Volta Group and Richel Group have collaborated to build a photovoltaic greenhouse in Drôme, southeastern France, for kiwi cultivation. The greenhouse uses recycled or recyclable materials and produces 7.3 GWh of electricity per year, enough for 3,000 people. The project includes two 5-hectare photovoltaic greenhouses with an aggregate installed capacity of 5 MW, using low-carbon bifacial PV modules and European-made inverters. The bifacial solar panels allow light to pass through, supporting kiwi hedge floral induction, while regulating internal temperatures through ventilation and humidity control. The structure also protects against PSA bacterial blight and hailstorms. The shelter from the Mistral wind reduces irrigation needs, as kiwifruit require significant water. The project demonstrates the possibility of reconciling renewable energy production and sustainable agricultural development without compromise. According to Volta Group’s CEO, Benoît Duval, the project shows that it is possible to combine sustainability and agriculture without sacrificing one for the other.
Solar power for kiwi crops – a sustainable combination
