EAGER Study Visit in Bulgaria: Exploring Agri-PV Solutions and Integrated Energy Systems
On the 16th and 17th of September 2026, a study visit within the frame of the project EAGER (Easing AGrophotovoltaics for EuRope) took place in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria and was organised by the Regional Energy Agency of Pazardjik (REAP) and the Municipality of Strelcha. The event was attended by over 30 participants, including all project partners, external experts and APV sector lecturers from Bulgaria, along with stakeholders representing regional and local authorities, energy and agricultural organisations, as well as other research institutions.
The first day started with a public session in the morning participated by 45 participants. Welcoming speeches were given by the Regional Governor of Pazardzhik province and the Deputy Mayor of Strelcha Municipality. The public session continued with presentations on the EAGER project, legislative framework for Agri-PV in Bulgaria, investment opportunities in agriculture under the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023–2027, and the benefits of combining agricultural crops with solar panels. The event also focused on technological solutions supporting the wider deployment of solar energy, including affordable Agri-PV systems, high-bifacial glass/glass modules and energy storage. The morning event highlighted the need for a regulatory framework in Bulgaria to support the adaptation of Agri-PV system, while pointing out the absence of pilot projects and a lack of supporting funding schemes in the region.
The afternoon session continued with a policy development workshop, in which partners were divided into groups and discussed their inspirations from all study visits, joint and regional studies and good practices from all partner countries that can be transferred and implemented in other regions. The first day concluded with a Steering Committee meeting, allowing EAGER partners to exchange experiences and discuss the next steps of the project.
The second day was dedicated to technical site visits, offering participants the opportunity to see different approaches to ground-mounting systems, photovoltaic technologies and integrated energy systems in practice.
The first visit was to ATARO – a company in Plovdiv, focusing on photovoltaic fixtures and mounting solutions. ATARO and its solar division develop and supply mounting systems for photovoltaic installations, with solutions covering different types and scales of PV projects. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects of PV installation and the importance of appropriate mounting solutions for the development of solar energy projects.
The second visit was the “Integrated Energy Systems” field laboratory of the HITMOBIL Centre of Competence, operated by the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The facility brings together different technologies for renewable energy generation, storage and use. Its infrastructure includes a photovoltaic park, wind generator emulator, different energy storage systems, electric charging facilities and hydrogen technologies. The laboratory is used for research, testing and demonstration of combinations of renewable energy generation and storage under different conditions.
The final visit focused directly on a vertical solar panel installation designed for Agri-PV applications in Bulgaria, presented by Dr Vesselinka Koch from Gate-East Garching and Solagria BAY BG. The system replaces the traditional steel structure with a wooden structure, offering a more cost-effective solution for the region while maintaining functionality. The visit provided an opportunity to explore a cheaper vertical approach to possible Agri-PV application and discuss how innovative PV configurations can be integrated with agricultural land use.
By bringing together public authorities, researchers, businesses and other stakeholders, the EAGER study visit created an opportunity to connect technical solutions with the policy and planning challenges surrounding the Agri-PV sector’s development. The experiences and discussions from the event will contribute to the project’s ongoing interregional learning and to identify approaches that can support the improvement of regional policy instruments for Agri-PV across Europe.
Presentations from the event:
- EAGER Project Presentation
- APV Legislation in Bulgaria
- Investments in Agriculture in Bulgaria
- Benefits of Agricultural Crops Combined with Solar Panels
- Affordable AgriPV, Based on High Bifacial c-Si Glass/Glass Modules and Simplest Mounting Systems
- Energy Storage as a Key Element for Solar Energy Implementation
More about EAGER:
With the EU aiming for significant renewable energy expansion, agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems can bridge land optimization difficulties by combining solar energy production with crop cultivation on the same parcel of land. APV also offers investment opportunities for numerous stakeholders and fosters collaboration with local communities in their transition to renewable energy.
The EAGER project facilitates the adoption of agro-photovoltaic systems across partner regions. By fostering a shared understanding of this technology, identifying best practices, and enhancing policy instruments, this project is paving the way for a greener future.
Follow us for more news on this hot topic on Facebook, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn, and visit our
Project website: https://www.interregeurope.eu/eager to subscribe to our newsletter.
