Insolight opens its first agrivoltaic orchard installation in Conthey

Conthey, Canton of Valais, Switzerland — Insolight, in collaboration with Agroscope, Romande Energie, and the canton of Valais, inaugurates its first agrivoltaic installation on orchard crops in Conthey. This opens a promising potential in the development of integrated solutions that combine agricultural production with solar energy generation.

The installation is part of a broader research initiative aimed at evaluating how solar infrastructure can further support fruit cultivation while contributing to renewable energy goals. Located on Agroscope’s site, this new demonstrator spans 4,000 m² and integrates apple, pear and apricot crops with a solar capacity of 242 kWp with an annual output of 300 MWh. It also serves as a testing ground for various crop protection solutions and light management systems, where all research is carried out in collaboration with Agroscope. Romande Energie acquired the installation, carried out all electrical works up to grid connection, and will operate it throughout the project’s lifetime. The electricity produced is sold to Denner, a leading distributor within the Migros Group.

With the expansion of its solutions to a greater variety of crops, and a project pipeline of over 500 MWp, mainly in Switzerland, France and Italy, Insolight is supporting the energy transition and actively helping growers protect their crops from climate change. The dual use of land approach strengthens both food security and renewable energy generation, offering a sustainable and efficient path for both sectors.

Multifunctional infrastructure

The system features a mix of fixed and mobile structures equipped with opaque and semi-transparent panels, tailored to the specific light requirements of fruit trees. It also includes climate protection systems – nets and tarpaulins that can be deployed manually or automatically – to shield crops from hail, rain, and frost.

The installation allows researchers to compare multiple configurations in terms of light transmission and crop protection, offering valuable insights into optimising orchard management under changing climate conditions.

An exemplary collaboration of private and public entities

This is the fourth agrivoltaic installation developed by the project partners since 2021, each testing different technologies and crop types. The Agroscope Conthey site now hosts four active systems, including three focused on berry crops (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries), positioning it as a national and international reference point for agrivoltaic research and experimentation.

The collaboration between public and private entities – Insolight, Romande Energie, Agroscope, and the canton of Valais – has enabled the creation of a robust platform for experimentation and data collection. The goal is to refine crop models and integrate them into Insolight’s digital management tool, Insol’insights, which supports decision-making for growers.

About Insolight

Founded in Lausanne (CH) in 2015 by Laurent Coulot (CEO), Mathieu Ackermann (CTO) and Florian Gerlich (Product Architect), Insolight is a provider of agrivoltaics solutions, commercialising the insolagrin system. Thanks to a unique infrastructure, insolagrin enables the simultaneous production of food and electricity on the same land. The system protects crops and controls the transmission of light to plants through dynamic shading, while capturing surplus light to generate electricity. It is adaptable to various crops.

Our team is on a mission to provide a solution with a global impact on both the energy and agriculture sectors. Insolight has launched a global partnership program, already joined by Migros, the SwissRe Foundation, EATON and Fruits Rouges & Co. It has also introduced the ‘energy positive fruits’ label to show consumers that it is possible to enjoy local and sustainable fruits.
For more information on Insolight, visit www.insolight.ch

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