By Agroempresario.com

The electrification of greenhouses has long been hindered by one major factor: energy. In particular, the challenge of accessing renewable energy that could lower operating costs and help decarbonize the sector. Switzerland-based Voltiris believes it has found the solution in spectral filtering, a technology that helps growers accelerate their energy transition while enhancing profitability.

Voltiris uses spectral filters to separate sunlight into two components. The wavelengths crucial for plant growth pass through, while the unused light is redirected onto high-efficiency solar cells. These cells then convert the redirected sunlight into electricity, which can power the greenhouse, significantly lowering reliance on fossil fuels and improving sustainability.

“Currently, our value proposition resides in the clean energy we provide,” says Nicolas Weber, CEO and co-founder of Voltiris. “We’ve also observed some exciting preliminary agronomic results, as filtering light removes wavelengths that usually harm or stress crops. This leads to a much better greenhouse climate, and growers are really enthusiastic about the results.”

How Voltiris Was Born

Voltiris was founded by two childhood friends, Nicolas Weber and Jonas Roch. Their path to founding the company was rooted in a shared passion for sustainability. After years in corporate roles, Weber was motivated by the desire to directly address the climate crisis. When Roch proposed using light to not only power but also optimize the growth of crops, Voltiris was born.

“We realized that there’s an intersection of food security and the energy transition,” explains Weber. “Greenhouse operators face high energy costs, and our solution offers an independent, cheaper, and cleaner energy source while also improving crop yields.”

Tackling the Greenhouse Energy Dilemma

The energy transition is a difficult challenge for greenhouse operators, many of whom are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. With energy prices rising, many greenhouses face growing risks to their business continuity. Voltiris has stepped in to solve this by transforming greenhouses into solar fields, where unused sunlight is harvested and converted into clean energy, securing a reliable and renewable source of electricity.

The process involves installing solar cells inside the greenhouse, where the energy generation doesn’t interfere with crop yields. This is a crucial advantage, as traditional photovoltaic (PV) installations often face limitations in space and require lengthy permits, particularly in Europe. Voltiris’ technology bypasses these barriers, providing a faster, more efficient way to integrate renewable energy.

Spectral Filtering Technology Explained

Voltiris’ innovation lies in its use of spectral filtering to selectively direct sunlight. While plants only require specific wavelengths of light for photosynthesis, the rest of the sunlight is redirected onto solar cells. These solar cells then convert the excess sunlight into electricity.

Installed inside greenhouses, the spectral filters ensure crops get the necessary light while also producing renewable energy for the greenhouse. This dual-purpose solution offers a sustainable, space-efficient way to produce food and power simultaneously. Additionally, the filters help cool crops during hot summer months, providing shade while maintaining optimal growing conditions.

Expanding the Reach Beyond Greenhouses

Voltiris’ technology doesn’t just apply to high-tech greenhouses. The company is already exploring adaptations for plastic greenhouses and outdoor crops. With the potential for further applications in sectors like fish farming and buildings, Voltiris’ technology could revolutionize several industries by integrating agriculture and energy production.

For now, however, Voltiris remains focused on scaling up its greenhouse applications. The company is already collaborating with growers in several countries, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, and France, and has plans for expansion into the U.S. and the Middle East.

Setting Itself Apart

While LED lighting in vertical farms also uses light to optimize crop growth, Voltiris’ approach differs in several key ways. First, the technology uses sunlight, not artificial light. Second, the filters are dynamic, with the system rotating to ensure that plants receive the optimal amount of light throughout the day. Unlike indoor farms that rely on entirely artificial light, Voltiris' solution ensures that crops receive the full spectrum of sunlight they need for growth, with the excess redirected to solar cells for energy generation.

“We are now testing the compatibility of our solution with LEDs to create a combined approach that could further enhance energy efficiency,” says Weber. “The potential is enormous, and we’re just getting started.”

Growth and Future Plans

Voltiris has made significant strides in its early-stage development. The company has conducted 18 agronomical projects across various crops and regions, establishing strong relationships with growers and demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness. Additionally, Voltiris has developed accurate internal models to predict energy generation potential for different types of greenhouses, making it easier to scale operations globally.

The company is preparing for a commercial rollout, starting with a one-hectare-scale installation in Switzerland. It is also conducting agronomical tests in several other countries, including Canada and the U.S., with additional projects planned in the Middle East.

Voltiris’ roadmap for the next two years focuses on expanding its impact by building partnerships with key players in the greenhouse industry and accelerating its deployment. The ultimate goal is to integrate the solar units into every greenhouse, transforming the industry and contributing to carbon-free greenhouse production.

As the company grows, Voltiris remains committed to understanding growers' needs and adapting its solutions to meet local requirements. With a combination of cutting-edge technology, strong partnerships, and a clear vision, Voltiris is poised to drive the next generation of sustainable agriculture.

What's Next for Voltiris?

The company’s next steps involve expanding its partnerships and collaborations with innovative growers worldwide. As it scales its operations and refines its technology, Voltiris will continue to focus on making a significant impact on the agricultural sector, advancing both food security and the global energy transition.