Crop agrivoltaic structure

for vineyardsfor row cropsfor arboriculture

Overview
The Sun’Agri dynamic agrivoltaic solution applied to vegetable production under greenhouse structures is an integrated approach designed to protect crops from heat waves and repeated droughts, reduce water stress, regulate incident light for plants and secure growers' revenues. When integrated into a multicrop project (tree crops, vineyards, arable crops), it enhances farm resilience.

Observed results

• Improved product quality and yields.
• Reduced temperature inside greenhouses.
• Alternative to whitewashing greenhouse covers.
• Shift in harvest periods when favorable.
• More uniform vegetable products.

Results by crop (pilot sites and commercial operations)

• Aubergine: +6 to +53% yield.
• Cucumber: +20 to +54% yield.
• Tomato: +9% yield.
• Reduced pest pressure (e.g., aphids).

Pilot sites and field evidence
Three plots are reported: Granges-sur-Lot (47), Alénya (66) and Thuir (66), in partnership with INRAE and the Ille Roussillon group. Agronomic and productive benefits have been observed on these plots, with comparisons to non-equipped control plots.

Light management
Intelligently sharing light between the crop and electricity production is core to Sun’Agri’s agrivoltaic model. Using artificial intelligence, panels orient in real time up to 75° according to:

• Production objectives.
• Agroclimatic measurements collected in real time via sensors.
• Continuously updated weather forecasts.

Agronomic monitoring and application
Each project is monitored by agronomic engineers who compare the equipped plot with a control plot. The Sun’Agri application enables:

• Real-time visualization of panel management and evolution of weather and agronomic data.
• Personalized alerts in case of heat waves.
• Provision of 30 hours of autonomous panel control to allow treatments or machinery passages.

The application received an award at Focus Innovation 2024 (Dionysud fair).

Integration within a global agrivoltaic project
Dynamic agrivoltaics for vegetable production can be integrated with tree crops, vineyards and arable farming to:

• Share grid-connection costs.
• Improve overall financial profitability.
• Combine and valorize different agronomic expertise.

Economic aspects and project size
The solution can be financially attractive when integrated into a multicrop project. Indicative minimum size: about 5 ha in Mediterranean areas; around 10 ha further north.

Characteristics / technical specifications

• Solution intended for vegetable greenhouses (agrivoltaic greenhouses).
• Patented dynamic agrivoltaic technology developed by Sun’Agri.
• Panels tiltable in real time up to 75°.
• AI-assisted control taking into account production objectives, agroclimatic measurements and weather forecasts.
• Agroclimatic sensors for real-time data feedback.
• Mobile app/platform for real-time monitoring, alerts and control.
• 30 hours of autonomous panel control available to allow treatments or machinery passages.
• Field evidence on three pilot/production plots (Granges-sur-Lot, Alénya, Thuir) with on-site partnerships (e.g. INRAE).
• Measured benefits: yield gains (e.g. aubergine +6 to +53%, cucumber +20 to +54%, tomato +9%), reduced pest pressure, regulation of temperature and water stress.
• Indicative project size: minimum 5 ha in Mediterranean climate, ~10 ha further north.