CANBerries

This project explores an innovative agrivoltaic (AgriPV) approach combining agricultural production with renewable energy generation.
Its ambitious goal: enable year-round raspberry cultivation in Québec while reducing greenhouse heating demand and improving light management efficiency.

A solar passive winter greenhouse is equipped with motorized photovoltaic blinds—similar to venetian shades with PV cells integrated into each slat. These systems simultaneously produce electricity and control light distribution, enhancing both energy efficiency and crop comfort.

Conducted jointly by Bishop’s University and the Université de Sherbrooke, the project is part of the Homegrown Innovation Challenge funded by the Weston Family Foundation, with an initial grant of one million dollars.

Target Applications

• Smart greenhouse design: Development of integrated control models for dynamic solar lighting and PV generation.
• Energy optimization: Reduction of heating and artificial lighting demand through intelligent solar radiation management.
• Resilient agricultural production: Maintenance of optimal growing conditions for berry crops throughout the year, despite Québec’s harsh winter climate.
• Cold-climate AgriPV deployment: Demonstration of the scalability of this concept to other crops and northern environments.