share the same land by adjusting the placement and angle of modules to maintain sufficient sunlight for farming while generating electricity from the remaining solar energy.
The sector has so far remained largely limited to pilot projects in South Korea, partly because existing farmland regulations required solar facilities to be removed after eight years even though such equipment can typically operate for more than 30 years.
That is set to change under legislation passed by the National Assembly in May and promulgated in June. The new law extends the maximum operating period for agrivoltaic projects from eight years to 23 years, creating a longer-term business model for farmers and agricultural cooperatives.
Under the partnership, Hanwha Qcells will manufacture high-efficiency modules designed for agrivoltaic projects at its Jincheon plant in North Chungcheong Province.
POSCO will supply durable support structures designed for Korean farmland and develop mounting systems that protect crops and minimize disruption to farming. The two companies will jointly develop an integrated module-and-structure package for the Korean market.
“Agrivoltaics can expand renewable energy while also improving the sustainability of rural communities,” Yoo Jae-yeol, head of Hanwha Qcells’ Korea business, said.
POSCO said the technology could help preserve farmland and allow farming to continue while adding renewable power generation.
“We will use our materials technology and business capabilities to develop structural solutions suited to Korea’s agricultural environment and contribute to building the domestic industry ecosystem,” said Hong Sam-soo, head of POSCO’s cold-rolled and coated steel marketing office.
AJP Takeaways
- Hanwha Qcells and POSCO will jointly develop agrivoltaic systems for South Korea’s farmland.
- A new law extends the maximum operating period for agrivoltaic projects from eight years to 23 years.
- Qcells will supply solar modules, while POSCO will provide support structures designed for Korean farming conditions.
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