Nestled in Switzerland, Voltiris has unveiled a groundbreaking greenhouse concept that ingeniously harnesses energy through spectral filters and suspended solar panels, creating a cutting-edge approach to sustainable crop cultivation. This revolutionary method ingeniously splits incoming sunlight using spectral filters, permitting only the crucial frequencies essential for plant growth to reach the crops while effectively redirecting the remaining frequencies toward solar panels for energy production.
Kaz Vermeer, a key member of the Voltiris team hailing from the Netherlands, explains that the core of this innovation lies in the selective transmission of light frequencies that plants utilize for photosynthesis, simultaneously converting the unused frequencies, including infrared radiation associated with heat, into green energy. Voltiris, established by school friends Nicolas Weber, Dominik Blaser, and Jonas Roch in Switzerland, has emerged as a pioneering force in combining sustainable energy production with crop cultivation without any loss of essential light for the crops.
The applications of this remarkable technology extend to various agricultural sectors, with a particular focus on greenhouse vegetables. Voltiris recognizes the global shift toward sustainable growth and the increasing importance of electrification within the industry, reducing reliance on the grid due to price volatility. In addition to this, the technology offers significant advantages, such as the ability to control the growth of plants in the propagation phase by filtering out far-red light, leading to more compact plants. Voltiris also envisions its applications in ornamental horticulture, as demonstrated in a successful trial at Royal van Zanten in Rijsenhout.
In addition to their Swiss facility, Voltiris has been actively conducting trials with tomatoes at Wageningen University and Research, achieving outputs closely aligned with conventional cultivation standards. Furthermore, they are exploring the agronomic benefits of filtering infrared light, which could lead to reduced greenhouse temperatures without the need for increased ventilation, thereby maximizing CO2 concentrations.
One distinctive feature of Voltiris’ approach is the deliberate decision not to integrate solar panels into the greenhouse roof. By aligning their filters and panels with the sun’s movement, they maintain a constant refraction, ensuring consistent light frequencies. This innovative approach minimizes disruption to airflow in the greenhouse, with solar panels proving more tolerant to greenhouse conditions compared to outdoor environments.
Voltiris’ commitment to progress doesn’t stop there; they have ambitious plans for expansion in Europe next year, aiming to optimize around ten thousand square meters of greenhouse space with approximately 3000 modules. The company is also preparing for a test at Delphy Improvement Center, positioning their technology above the shade screen in bell pepper cultivation to enhance light efficiency.
As they look ahead, Voltiris is actively seeking partner growers to collaborate on pilot projects, particularly those with active cooling requirements and a strong commitment to sustainable energy practices. Having demonstrated their ability to simultaneously cultivate crops and generate electricity, Voltiris is eager to bring their innovative solutions to a larger scale, in collaboration with forward-thinking growers.