Agriculture

Greenhouse Solar

PV systems integrated on greenhouse structures that deliver energy generation without compromising the agricultural function of the building — light, temperature, and crop yields protected.

2M+
m² covered
of greenhouse roof area
60%
Energy self-sufficiency
average across portfolio
< 3%
Crop yield impact
with semi-transparent panels
3
Countries
NL · BE · DE
What We Do

Grow crops. Generate energy. Same roof.

Greenhouse solar (agrivoltaics) integrates photovoltaic panels directly into the greenhouse structure — on the south-facing roof sections, the gable ends, or integrated as semi-transparent glazing panels. The crop keeps growing; the roof starts generating.

Eturn specialises in light-spectrum analysis to ensure panel placement doesn't reduce crop photosynthesis below thresholds agreed with the grower. Every project is designed in collaboration with a horticultural advisor, and our installations have operated in active growing facilities across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Greenhouse solar integration benchmarks
Roof area utilised for solar68%
Energy offset from solar62%
Crop light transmission94%
Grower satisfaction score97%
Key Benefits

Double the yield from the same footprint

Dual Revenue

Crops + Electricity

The same greenhouse structure now generates two income streams simultaneously — agricultural produce and feed-in or self-consumed electricity. No additional land required.

Energy Offset

Cut Heating & Lighting Costs

Greenhouse operations are energy-intensive — heating, LED lighting, and climate control. Rooftop solar offsets 40–70% of those costs depending on roof area and crop type.

Crop Protection

Shading & Hail Shield

Semi-transparent panels provide partial shading that can reduce heat stress in summer crops and protect delicate plants from hail damage — improving crop quality in warm growing seasons.

Sustainability

Lower Carbon Footprint

Greenhouse growers face increasing regulatory and market pressure to reduce carbon intensity. Solar integration is the single highest-impact step toward a net-zero growing operation.

Installation Types

Three integration strategies for every crop type

Semi-Transparent Panels
Semi-Transparent

Semi-Transparent Panels

Specially manufactured PV modules that allow a calibrated percentage of diffuse light to pass through to the crop. Typical transmission: 10–30%. Suitable for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and cut flowers.

  • 10–30% light transmission
  • Custom transparency level
  • Uniform light distribution
  • Horticulture-certified
Full-Coverage Roof Solar
Full Coverage

Full-Coverage Roof Solar

Standard opaque PV panels covering the entire south-facing roof sections. Optimal for crops with lower light requirements or for greenhouses with supplemental LED lighting systems already installed.

  • Maximum kWp per m²
  • Opaque monocrystalline
  • Bifacial option
  • LED-lit crops
Open-Field Agrivoltaic
Agrivoltaic

Open-Field Agrivoltaic

Elevated PV rows over open-field crops — a structure that allows tractors to pass beneath while generating electricity above. Suitable for soft fruits, root vegetables, and grazing land.

  • 3–5m clearance height
  • East-west bifacial rows
  • Tractor access maintained
  • Crop microclimate benefit
Our Process

Designed for growers, not just engineers

Greenhouse solar requires horticultural knowledge alongside PV expertise. Our project teams include crop light specialists who work directly with growers to protect yield while maximising energy generation.

01

Light & Crop Analysis

We model the light requirements of your specific crops against the shading impact of different panel configurations — before any design is committed to.

02

Structural Assessment

Existing greenhouse structures are assessed for load-bearing capacity. Reinforcement specifications are prepared where panels add significant additional weight.

03

System Design & Permitting

Layout, string design, inverter selection, and grid connection application — coordinated with local DSOs and agricultural planning authorities.

04

Panel & Structure Installation

Panels are installed during planned maintenance windows to minimise disruption to growing cycles. Temporary lighting bridges any shading transition period.

05

Commissioning & Crop Monitoring

Grid commissioning, yield verification, and a 12-month crop monitoring programme to confirm that light transmission targets are met throughout the year.

06

O&M & Annual Light Audits

Annual cleaning, performance audits, and light transmission verification to ensure the solar system continues to comply with the agreed crop impact thresholds.

Ready to start?

Request a free greenhouse solar feasibility study

Tell us your greenhouse size, crop type, and current energy costs — we'll return a light impact model and indicative energy yield within 5 working days.