Volta Group and Richel Group have commissioned a photovoltaic greenhouse in France for Kiwi cultivation.
Volta Group, an independent producer of renewable energy, and Richel Group, a European manufacturer of greenhouses and flexible storage solutions, have jointly built a PV greenhouse with a Kiwi plantation in Drôme department, Southeast France.
The greenhouse, built with recycled or recyclable materials, including steel, aluminum and glass, makes Kiwi cultivation possible and generates 7.3 GWH electricity per year – enough for around 3,000 people.
“The greenhouse offers us a controlled environment that protects our crops and enables us to improve our yields“Said Jacques Fereyre, a farmer at Vergers de Fouillas and a member of the Lorifruit Cooperative, who produces 6000 tons of fruit a year. “Thanks to this infrastructure, we can look to the future with peace of mind and better control over climate risks.”
The project includes two photovoltaic greenhouses, at 200 meters apart. They cover a total area of 5 hectares and have an aggregated installed capacity of 5 MW.
Volta Group said that the low-carbon PV modules (400 g CO₂/WP) and European inverters selected without making known the manufacturers.
The bifacial solar panels, installed on the roof, let light go through. This supports the flower induction of Kiwi-Hagen, while ready-made frame systems and dissolving walls for roll-up regulate internal temperatures by offering ventilation and moisture control.
The structure also protects against PSA bacterial plague, common in kiwifruit, and protects plants from the frequent hailstorm of the area. Hiding place against the mistral wind further reduces irrigation needs, because Kiwifruit requires considerable water.
“This project shows that it is possible to reconcile the production of renewable energy and sustainable agricultural development without compromise,” said Benoît Duval, CEO of Volta Group.
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