Agricultural Revolution: How Agro-Voltaic Systems are Boosting Wine Yields and Quality in Southern France

In southern France, a 3.5-megawatt agro-voltaic installation was placed above a vineyard to address climate threats, especially the sharp increase in temperature that can occur in the region during the summer months. High temperatures can lead to crop loss and premature ripening of wine grapes, affecting the quality of the fruit. In extreme cases, such temperature increases can even halt the photosynthesis process, preventing the development of color and aroma compounds in the grapes.

Research results have shown significant increases in the yield of different wine grape varieties under the agro-voltaic system. For example, the ‘Grenache Blanc’ variety saw a 45% increase in yield, ‘Marslan’ had a 25% increase, and ‘Chardonnay’ showed a 10% increase. The company claims that not only is there an increase in quantity, but also an improvement in the quality of the fruit and wine produced.

The research found that the agro-voltaic system led to a decrease in temperature under the panels during heat loads, with a significant reduction in surface temperature of the vines. This decrease is crucial for maintaining the balance between acids and sugars in the grapes. Additionally, the system resulted in a 35% reduction in irrigation needs due to reduced water evaporation caused by shading from