A new agrivoltaic project is taking shape in the heart of Switzerland, in Leuggern, Canton Aargau: 1,300 solar panels will be installed over a cherry orchard with the goal of protecting crops, dynamically managing light, and producing renewable energy.
A virtuous model that combines agriculture and ecological transition.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Energie360°, a Swiss sustainable energy provider, and Insolight, a company specializing in advanced solar technologies.
On the farmland managed by growers Rudolf Obrist and Hansjörg Erne, a 12,000-square-meter agrivoltaic system will be built using next-generation photovoltaic panels produced by China-based DAS Solar.
Each module will have a nominal power of 600 watts, with an estimated annual output of 800 MWh—enough to power around 180 households.
The panels, mounted nearly 3 meters above the ground, will ensure easy passage for agricultural machinery, maintaining full operability of the orchard.
The core innovation lies in the patented "insolagrin" system developed by Insolight: a durable, flexible plastic cover designed to open and close based on weather conditions and the light needs of the plants.
This system not only regulates solar exposure but also offers effective protection against extreme weather events such as hail, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and spring frosts.
The stainless steel structure is also suitable for other sensitive crops such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
According to the two farmers, the system significantly reduces the need for plant protection products and improves production resilience.
All the energy generated will be purchased by Energie360° and fed into the public grid as part of a Swiss government-backed tender.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer.
The Leuggern project is a showcase example of virtuous integration between agriculture and renewable energy sources.
A replicable model that looks to the future of European fruit growing, combining innovation, sustainability, and crop protection in an era of increasing climate pressure.
Source: pv-magazine.com
Image source: Insolight
02 Sep 2024
The sweet cherry supply for 2024 remained in line with the average of the last five seasons, which saw an average production of about 100,000 tons per year. However, 2023 stood out as a negative year, with a production of only 93,000 tons, the lowest value in the last five years.
28 Apr 2025
Protect cherry trees from bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae in Chile: discover chemical, biological, and preventive strategies for integrated and effective control. Boost yield, plant health, and fruit quality with sustainable, innovative solutions.
11 Jul 2025
Germany’s 2025 cherry harvest is projected at 49,900 tons, marking a 41% increase from 2024 and 10.4% above the 10-year average. Sweet cherries (Süßkirschen) show strong growth, while sour cherries (Sauerkirschen) also rebound. Favorable spring conditions boosted yields.
11 Jul 2025
Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid wasp, demonstrates strong overwintering ability in Michigan cherry and blueberry orchards. This finding supports its potential as a reliable biocontrol agent against Drosophila suzukii and for establishing stable populations across growing regions.
