Berries and Energy: Demonstrating Agri-PV with Organic Solar Foils at Bestema
Agri-PV with Organic Solar Foils in Berry Farming
In a pioneering Agri-PV collaboration, the berry farm Bestema, the shading and weather protection specialists from Novavert, and Solar TAP researchers demonstrated the integration of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules into existing foil tunnel infrastructure.
These semi-transparent solar foils offer a dual function: generating electricity while modifying the microclimate for crop growth. Field studies conducted at the Institute of Plant Sciences in Jülich showed that spinach growth can benefit from OPV shading, while raspberry yields show only minor reductions.
Through this work it was possible to demonstrate how OPV foil tunnels can extend growth periods and increase harvests, offering tangible benefits for farmers, the environment, and the energy system.
OPV-panels from Solar TAP integrated in foil tunnels over raspberry crops at Bestema.
Copyright: Solar TAP
Project details
Key Achievements
This project successfully integrated flexible OPV modules into foil tunnel systems in a commercially operating berry farm. Field trials on raspberries and spinach grown under OPV cover revealed a raspberry yield reduction of approximately 10% under OPV shading, while spinach growth potentially benefits under sub-optimal weather conditions due to the OPV-induced microclimate. The trials demonstrated the functionality of combining light-weight and non-permanent agricultural infrastructure with solar energy generation. Economic viability is improved by leveraging existing tunnel structures, with OPV being the only added cost. Additionally, the trials identified the potential for OPV systems to shift and prolong growing periods, increasing overall harvest potential.
Linking Science and Industry
The integration method was co-developed by Novavert and Solar TAP researchers, providing Bestema with a customized and scalable solution. Scientific analysis of the OPV microclimate and its effects on plant physiology was conducted by the Institute of Plant Sciences at Forschungszentrum Jülich. This collaboration represents a model Agri-PV deployment, merging commercial agriculture with renewable energy generation through flexible, lightweight OPV.
Future Outlook
Further development will focus on adapting cultivation protocols for OPV-shaded crops and optimizing module positioning and transparency. The potential of this Agri-PV approach is enormous—market analysis suggests that applying OPV in greenhouses across Europe’s top 10 agricultural zones could generate up to 8% of the continent’s electricity needs, all while maintaining productive farmland.
View of the poly tunnel system with OPV from below. Copyright: Solar TAP
Added Value
for the Industrial Partner
- Proof of concept for integrating OPV into existing foil tunnel infrastructure.
- New market opportunities for OPV-based greenhouse retrofits.
- Extended growing periods and energy co-generation on the same land.
for Research
- Real-world testing ground for the effects of OPV shading on plant physiology.
- Data on crop yield, microclimate, and energy balance under OPV tunnels.
- Collaboration across plant science, solar physics, and agricultural engineering..
for Society
- Dual-use land innovation supporting food and energy security.
- Potential to generate up to 8% of Europe’s electricity from greenhouses alone.
- Improved resilience for farms under changing climate conditions.
Further Information
Participating industrial partner:
Bestema GmbH