AgroPv project: semi-transparent solar panels to increase sustainability

06 Sep 2024
863

The Adventist University of Chile (UnACh) is carrying out an innovative and sustainable project called the Agro-Photovoltaic System (AgroPv).

Led by the Faculty of Engineering and Commerce, this project has a dual purpose: to generate electric power using solar radiation and to develop orchards under photovoltaic panel structures.

The project, funded by the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness of the Regional Government of Ñuble, focuses on producing cherries and strawberries using semi-transparent solar panels. These panels allow light to pass through to the crops underneath. This technology aims to reduce production costs, improve sustainability, and increase quality and yield.

Shared Benefits

“This project aims to create a synergy between agricultural systems and photovoltaic systems,” says Victor Pizarro, project director. “The crop benefits because sunburn and excessive radiation are avoided; there’s also an increase in water efficiency. On the other hand, the panels also benefit, as the presence of a crop below creates a cooler environment, which helps the panels perform better.”

One of the main advantages is the use of solar energy for decarbonizing energy, which could lead to a 100% reduction in energy costs. Additionally, the facility helps protect agriculture, as the panels are placed at a height of 4.5 meters, shielding them from weather events such as frost, hail, sunlight, and heavy rain, significantly reducing fruit loss.

Unique in the World

The panels used in this project are made of semi-transparent glass, which helps reduce fruit contamination, making it a unique solution globally. Jorge Retamal, a fruit researcher at the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA)

Quilamapu, explains that the proposed canopy structure for cherries offers significant benefits. Unlike current plastic roofs, glass panels aim to minimize microplastic contamination in the fruits we consume, demonstrating a commitment to both health and the environment.

European Tour

Dr. Victor Pizarro, along with key representatives from the agricultural sector in the Ñuble region, participated in a technology tour of Europe, organized by UnACh. The tour allowed them to visit several pioneering agro-photovoltaic projects in fruit crops in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain to learn about the potential of applying these systems in the agricultural industry.

The development of this project has led UnACh to open its doors to other educational institutions and farmers in the region, so they can learn firsthand about the progress of this project and, through workshops, conferences, and seminars, educate and raise awareness among citizens about the benefits of integrating renewable energy, thus creating a link with the public and private sectors.

Source: Adventist News
Image: Adventist News


Cherry Times - All Rights Reserved

What to read next

Chilean cherries in crisis, Mario Edwards: “We must restore the value of cherries”

Markets

02 May 2025

The 2024/2025 season turned critical for Chilean cherries, marked by record harvests, phytosanitary challenges, fake news, and logistical chaos. Mario Edwards of the Cherry Committee calls for unity, self-regulation, and quality to regain global market trust.

Joy Wing Mau and Maersk Group: strategic alliance for direct route from Chile to China

Markets Press review

31 Jan 2024

Joy Wing Mau, a leader in the fruit industry, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Maersk Group, a shipping giant, to improve and lead cooperation in the development of logistics for fruit trade between China and Chile.

In evidenza

Sweet cherries in subtropical China: study on red and yellow low-chill cultivars

Quality

29 Aug 2025

A study on low-chill sweet cherry cultivars grown in southeastern China analyzes fruit quality, color and gene expression. Promising results show potential to enhance cherry traits in subtropical climates and improve future breeding strategies.

Chile and China go paperless with 100% digital phytosanitary certification

Markets

29 Aug 2025

Chile has launched with China a 100% digital phytosanitary certification system for agricultural exports. The initiative improves security, traceability and efficiency for key products such as cherries, grapes, plums, grains and flowers, while reducing costs and delivery times.

Tag Popolari