Investment in the Netherlands has led to the development of a unique solution since 2020, following successful field tests. While agrivoltaics, vertical photovoltaic installations facilitating the coexistence of agriculture and energy production, are widely discussed, some European countries are embracing the concept of "fruivoltaics."
A notable example comes from the Netherlands, where an agricultural company is about to install a photovoltaic roof consisting of 24,206 solar modules with a capacity of 8.7 MW, intended to power 2,800 households. The solar panels are mounted on structures elevated above raspberry plants, ensuring optimal production. The roof protects the plantation from extreme heat waves or hail. Despite its less-than-appealing aesthetic, resembling a traditional greenhouse, it serves its purpose effectively.
Located in North Brabant, the project is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, marking it as the largest fruivoltaic installation in Europe. Prior to this significant intervention, the agricultural company, Martens van Hoof, conducted a successful pilot project in 2020, leading to further investment and state contributions for the fruivoltaic conversion.
Fruivoltaic installations, like those pioneered by Martens van Hoof, fall under the category of agro-photovoltaic systems, promoting dual land use as a solution to challenges such as extreme weather conditions, land scarcity, and the growing demand for solar energy in Europe. Stephan Schindele, BayWa r.e.'s product management head for Agri-PV, emphasized the need for multifunctional land use to address energy, food, and climate crises, highlighting the harmony between solar expansion, agriculture, and nature.
While this is a Dutch project, BayWa r.e. has executed 14 other fruivoltaic projects. The company is also constructing an Agri-PV interspace project in Spain, where photovoltaic modules are installed parallel to growing crops, and there are ongoing experiments with electric orchards in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, demonstrating a continued exploration of solutions in this field.
Source: Myfruit.
