TECSOLFRUT Operational Group: Agrivoltaic technology applied to improving performance and sustainability in fruit crops
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2026 -2029
- Assigned Budget 686.874,00 €
- Scope Supraautonómico
- Autonomous community Andalucía; Cataluña; País Vasco
- Main source of financing CAP 2023-2027
R2_ Agrivoltaic Modeling and Predictive Simulations. This activity involves designing and developing different numerical simulation algorithms to predict the behavior of agrivoltaic systems. Various types of models and simulation techniques will be used to predict the operation of these systems integrated into crops under different environmental conditions. The goal is to have tools for predicting the operability of agrivoltaic systems and their effects on crops.
R3_ Design and installation of agrivoltaic pilot projects. The expected results of these activities are two operational agrivoltaic installations, guaranteeing their functionality and safety. At the end of this project, implementation reports and plans fully describing the installation, both structural and electrical, are expected. The anticipated outcome is two operational agrivoltaic installations: one on the FP plot and the other on the TP plot. This outcome includes the specific and detailed engineering for each plot, installation and testing, and technical validation of safety and operation.
R4_Technical-agronomic evaluation of the system. This set of tasks focuses on monitoring and analyzing critical variables to evaluate crop productivity in agrivoltaic systems. The process ranges from phenological monitoring (recording plant development phases) to measuring detailed environmental and physiological parameters (climate, soil, water and nutrient status). By acquiring and analyzing this data, the aim is to optimize agricultural management and system efficiency. Finally, an evaluation of crop yield and quality is conducted to determine the actual impact of integrating solar panels on agricultural production, comparing the data obtained with the initial objectives.
R5_Comparative diagnosis between simulation and real data of the agrivoltaic system. This set of activities focuses on the validation and adjustment of predictive models by comparing numerical simulations with real experimental data obtained from the two agrivoltaic installations. The process begins by quantifying the margin of error of the theoretical models and then performing a precise calibration based on the actual crop conditions and yields. Finally, these optimized models are used to simulate various operating scenarios, allowing for the proposal of improvement strategies and the optimization of decision-making in the agrivoltaic systems.
R6_Development of a Digital Twin and Predictive Algorithms with AI. Summary: Digital Twin and Artificial Intelligence Development. This activity package focuses on creating a dynamic digital twin for agrivoltaic systems, integrating real-time data and advanced 3D modeling to accurately simulate the interaction between infrastructure and crops. The project includes training AI models with climatic, soil, and physiological variables to predict performance and detect problems early. Ultimately, this tool will be used to project the system's behavior in new locations and configurations, enabling optimized and scalable decision-making for agricultural management. The goal is to have a digital twin and a set of AI-based predictive algorithms that can predict the behavior of a generic agrivoltaic system.
RD1_Creation of the project's visual identity. This includes logo, graphic palette, presentation and document templates, and design of base material for events and social media.
RD2_Creation and promotion of a project outreach profile on social media.
RD3_Creation of a project profile on the CEEC website https://clusterenergia.cat/home/
RD4_Presentation and participation in sector events, such as trade fairs, congresses and technical conferences.
RD5_Preparation, distribution, and publication of press releases on the CEEC website. Drafting press releases to report on the project's main milestones (start, installation of pilot plants, preliminary results, closing event, etc.). This action aims to generate institutional and sectoral visibility, enhance the project's profile, and position the members of the Operational Group as leaders in agrivoltaics applied to fruit crops. Specialized media outlets in the sector will also be contacted.
RD6_Publication of a technical and informational report on the project's lessons learned. This report will include, in general terms, the project's overall results and lessons learned. The content will be finalized once the project is implemented and conclusions from the studies begin to emerge.
RD7_Organization of a presentation day for the final results of the project. A public event will be held to present the main results, lessons learned, and recommendations of the project. The event will bring together all members of the Operational Group, with technical presentations, presentations of agronomic and energy data, and roundtables with experts. Key stakeholders from the agri-food, energy, institutional, and technological sectors will be invited to promote the transfer, visibility, and replicability of the results.
The project results are structured into six main milestones.
(RES1) Define technical criteria, operational requirements and limitations for the implementation of agrivoltaic systems, establishing the initial design conditions.
(RES2) Develop an integrated model capable of performing predictive simulations on its operability.
(RES3) Materialize the design and implementation of two pilot systems in different locations.
(RES4) Evaluate the influence of the system on the quality and productivity of the crop through technical-agronomic analysis.
(RES5) Obtain digital simulation tools calibrated with real data.
(RES6) Develop a digital twin and AI-based predictive algorithms to anticipate the behavior of generic agrivoltaic systems. Additional expected outcomes include optimized radiation protection, reduced irrigation volume, and a slowdown in the decline of agricultural productivity.
The project is structured around six main results.
R1 defines the technical requirements and initial conditions for agrivoltaic implementation, including climatology, location on the plot and varietal characteristics.
R2 develops an integrated modeling through simulations of PAR radiation and albedo, electricity production, thermal and microclimatic behavior, as well as phenological and impact models on the fruit.
R3 includes the engineering, installation and validation of two operational pilot projects with structural and electrical guarantees.
R4 evaluates the system from a technical-agronomic point of view through monitoring, data acquisition and analysis, and assessment of quality and performance.
R5 performs comparative diagnostics between simulations and real data to calibrate and validate the models.
R6 develops a digital twin with real-time data integration and AI algorithms to predict system behavior in new locations, crops, and configurations, facilitating decision-making and continuous optimization.
The TECSOL-FRUT project develops and validates an agrivoltaic system with elevated, adjustable photovoltaic structures equipped with dynamic tilt control, applied to fruit crops. It integrates a digital infrastructure to simultaneously monitor and optimize agricultural and electrical production. Controlled shading reduces water and heat stress, improves water efficiency, and allows for the generation of predictive models and a transferable digital twin.
- Coordinator/entity name: ASSOCIACIO CLUSTER DE L'ENERGIA EFICIENT DE CATALUNYA
- Postal address: Street Milà i fontanals,, 14, Barcelona. 08012
- Email coordinator/entity: info@clusterenergia.cat
- Telephone: 667550559
- ASSOCIACIO CLUSTER DE L'ENERGIA EFICIENT DE CATALUNYA
- POWERFULTREE SL
- FUNDACIÓ EURECAT
- FRUITS DE PONENT D'ALCARRAS I SECCIÓ DE CRÈDIT, SCCL
- SAT N 2803 TROPS