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Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-14
Objective of the call
This call aims to advance system design and deployment models for innovative photovoltaic (PV) applications, focusing on either agrivoltaics (agriPV) or offshore/nearshore PV systems.
It supports the development of scalable, bankable and environmentally sustainable PV solutions that reduce land and sea use conflicts, improve energy yield and reinforce the European PV value chain.
The topic contributes to the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV) and aligns with the EU Solar Energy Strategy.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address only one of the two areas: agriPV or offshore/nearshore PV.
Projects are expected to demonstrate:
- Comprehensive system modelling for accurate and reliable energy yield assessment, including comparable methodologies for biodiversity, plant yield and quality (for agriPV)
- Advanced system components and architectures at adequate scale, minimising environmental impact while maximising energy output and optimising grid connection
- System resilience and adaptation to climate change impacts (e.g. extreme events, changing agricultural practices or crop choices)
- Standardisation of modules and supporting structures
- Definition and clarification of permitting processes
- Demonstration of systems at adequate scale, with a minimum total capacity of 5 MW across different EU climate or sea zones
For agriPV, proposals must address land-use synergies, soil and biodiversity protection, water conservation, permitting clarity, energy justice principles and mitigation of agronomic risks.
For offshore/nearshore PV, proposals must consider aesthetic aspects and potential conflicts of interest in water areas, including co-location with wind energy and interactions with shipping, fishing or other maritime uses.
The exploitation and dissemination plan must include a strong business case, scalability strategy and preliminary commercialisation pathway, indicating possible funding sources such as the Innovation Fund.
The effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines is required to address societal acceptance and policy dimensions.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- PV technology developers and system integrators
- Agricultural stakeholders and landowners (for agriPV projects)
- Offshore energy developers and maritime operators (for offshore/nearshore PV projects)
- Engineering companies and grid connection specialists
- Research and technology organisations
- SMEs active in PV components, mounting systems or digital system optimisation
- SSH experts and institutions
Applicants must form consortia capable of delivering large-scale system demonstrators.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs follow the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant model and may include:
- System design and engineering
- Development and testing of advanced PV components
- Large-scale demonstrators (minimum 5 MW in total)
- Environmental and biodiversity assessment
- Grid integration and resilience testing
- Societal engagement, permitting analysis and SSH activities
- Exploitation, business planning and scalability assessment
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Innovation Action (IA)
Funding rate:
70% of eligible costs (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of up to 100% applies)
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 7.5 million
Number of funded projects:
4 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7-8
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
1 December 2026