Initial results show significant improvements in fruit yield, reinforcing the potential of this technology to transform future agriculture. In the context of climate change affecting the agricultural sector worldwide, an innovative agro-photovoltaic project has emerged as a response to this challenge.
The goal is to improve land use efficiency and promote sustainability in agriculture. Researchers involved in the project, located in Pinto, state, “This is a collaboration that unites public policies, research, development, and innovation.”
The agro-photovoltaic panels (APV) initiative is driven by the Adventist University of Chile (UNACH), which has implemented photovoltaic panels in fruit orchards; the Ñuble Farmers Association; the Regional Government of Ñuble (which supports the project); and the Chilean Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), responsible for validating the technical, physiological, and productive efficacy in cherry and strawberry production.
“This project promises to transform the way fruit crops are produced by combining solar energy generation with fruit farming. This unprecedented effort in Chile aims not only to reduce production costs and optimize water use but also to provide a new income source for farmers,” explained Jorge Retamal Salgado, an INIA Quilamapu researcher leading eco-physiological studies.
Carlos González, president of the Ñuble Farmers Association, highlighted the importance of this initiative in Chile, classifying it as a pioneering program that could mark a turning point in agriculture. “If we can generate clean energy with these panels over crops, we not only reduce costs but also protect crops from rain and hail, which is crucial for fruit production,” he explained.
APV Panels: A Dual Solution for Chile and Results
Why was the Ñuble Region chosen for this project? Mainly for two reasons: the first is a water deficit; it is estimated that 66% of its territory faces this issue, according to various studies. Secondly, over the last ten years, more than 50,000 hectares of agricultural land have changed usage.
Initial studies on cherries have revealed promising findings. For instance, beneath the APV panels, the transmission of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was above 60%, which is adequate for cherry trees to perform photosynthesis and reach their light saturation point while reducing sunburn on leaves and fruits.
It has also been confirmed that the presence of the panels has reduced plant evaporation, resulting in up to a 30% greater moisture availability in the soil under APV cultivation, “which is fundamental in areas with limited water resources like the Ñuble Region,” explained Retamal.
Furthermore, it has been shown that cherries produced under APV panels exhibited a notable improvement in quality and increased sugar levels, enhancing their sweetness and market appeal. Yet, Retamal cautioned that the results are preliminary, necessitating further evaluation in upcoming seasons.
“This technology not only produces renewable energy but also protects crops from direct sunlight impact, improving fruit quality and optimizing key resources like water,” said researcher Jorge Retamal.
“This panel model is the solution as it combines both functions: food production and energy generation,” added Carlos González, president of the Ñuble Farmers Association.
Increased Efficiency
The benefits translate into utilizing the same land for both agricultural production and energy generation, increasing land use efficiency by over 150%, according to preliminary results from the ongoing project.
“Panels decrease ambient temperature and water evaporation, increasing water availability for crops by over 20%, improving irrigation efficiency. Additionally, APVs act as a protective barrier against weather conditions (rain, heat, and hail), reducing direct losses of fruits and flowers while lowering plant stress from excessive radiation and heat, thus generally improving plant health. As the panels are made of glass rather than plastic, they prevent the release of microplastics into the environment, marking a significant step towards more sustainable and less polluting agricultural practices—both for the environment and the food chain,” said Retamal.
“Agrivoltaics in Chile, integrated with PowerfulTree technology, can revolutionize cherry production by combining agriculture and solar energy generation. This practice involves installing solar panels over crops, allowing the use of aerial space without compromising production. The shade generated by the panels can improve the microclimate for plants, promoting cherry growth and reducing water stress,” explained Álvaro Soler, CEO of PowerfulTree.
He added, “The generated energy can be used to power processing plants, optimizing operating costs and minimizing the carbon footprint. Implementing this synergy of crops and renewable energy not only promotes sustainability but also enhances the competitiveness of the cherry industry in the global market.”
