In the Swiss municipality of Leuggern, in the canton of Aargau, a pioneering agrovoltaic model has started to develop, installing a high-performance photovoltaic infrastructure over a 12,000 m² cherry orchard.
The initiative, driven by the Swiss company Insolight, in partnership with DAS Solar (China) and the energy company Energie360°, sets a milestone in the integration of agricultural production and energy generation.
Agrovoltaic model: food production and clean energy
The system will combine 1,300 bifacial solar panels of 600 W, installed three meters above the crops, with the capacity to generate 800 MWh annually, enough energy to supply around 180 households. It is expected to start operating in the European autumn of 2025.
The project’s key lies in the use of the Insolagrin system, developed and patented by Insolight, which integrates:
- A retractable hardened plastic cover, with the ability to regulate sunlight and protect crops from hail, frost, or high temperatures.
- TOPCon bifacial solar modules, which capture light on both sides, maximizing efficiency.
“The challenge is not only to capture more energy but also to maintain structural stability in the face of variable weather conditions”, explained Laurent Coulot, CEO of Insolight.
Agronomic benefits and climate sustainability
From an agricultural perspective, cherries — sensitive to climate variations — benefit from better light regulation and reduced thermal stress, which:
- Improves fruit protection.
- Reduces the use of phytosanitary products.
- Increases resilience to climate change.
Similar technologies have already been tested with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, showing good results in productivity and loss reduction.
Collaborative and replicable model
All the electricity produced will be purchased by Energie360° and injected into the public grid, within a tender that promotes projects aligned with the Swiss energy transition. The model demonstrates that technology, agriculture, and energy can cooperate without competing for land use.
The mobile and semi-transparent structure of the system allows it to adapt to different crops and climates, consolidating an efficient and scalable format.
Towards a new intelligent rurality
This case could set a precedent for expanding agrovoltaics in Europe, combining:
- Rural energy independence.
- Reduction of emissions and pressure on agricultural resources.
- Promotion of more resilient and collaborative business models.
In a context of increasing energy demand and climate challenges, Leuggern could become a beacon of how to conceive the field of the future: technological, productive, and sustainable.
