[ENG] Insolight and Agroscope: The Swiss Pilot Site Redefining the Future of Agrivoltaics in Specialty Crops

Within the European agrivoltaics landscape, few projects can match the level of applied research and scientific validation achieved by the pilot field developed by Insolight in collaboration with Agroscope in Conthey, Canton Valais, Switzerland.

Launched in 2021 as a pilot project, the site has become one of the most advanced open-air laboratories for studying the integration of agricultural production and renewable energy generation, with a particular focus on high-value crops such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

A New Approach to Agrivoltaics

The objective of the project is not simply to install photovoltaic panels above crops, but to transform the agrivoltaic structure into an active agronomic tool.

The technology developed by Insolight, known as Insolagrin, uses semi-transparent photovoltaic modules capable of dynamically regulating the amount of light reaching the plants. As a result, the system simultaneously performs three key functions:

• protecting crops from adverse weather conditions;

• managing shading according to the physiological needs of the plants;

• generating renewable electricity.

The concept is simple yet revolutionary: light that is not required by the crop is converted into electricity, while the amount needed for photosynthesis continues to reach the plants.

The Conthey Experimental Site

The first pilot installation was established at Agroscope's research center in Conthey on an area of approximately 165 square meters, replacing conventional protective covers commonly used in berry production.

Initial trials focused on raspberry cultivation and were later expanded to other crops in order to evaluate the effects of controlled shading on:

• vegetative growth;

• crop yield;

• fruit quality;

• water-use efficiency;

• crop performance during heat waves.

The project brings together three major partners:

• Insolight, responsible for the agrivoltaic technology;

• Agroscope, leading agronomic monitoring and research;

• Romande Energie, managing the energy production aspects of the installation.

Early Results: Smart Shading and Greater Resilience

Research conducted during the first years of operation has demonstrated that dynamic light management can significantly improve crop resilience during the most challenging periods of the growing season.

Shading helps mitigate heat stress and excessive solar radiation, two increasingly common challenges associated with climate change.

Particularly promising results have been observed in berry crops. Agroscope's studies indicate that raspberries show good tolerance to reduced light levels beneath photovoltaic modules while maintaining satisfactory production levels. Strawberries, on the other hand, appear more sensitive to lower light intensity, highlighting the importance of adapting shading strategies to each crop species.

For blueberry growers, these findings are especially relevant. Blueberry production increasingly requires careful management of summer temperatures, fruit quality and water consumption. Agrivoltaic systems capable of modifying the crop microclimate may become a valuable adaptation tool in response to changing environmental conditions.

Expanding from Berries to Orchards

The success of the initial trials has led to the expansion of the project.

In 2025, a new agrivoltaic orchard covering approximately 4,000 square meters was inaugurated in Conthey. The installation integrates apple, pear and apricot trees beneath photovoltaic modules, with an installed capacity of 242 kWp and an estimated annual energy production of around 300 MWh.

Today, the Agroscope research site hosts several agrivoltaic installations dedicated to different specialty crops, including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, making it one of Europe's leading hubs for agrivoltaic research in high-value horticultural production.

A Model for the Agriculture of the Future

The Conthey experience demonstrates that agrivoltaics can go far beyond the simple coexistence of farming and energy generation.

When designed around crop requirements, photovoltaic systems become multifunctional agricultural infrastructure capable of:

• protecting crops from excessive heat, hail and extreme solar radiation;

• reducing dependence on conventional plastic covers;

• improving resource-use efficiency;

• generating additional farm income through electricity production;

• increasing farm resilience to climate change.

For the berry industry—and particularly for blueberry production—the Insolight and Agroscope pilot field stands as one of the most compelling European examples of how agronomic innovation and renewable energy can be combined to create a more sustainable, efficient and climate-resilient agricultural model. info@agroconsulenze.com www.agroconsulenze.com www.insolight.ch