Brite Solar says it has commissioned the world’s 1st dedicated solar module production factory for agrivoltaics
Installed by Mondragon Assembly, it incorporates Brite Solar’s patented nanomaterials and deposition method
It will reach over 20 MW of solar panel production capacity by 2025-end, ramping up to 50 MW by 2027-end
Modules produced will cater to both open-field as well as greenhouses
Greece-based nanomaterials production company Brite Solar has commissioned a 150 MW solar module manufacturing line in the country’s Patras region, calling it the world’s 1st to produce semi-transparent solar panels exclusively for agrivoltaic projects, also referred to as agri-solar or agri-PV.
Located in the Industrial Zone of Patras in Greece, this factory uses dual nanotechnology film applications, says Brite Solar. It will produce nano-coated, semi-transparent agrivoltaic solar modules, integrating 2 distinct nanotechnology coatings that contribute to enhancing crop growth and yield, along with optimized light spectrum conversion.
Spain’s Mondragon Assembly installed the manufacturing equipment for Brite Solar with the capacity to expand it to 300 MW. Brite Solar has provided its patented nanomaterials and deposition method for this equipment (see 1st PV Manufacturing Line For Agrivoltaics In Greece).
Brite Solar plans to offer this technology for both open-field and greenhouse applications promising over 25 years of high-performance operation.
“As production capacity increases, new orders are already in progress, reflecting the strong interest from agricultural enterprises and energy companies looking to integrate nanotechnology-driven agrivoltaics into their operations,” stated the management.
The ramp-up of the factory will be in phases, starting with the production of over 20 MW or more than 200,000 m2 of these panels by the end of 2025. By 2027, it will target annual production increases of 50%, reaching over 500,000 m2. The company will also double its workforce over the next few months, up from 40 specialized engineers now.
Agrivoltaics is garnering interest across Europe with supportive regulatory frameworks in several countries, including Italy, Germany and Czechia (see Czechia Enshrines Agrivoltaics With A New Decree). Solar companies like Brite Solar are also bringing out dedicated products to cater to this growing solar application, including solar trackers as was covered in the TaiyangNews Solar Trackers Market Survey 2024, which is available for free download (see Solar Trackers For Agrivoltaics).
A 2024 SolarPower Europe report calls agrisolar a win-win for both the energy and the farming sectors (see Agrisolar Can Boost Crop Yield By Up To 60%, Says SolarPower Europe).