BayWare has begun construction of a set of translucent modules to be installed in an orchard in Brumat, France.
The Munich-based renewable energy producer said in a press release this week that the project will be the first in France to feature its translucent panels.
The company said it aims to install 1,440 translucent photovoltaic modules on 4,900 square meters of strawberry fields. The modules will be installed above the farm's crops and will replace the current protective plastic panels. The new system will have a light transmission rate of 49%.
BayWare says the plant will produce the equivalent of 464 MWh of electricity per year. The plant will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2024 and connected to the Strasbourg grid. The power will be sold through the spot market or through power purchase agreements.
Farmers have been growing produce in the area since 1978, but they are now seeing the effects of climate
change. Farmers say the agro-photovoltaic shades provide favorable conditions for crop growth and limit
excess heat.
They also noted that these photovoltaic shades improve crop growing conditions by providing a cooler
environment compared to plastic greenhouses, with the goal of reducing crop irrigation by 25 percent.
The plastic trellis control area will be used to collect accurate data on fruit yields. This data will include fruit size, flavor, sugar content, yield and water requirements. Sensors under the panels will measure metrics such as temperature, light (PAR) and humidity.