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.
“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.
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.
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
18 Dec 2023
Argentinean cherry exports totalled 1,535 tonnes, a drop of 36 per cent compared to last year. Aníbal Caminiti claims that exportable volumes will recover as the harvest progresses and emphasised the quality of this season.
07 Aug 2024
They noticed this during the last few seasons in Chile, in which dry and humid years alternated. What was seen was that during dry springs Alternaria dominates, while when springs are wet, Botrytis is the predominant pathogen.
30 Jan 2026
A new study from Turkey explores sweet cherry grafting compatibility using advanced tools like PCA, Random Forest and SHAP. Gisela 6 and local genotypes show promising integration for improved selection methods in cherry cultivation and rootstock choice.
30 Jan 2026
Chilean cherries face a tough 2026 season in China: early varieties, quality issues, and a late Lunar New Year impact demand and prices. Insights from Joy Wing Mau Group and outlook for alternative Asian markets like Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.
