Solar panels above apple trees: promising initial results in Slovenia
A pilot project supported by Switzerland in Slovenia demonstrates that it is possible to generate solar power while maintaining agricultural production. After its first season of operation, the results from this agri-photovoltaic installation are encouraging, opening up new prospects for renewable energy production.
As part of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, Switzerland is supporting a programme in Slovenia focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy, providing CHF 16 million through 2029. Among the funded projects is an innovative initiative in the field of agri-photovoltaics, an approach that allows for the simultaneous production of solar electricity and agricultural crops on the same plot of land.
The first Slovenian pilot installation was set up in 2025 in the experimental orchard of the Slovenian Agricultural Institute (KIS) in Brdo pri Lukovici. This project, implemented by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy (MOPE), allows for testing under real-life conditions how this approach can be integrated into a farm while maintaining agricultural production and activities.
Encouraging results after the first season
Initial observations show that the installation had no significant effect on overall apple quality compared to fruit grown in areas without panels. Minor, limited differences were noted, including a moderate decrease in sugar content and fruit color intensity in the most shaded areas.
These results demonstrate that it is possible to generate solar energy without reducing agricultural yields, thereby contributing to the energy transition.
The project also enabled the implementation of an automated monitoring system that measures rainfall, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and soil conditions. This data will provide a better understanding of the effects of this approach on microclimate and crops.
Lessons for the future of the project
Initial observations have also identified certain practical challenges, such as erosion caused by water runoff from the panels. These factors will need to be taken into account in the design of future installations.
Beyond this pilot site, the results confirm the potential of agri-photovoltaics in Slovenia on various types of agricultural land, particularly for permanent pastures, arable land, and certain crops such as berries, hops, and vineyard. Additional trials will be necessary to adapt this approach to different agricultural contexts.
An exchange of experiences and data is planned with Agroscope, the Swiss Confederation’s center of excellence for agricultural research. The goal of this collaboration will be to facilitate the exchange of data on the scientific results of agri-photovoltaic installations across various agricultural crops. This partnership between Swiss and Slovenian institutions will concretely demonstrate the mutual benefits of the Swiss contribution.
By supporting this project, Switzerland is helping to develop concrete solutions for a sustainable energy transition that reconciles renewable energy production with the use of agricultural land.
Links
Switzerland and Slovenia: Second Swiss Contribution to selected EU member states
Documents
Contact
Swiss Contribution to EU Member States / Cohesion Section
Holzikofenweg 36
3003 Bern