A new advancement in renewable energy technology has emerged from Switzerland, where researchers have developed a groundbreaking photovoltaic system designed specifically for greenhouses. This innovative solution, created by Voltiris, aims to enhance energy production without compromising agricultural output. The research, led by Pierre-Vincent Broccard from HES-SO Valais-Wallis, was recently presented in the ‘AgriVoltaics Conference Proceedings’.
The prototype system was installed at the Agroscope agricultural research center in Conthey, Switzerland, and underwent extensive testing over an eight-month period from March to October. The study focused on the cultivation of tomatoes, bell peppers, and basil, comparing the yields from the new photovoltaic system with those from a control group. Remarkably, the results showed that the crops grown under the spectral filtering low concentration photovoltaic system performed equally well as those grown in traditional settings.
The system utilizes filters designed to transmit light that is beneficial for photosynthesis while reflecting a significant portion of the global radiation. Specifically, two types of filters were tested, which allowed 50% and 60% of the incoming light to pass through, respectively. This selective filtering is crucial, as it ensures that the plants receive the necessary light for growth while enabling the photovoltaic system to convert sunlight into energy. The prototype achieved a direct normal irradiation efficiency of 10.1%, demonstrating that its energy output is comparable to conventional solar panels installed outside.
Broccard emphasized the potential of this technology: “The findings indicate that we can harness solar energy in a way that supports agricultural production. This dual-use approach not only contributes to energy sustainability but also opens new avenues for greenhouse operations.”
The research also involved analyzing the transmittance of the greenhouse’s glass cover and its specific metal structure, which revealed an overall transmission coefficient for direct solar radiation of 0.28. This finding suggests that while there are limitations to the system’s yield due to the greenhouse’s design, there is significant potential for optimizing energy production in similar settings.
The commercial implications of this technology are substantial. As energy costs rise and the demand for sustainable practices increases, integrating photovoltaic systems into agricultural environments presents a unique opportunity for farmers and energy producers alike. This approach not only promises to reduce energy expenses but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
As more research unfolds and further prototypes are developed, the agricultural sector may witness a transformative shift towards agrivoltaics—where energy production and food cultivation coexist harmoniously. The findings from Broccard’s work provide a promising glimpse into the future of energy-efficient farming, illustrating how innovative technologies can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable agricultural landscape.
