The German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Institute of Solar Research is one of the world’s leading organizations in solar energy research. With around 120 researchers at five locations, the institute focuses on the development of solar technologies and on measurements and modeling in the solar field. We develop, test and optimise innovative technologies to use solar systems not only to generate electricity, but also to provide heat and fuels. Our research also focuses on condition monitoring and quality assurance of solar thermal power plants and photovoltaic systems, solar energy meteorology and energy-related building assessment. Our overall aim is to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and the reduction of fossil fuels through the use of solar energy.
DLR can contribute its strong experience in the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems, smart control algorithms, and system integration strategies to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of solar-powered desalination units for smallholder irrigation. A key component of this approach is the integration of agrivoltaic (APV) systems in close proximity to desalination facilities, enabling direct local energy consumption. This reduces transmission losses and infrastructure costs, while allowing desalinated water to be used directly on-site for irrigation without the need for extensive piping systems, thereby improving both water-use efficiency and overall system sustainability. At the same time, APV can enhance dual land-use efficiency by combining energy production and agriculture on the same area.
For a project under this call, DLR would apply its expertise to optimize renewable energy supply and demand matching for decentralized desalination systems, with a focus on minimizing energy consumption and ensuring reliable operation under variable climatic conditions typical of Mediterranean regions. This includes the development of advanced agrivoltaic and solar energy modeling tools, as well as smart energy management and control algorithms that align solar generation with desalination processes and irrigation demand.
Another key expertise lies in the analysis of meteorological and climatological data and its impact on solar energy generation, water availability, and crop productivity, an area the team has extensively studied in previous projects. DLR’s scientists can contribute advanced methods for integrating climate data and projections into system design and operation, supporting climate-resilient irrigation planning and long-term adaptation strategies.
In addition, DLR can contribute a broad network of stakeholders from science, industry, and policy, and actively participates in international initiatives and standardization efforts in the fields of solar energy, agrivoltaics, and sustainability.
DLR can contribute its strong experience in the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems, smart control algorithms, and system integration strategies to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of solar-powered desalination units for smallholder irrigation. A key component of this approach is the integration of agrivoltaic (APV) systems in close proximity to desalination facilities, enabling direct local energy consumption. This reduces transmission losses and infrastructure costs, while allowing desalinated water to be used directly on-site for irrigation without the need for extensive piping systems, thereby improving both water-use efficiency and overall system sustainability. At the same time, APV can enhance dual land-use efficiency by combining energy production and agriculture on the same area.
For a project under this call, DLR would apply its expertise to optimize renewable energy supply and demand matching for decentralized desalination systems, with a focus on minimizing energy consumption and ensuring reliable operation under variable climatic conditions typical of Mediterranean regions. This includes the development of advanced agrivoltaic and solar energy modeling tools, as well as smart energy management and control algorithms that align solar generation with desalination processes and irrigation demand.
Another key expertise lies in the analysis of meteorological and climatological data and its impact on solar energy generation, water availability, and crop productivity, an area the team has extensively studied in previous projects. DLR’s scientists can contribute advanced methods for integrating climate data and projections into system design and operation, supporting climate-resilient irrigation planning and long-term adaptation strategies.
In addition, DLR can contribute a broad network of stakeholders from science, industry, and policy, and actively participates in international initiatives and standardization efforts in the fields of solar energy, agrivoltaics, and sustainability.
