Harnessing Solar Power to Transform Greenhouses: Voltiris’ Innovative Approach
As the quest for renewable energy intensifies, the challenge of electrifying greenhouses looms large. Switzerland-based Voltiris offers a groundbreaking solution using spectral filtering technology to provide a dual benefit: energy generation and improved crop conditions.
Voltiris employs spectral filters to divide sunlight into components, channeling necessary wavelengths for plant growth while redirecting surplus light to high-efficiency solar cells. This dual-purpose approach not only powers greenhouses but also enhances plant vitality by eliminating harmful light wavelengths.
Nicolas Weber, CEO and cofounder of Voltiris, emphasized to AgFunderNews the company’s commitment to clean energy. “Currently, our value proposition resides in the clean energy we provide,” he stated, noting the positive agronomical outcomes observed.
The Birth of Voltiris and Its Vision
The genesis of Voltiris traces back to the long-standing collaboration between Nicolas Weber and Jonas Roch, the company’s CTO. Driven by a mutual passion for physics and sustainability, they conceived the idea of spectral filtering to optimize both crop growth and energy production.
The company’s mission aligns with pressing global issues: food security and the energy transition. By equipping greenhouses with solar capabilities, Voltiris helps growers attain energy independence and financial resilience.
Addressing Energy Challenges in Greenhouses
Greenhouse operators face mounting energy costs and demands for sustainability. Many rely on fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility. Voltiris offers a solution by turning greenhouses into solar fields without compromising crop yield.
The company’s spectral filtering technology circumvents the space constraints typically associated with traditional solar installations, enabling rapid deployment without the need for permits.
How Spectral Filtering Works
The technology harnesses the full light spectrum, optimizing wavelengths for plant growth while converting the remainder into solar energy. Installed inside glass greenhouses, the modules incorporate solar tracking to maximize energy capture throughout the day.
This innovation not only provides a sustainable energy source but also offers agronomic benefits by cooling crops during peak summer months.
Beyond Greenhouses: Future Applications
Voltiris envisions expanding its technology beyond high-tech greenhouses. Potential applications include plastic greenhouses, outdoor crops, and even non-agricultural settings like fish farming and buildings. However, the current focus remains on high-tech greenhouses due to their immediate need for sustainable solutions.
Comparing Spectral Filtering to LED Technology
While similar in their selective use of light, Voltiris’ technology differs from LEDs used in vertical farms. Instead of creating a light recipe from scratch, spectral filtering subtracts specific wavelengths, allowing for outdoor application and dynamic use throughout the day.
Voltiris’ Growth and Future Plans
Voltiris is on a path of significant expansion. Having validated their technology across various crops and regions, they are scaling operations with larger installations and a commercial rollout planned in Switzerland and beyond.
Weber highlights the company’s unique position in the industry and their ambitious roadmap, which includes expanding into North America and the Middle East. Collaborations with greenhouse builders and climate computer providers are key to accelerating adoption.
As Voltiris continues to innovate, their focus remains on balancing rapid deployment with a deep understanding of growers’ needs to ensure sustainable and impactful solutions.
Original Story at agfundernews.com