The Volta Group, an independent producer of renewable energy, and Richel Group, a European manufacturer of greenhouses and flexible-cover storage solutions, have announced the commissioning of photovoltaic greenhouses - Les Vergers de Fouillas - in the Drôme department. This brand new photovoltaic project for kiwi production in greenhouses will produce 7.3 GWh of green energy a year.
© Richel Group
2 photovoltaic greenhouses covering 5 hectares
The Volta Group, in partnership with Richel Group (two Siparex holdings), has taken over this photovoltaic project launched in 2023 to resize the facilities, optimize the design of the greenhouses, and implement their construction. The project comprises two photovoltaic greenhouses, located 200 meters apart, covering a total area of 5 hectares, with an installed capacity of 5 MW. These facilities will produce 7.3 GWh of green electricity a year for 30 years, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 3,000 people. The principle behind Les Vergers de Fouillas is simple: the greenhouses are made available free of charge to farmers in exchange for photovoltaic power over 30 years.
A greenhouse suited for kiwi production
This photovoltaic greenhouse project appealed to Mr Fereyre, a member of the Lorifruit cooperative, which produces 6,000 tons of fruit a year. Inspired by a neighboring project, he wanted to install yellow and red kiwi plants in the greenhouse. Growing kiwis, a fruit native to tropical forests that requires warmth and humidity, takes full advantage of the photovoltaic greenhouse. "The bifacial modules installed on the roof guarantee sufficient light that is essential for the flowering of the kiwi hedges. The higher temperatures obtained in the greenhouse can be regulated thanks to the systems of tilting frames and roll-up walls located on the facades, enabling ventilation and hygroscopy to be adjusted. The greenhouse also provides invaluable protection against PSA bacterial blight, which frequently affects kiwi crops, as well as against the hailstorms that are common in the region. Additionally, protecting the plants from the mistral wind means significant water savings, given that kiwis consume almost 50% more water than peaches or apricots."
"We immediately saw the potential of this project. The greenhouse provides us with a controlled environment that protects our crops and enables us to improve our yields. Thanks to this infrastructure, we can look to the future with greater peace of mind and better control over climatic risks," explains Mr Fereyre, farmer at Les Vergers de Fouillas.
For more information:
richel-group.fr