Agri-PV in Open-field Apple Orchards

Agrivoltaics Pilot Project in Slovenia: Apple Orchards

Project Overview

Brite Solar implemented Slovenia’s first agrivoltaics pilot in Brdo pri Lukovici. The project installed 208 semi-transparent glass panels with a total capacity of 52 kW above apple orchards, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture.

Technology & Installation

The panels were designed with two transparency levels, 54% and 70%, to compare crop performance under different shading. The installation required no tree removal or concrete foundations, ensuring minimal land impact. Each panel includes a nanotechnology coating that converts UV into red light, boosting photosynthesis and crop resilience.

Benefits for Farmers

The system provides shade that reduces heat stress on the orchard while mitigating risks from frost and hail. Fruit quality improves, as natural thinning produces larger first-class apples with less sunburn damage. Farmers benefit from energy independence through on-site solar generation that lowers electricity bills, while partial shading also reduces evaporation and irrigation needs.

Research & Future

The project will run for at least five years with continuous scientific monitoring. Future steps include the integration of robotics, battery storage, and IoT for smart orchard management. This pilot strengthens Slovenia’s position in sustainable agriculture and shows how agrivoltaics can secure food and energy production together.

Contact us to explore how Brite Solar’s agrivoltaics can protect crops and reduce costs for Slovenian farmers.