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French agrivoltaic company SunAgri says two of its installations increased grape yields by 20% to 60% by 2024 compared to areas without solar panels. The photovoltaic modules helped regulate temperature fluctuations, reducing heat spikes in summer and temperature drops in winter.
French agrivoltaics specialist SunAgri has shared the results of its 2024 harvests at two pilot agrivoltaic sites in the south of France. Three grape varieties were tested at the Domaine de Nidolères site in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
The results showed that grape yield under solar panels was between 20% and 60% higher than in areas without photovoltaics. The largest increase, 60%, was observed in Chardonnay grapes, followed by Marselan (30%) and Grenache blanc (20%).
In a second trial carried out in Vaucluse (south-east of France), yield increases remained above 30%, with or without irrigation.
SunAgri attributes this increase to the agrovoltaic systems ability to optimize the microclimate, moderate temperatures, increase humidity and reduce irrigation needs by 20% to 70%.
It also helps protect against frost, preventing temperature drops of up to 2ºC. As a result, plant survival rates are improved, reducing mortality by 25% to 50%.
In addition, grapes grown under the panels produce wine with 1.5% less alcohol, preserving the acidity in white wines and improving the aromatic profile. |
