Agri-PV in Open Field Peach Cultivation
Brite Solar actively participates in the development of Agri-PV in open field, combining energy generation and crop cultivation on the same land. In Imathia, within the framework of the European project SOLARHUB, a pilot installation was implemented in a peach orchard, demonstrating a new model of climate-resilient and sustainable farming.
🔸 Agri-PV Project in Open Field - Key Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Imathia, Central Macedonia |
| Crop | Peach orchard |
| Panels | 444 semi-transparent solar panels |
| Transparency | 69% |
| Rated Power | 200 Wp per panel (~89 kWp total) |
| Installation Type | Open field, above tree rows |
| Program | SOLARHUB – Sustainable Agri-PV Systems |
| Objective | Combine agricultural production with clean energy generation |
The layout of the panels provides partial shading, which helps regulate the microclimate and protect the trees from extreme weather.
🔸 Agri-PV Technology in the Field | How It Works
Semi-transparent solar panels allow sunlight to pass through to the plants while converting part of it into clean electricity. This enables crops to grow normally beneath the structure, while the farmer benefits from on-site renewable energy and reduced operational costs. Partial shading helps plants withstand high temperatures, protects flowers and fruits from hail or excessive sunlight, and reduces water evaporation. The result is fewer losses, more stable yields, and lower irrigation costs. The system is built for open-field durability, ensuring high mechanical strength and a service life of over 25 years with minimal maintenance.
🔸 Benefits of Agri-PV in Open Field
✔️ Crop Protection – Shields trees and fruits from heat, strong sunlight, and hail.
✔️ Energy Independence – The energy produced covers a major part of farm electricity needs.
✔️ Water Efficiency – Reduces soil evaporation and improves irrigation efficiency.
✔️ Climate Resilience – Acts as a natural canopy protecting crops from extreme weather.
✔️ Long-Term Value – Minimal maintenance and predictable savings for decades.
🔸 The SOLARHUB Project and the Role of Brite Solar
The European project SOLARHUB investigates how Agri-PV systems can enhance food and energy production on the same land. The installation in Imathia is one of the pilot sites collecting data on shading, microclimate, and crop growth. In Greece, the program is carried out through collaboration between the ARTEMIS Laboratory of CERTH, the Center for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES), and VENUS Growers, with Brite Solar providing the semi-transparent solar panel technology. This partnership between research and agricultural stakeholders sets an example of how innovation can serve real farming needs.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
▪️ What is Agri-PV in open field? It is a system where solar panels are installed above crops, allowing the simultaneous production of food and renewable electricity.
▪️ How much light passes through the panels? The transparency level is adjustable and defined by Brite Solar according to each crop and local conditions. For the Imathia peach orchard, a 69% transparency was selected to balance shading, protection, and photosynthesis.
▪️ Does it affect peach production? The project is currently in a pilot phase. Data collected through SOLARHUB will be analyzed to assess crop performance under Agri-PV systems.
▪️ What is the lifetime of the solar panels? The panels are designed to operate for more than 25 years with minimal maintenance requirements.
➡️ Discover how Agri-PV in open field can transform your farm.
🔴phone: +302310 321342
🔴email: info@britesolar.com
