The practice of agrivoltaics aims to combine agriculture and solar panels, where shaded areas underneath panels can be used for farming, allowing farmers to continue earning revenue from the land while generating additional income from solar energy. In a recent pilot program in France, Sun’Agri grown grapes for winemaking underneath solar panels. Results showed a yield increase of 60% (Chardonnay), 30% (Marselan), and 20% (Grenache blanc) without sacrificing flavor and quality. By controlling temperatures and humidity, controlling irrigation, and protecting against frost, solar panel shade was used to optimize wine production. Another unexpected result was wine with a lower alcohol content. Overall, the pilot suggests that agrivoltaics is a promising practice for integrating sustainability and solar power into agricultural ecosystems.
Scientists uncover astonishing findings after studying vineyards cultivated beneath solar panels
