Double harvest: raspberries and renewable energy
Energy demand is rising and arable land is becoming scarce. Belgian researchers are therefore taking a close look at AgriPV systems: what harvests, costs and yields can farmers expect?
Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under solar panels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath photovoltaic systems. Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.
Protection from heat and burns
The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are forest fruits and should therefore be equally capable of coping with shady conditions, according to Dr Anne Cortleven, a biochemist and coordinator at the Belgian research institute PCFruit. She made this statement in the Future Lab at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026. However, strawberries appeared to be extremely sensitive to light reduction and are not currently suitable for agri-PV projects.
Given the rapidly growing demand for renewable energy and increasing competition for land, Proefcentrum Fruitteelt VZW (PCFruit) is conducting systematic research into the potential profitability of agri-PV for farmers using blueberries, pears and raspberries.
Dr. hab. Anne Cortleven explains the experimental setups for raspberries grown under different solar modules. The tests will begin in the 2026 season. Copyright: Messe Berlin
Four types of solar modules put to the test
The scientists installed the most complex arrangement for raspberries. Starting in the 2026 season, they will test four types of solar systems under which raspberries will grow. These systems will cover a total area of 600 square metres.
This is achieved by using modules with 50 per cent diffuse light transmission, modules with 40 and 50 per cent light transmission, and a combination of 0 and 100 per cent light transmission. This means that one cultivation strip is completely shaded by solar modules, while the other is completely free of panels.
“We want to use this to investigate the technical, economic, and ecological feasibility,” explained Cortleven. The most important factor remains the crop yield, and the key question is whether an agri-PV system is a worthwhile investment for farmers. In other words, under what conditions and with what type of module is combined production worthwhile? The researchers are also examining the microclimate under the panels and its impact on beneficial insects, plant diseases, and pest infestation. “We hope that pesticides can be reduced under the panels,” said Cortleven.
One positive aspect is that less plastic is used
The scientists also expect positive effects on water consumption and protection against extreme weather conditions. One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years.