At Jan van Os' fruit farm in Papendrecht, the pears are developing well. This year's yield is higher than expected, and Van Os attributes this to the solar panels that protect the pears from bright sunlight and hail. The panels are supported by steel structures supplied by Trellex-RE in Blokzijl.
For years, Trellex in Blokzijl has supplied steel structures for fruit growing, but the company recently added a new product to its portfolio: support structures for solar panels. These so-called agrivoltaics combine fruit cultivation with solar energy generation and aim to create a win-win situation for both growers and the climate.
Protection against extreme weather conditions
According to Jan-Willem van Giessen of Trellex-RE, the company's solar panel division, the concept offers many advantages. "Besides allowing you to generate your own power, the solar panels also protect against extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat and sunshine, as well as hail," he says. The solar panels above the orchard in Papendrecht form the world's first commercial agrivoltaic installation over pears, according to Van Giessen.
© Jan-Willem van Giessen
Van Giessen explains that the company entered this new field almost by accident. "A customer asked if we could supply such a system. And of course, we could! But the business really grew from that customer request."
Unique in Europe
He says what makes their approach unique in Europe is the careful preparation. "We don't just take on any project. We always start with a preliminary feasibility study."
If the results are positive, a demo structure is built on-site. "That takes extra time and effort, but it brings many advantages. It allows everyone to visualise much more easily what the complete installation will look like. That not only helps the grower to form a clear picture, but above all, it increases the chances of obtaining the building permit. It also gives the official handling of the application a much better understanding of the project. To my knowledge, we are the only ones who work this way," says Van Giessen.
© Jan-Willem van Giessen
He has already supplied steel support structures for several such projects and sees further growth in the agrivoltaics market. "Especially when you have a large power consumer nearby. For instance, we have a 1.5-hectare project near Utrecht with a major electricity user next door. That makes these kinds of projects attractive."
Positive reactions
So far, Van Giessen has only received positive feedback from growers with solar panels above their orchards. "Once again, from a pear grower who said that growth results so far have exceeded expectations."
© Jan-Willem van Giessen
According to Van Giessen, the main benefits are greater harvest security and lower energy costs. "I come from a grower's family myself; we used to grow strawberries at home, so I know how unpredictable a growing season can be. I can easily imagine that if you can build in some extra security with solar panels above the orchard, it really is a win-win situation for growers."
Growth potential
Van Giessen expects the combination of fruit growing and solar power generation to play an increasing role in Europe in the coming years. At the same time, he tempers expectations. "The big growth phase is behind us. That was during the period of extremely high energy prices a few years ago. Since then, energy prices have fallen somewhat, which does make the payback period for such systems longer. But there is certainly still plenty of growth potential."
For more information:
Jan-Willem van Giessen
Trellex-RE B.V.
Kanaalweg 4
8356 VS Blokzijl
Tel: +31 (0)6 208 752 05
[email protected]
www.trellex-re.com
