Field Testing AgriPV: PV4Plants in Action Across Türkiye, Spain, and Denmark

What if solar panels could help crops grow — not just power the farm?

At PV4Plants, that’s the vision we’re testing in the field. Our agriPV technology is designed to generate clean electricity while creating better growing conditions for crops — controlling light, temperature, and even water use. But to prove its value, it needs to perform where it matters most: on real farms.

That’s why we’ve launched three full-scale pilot sites in Turkey, Spain, and Denmark, each in a unique climate with distinct crops and challenges. These demonstration sites are the backbone of PV4Plants — generating data, building trust, and shaping the future of agrivoltaics across Europe.

Bursa, Türkiye:

☀️ The Environment

Bursa, located in the Marmara region, experiences warm, humid summers and mild, wet winters — a region where increasing heat stress and occasional water shortages can still challenge crop productivity, especially under changing climate conditions

🌱 Crops Under Study

  • Tomatoes
  • Peas

These high-value crops are particularly sensitive to overheating and water loss, making them ideal for testing our agriPV system’s climate-buffering effects.

🧪 What We’re Testing

  • Nanoparticle-coated PV panels that manage light transmission and reduce thermal stress
  • Smart irrigation systems for precise water use
  • Microclimate and crop health sensors embedded under the PV canopy

📝 Pilot Site Update

At the Turkish pilot site in Bursa, construction of the agriPV structure has been completed, and tomato seeding has successfully taken place.

The system is now entering its early operational phase, with crop growth and environmental conditions under close observation. Upcoming work will focus on monitoring plant development under the agriPV canopy and collecting baseline data for performance evaluation.

Ávila, Spain:

☀️ The Environment

Located in central Spain, Ávila combines dry summers with cold winters — a challenging environment for year-round biomass production. This makes it an ideal site to explore how agriPV can support controlled-environment cultivation of aquatic plants.

🌱 Crops Under Study

  • Duckweed (Lemna spp.)
  • Microalgae

These fast-growing aquatic species are being tested for their potential in biomass production, wastewater treatment, and circular bioeconomy applications under agriPV structures.

🧪 What We’re Testing

  • Light spectrum and shading effects on photosynthetic efficiency
  • Water temperature stability under PV cover
  • Biomass yield in open ponds beneath solar panels

📝 Pilot Site Update

The Ávila pilot is scheduled for implementation in the second half of 2025. The technical project has already been completed and submitted to the relevant authorities for permitting.

In parallel, preparatory work is underway to ensure a swift start once approvals are granted — including logistical planning and resource coordination to accelerate deployment as soon as the green light is received.

Hoje Taastrup, Denmark

☀️ The Environment

Hoje Taastrup presents a very different challenge: cool, cloudy weather and shorter growing seasons. It’s a key test for proving agriPV works even in low-light regions.

🌱 Crops Under Study

  • Lettuce
  • Onions

These crops are light-sensitive but thrive with balanced conditions — ideal for testing how spectral light management can boost photosynthesis and plant quality.

🧪 What We’re Testing

  • Light spectrum optimization for low-sunlight environments
  • Effects of panel shading on temperature, humidity, and plant density
  • Soil moisture retention under the agriPV structure

📝 Pilot Site Update

Due to Denmark’s climate, basil is not suitable for outdoor cultivation, and has been replaced by spring onions in the crop trials.

Significant progress has been made on the administrative side: the required permits for solar panel installation have been located and translated. The final step now depends on receiving the technical specifications from the engineering team to complete the documentation. Permit approval is currently the key condition for moving forward with panel installation.

 

Why These Pilots Matter

Each demo site represents a critical piece of the European agricultural puzzle:

  • Türkiye shows how agriPV helps in heat-prone, water-scarce zones
  • Spain demonstrates sustainability and crop resilience under Mediterranean conditions
  • Denmark proves that agriPV can thrive even in low-solar climates

Together, they show the adaptability of PV4Plants across regions, crop types, and seasonal cycles — with insights that can be replicated across Europe and beyond.

What’s Next?

These pilot sites are just the beginning. As the growing seasons progress, we’ll share results, farmer feedback, and lessons learned — all aimed at refining and scaling agriPV for real-world impact.

👉 Stay updated by following PV4Plants on LinkedIn and visiting our news page.

Let’s grow energy and food — together.