Ombrea delivers agrivoltaic systems that integrate solar energy with farming, helping to optimize crop growth and protect against climatic changes. These systems are tailored to the unique needs of various agricultural sectors, offering a sustainable approach to modern farming. By combining renewable energy production with enhanced agricultural practices, Ombrea is helping farmers improve their yields, conserve resources, and build resilience against climate change.
Based in Aix-en-Provence, France, Ombrea, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, specializes in agrivoltaics—a method that harnesses solar energy not only to generate electricity but also to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. Ombrea stands at the forefront of integrating sustainable agricultural technologies with practical energy solutions.
Key Features
Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems are designed with several key features to maximize their benefits for farmers. The intelligent, automated, and adjustable solar panels are a central component, responding to real-time microclimate data to optimize light exposure for crops and livestock. This dynamic shading capability reduces water evaporation and heat stress, leading to significant water savings, often up to 30%.
The AI-based system for climate management is another crucial feature, providing dynamic shading based on continuous monitoring of environmental conditions. This ensures that crops receive the optimal amount of sunlight and protection from extreme weather events such as hail, frost, and drought. By tailoring the system to the specific needs of various agricultural sectors, Ombrea offers a versatile solution for a wide range of farming applications.
Furthermore, Ombrea's systems facilitate dual land use, combining solar energy generation with agricultural production. This approach enhances both energy and food security, making efficient use of land resources. The climate control capabilities of the system are particularly noteworthy, as they allow for precise modulation of panel positioning to create optimal growing conditions, regardless of external weather conditions. The renewable energy production aspect also contributes to a reduction in carbon footprint, promoting sustainable farming practices and aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Water Conservation | Up to 30% |
| Climate Control | Adjustable shading based on microclimate data |
| Panel Adjustment | Automated, AI-driven |
| Target Crops | Viticulture, Arboriculture, Arable Farming, Market Gardening, Horticulture, Vegetable Crops, Livestock Farming |
| Weather Protection | Hail, frost, drought |
| Energy Production | Solar energy |
Use Cases & Applications
Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems are utilized in various agricultural settings to address specific challenges and enhance productivity. In vineyards, the systems protect grapevines from excessive sun exposure and hail, improving grape quality and yield. For orchards, the panels provide shade during peak sun hours, reducing water stress and promoting healthier fruit development. Arable farmers use the systems to protect field crops from extreme weather, ensuring more stable harvests.
Market gardeners and horticulturalists benefit from the climate control capabilities, creating optimal growing conditions for a variety of vegetables and plants. The systems are also valuable in livestock farming, providing shade and shelter for animals, improving their welfare and productivity. These applications demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems in addressing diverse agricultural needs.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Reduces water consumption by up to 30% | Initial investment costs can be significant |
| Protects crops from extreme weather conditions like hail, frost, and drought | Requires careful site assessment and planning for optimal performance |
| Optimizes light exposure for crops and livestock, enhancing growth and productivity | System performance is dependent on weather conditions and solar irradiance |
| Generates renewable energy, contributing to a reduction in carbon footprint | Maintenance and cleaning of solar panels are necessary to ensure efficiency |
| Facilitates dual land use, combining solar energy generation with agricultural production | May require adjustments to existing farming practices and equipment |
Benefits for Farmers
Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems offer numerous benefits for farmers, including significant time savings through automated climate control and reduced water consumption. The systems also lead to cost reduction by lowering irrigation expenses and generating renewable energy. Farmers can expect yield improvement due to optimized growing conditions and protection from extreme weather events. Furthermore, the adoption of Ombrea's systems enhances sustainability, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint and promoting responsible farming practices.
Integration & Compatibility
Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing farm operations. They can be used in conjunction with various irrigation systems, allowing for optimized water usage and efficient resource management. The systems are also compatible with farm management software and weather monitoring systems, providing a comprehensive view of farm operations and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems use adjustable solar panels controlled by algorithms that respond to real-time microclimate data. These panels provide dynamic shading, reducing water evaporation and heat stress while simultaneously generating solar energy. The system optimizes light exposure for crops and livestock, enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The ROI is achieved through a combination of increased crop yields, reduced water consumption (up to 30% savings), and the generation of renewable energy. By protecting crops from extreme weather conditions and optimizing growing conditions, Ombrea systems contribute to more stable and predictable harvests. |
| What setup is required? | The installation process involves integrating the solar panels above or around the crops, ensuring minimal disruption to existing farming practices. A detailed site assessment is conducted to tailor the system to the specific needs of the farm, considering factors such as crop type, climate, and available space. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Regular maintenance includes periodic cleaning of the solar panels to ensure optimal energy production and visual inspection of the system components. The automated system continuously monitors performance and alerts users to any potential issues, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. |
| Is training required to use this? | While the system is largely automated, training is provided to ensure users understand how to interpret the data and make informed decisions about crop management. The training covers system operation, data analysis, and best practices for maximizing the benefits of agrivoltaics. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | Ombrea's systems can be integrated with existing farm management software and weather monitoring systems, providing a comprehensive view of farm operations. The system is designed to be compatible with various irrigation systems, allowing for optimized water usage and efficient resource management. |
Pricing & Availability
Pricing information for Ombrea's agrivoltaic systems is not publicly available and depends on the specific configuration, implements, and region. Lead times may vary based on demand and project complexity. To discuss your specific needs and receive a customized quote, contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
