AgriPV-NEXUS
At a Glance
The mission of AgriPV-Nexus is to catalyse a sustainable agroecological transition in Mediterranean smallholder farming systems by integrating nature-based, technological, digital, and socio-economic innovations.
The project will develop and test climate resilient agroecological practices enhanced by agrivoltaics, to empower farmers, extension agents, policymakers, and civil society. This will be achieved through the establishment of four real-world Living Labs in Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
Moving beyond
the state-of-the-art
At AgriPV-Nexus, we are pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture by blending nature-based farming with solar technology. Our project introduces innovations in three core areas to help Mediterranean smallholder farmers build climate resilience.
Nature-tech solutions
First, we are developing nature-tech solutions that place elevated solar panels above crops. This creates a protective canopy that moderates extreme heat, harvests rainwater, and boosts soil carbon while generating clean energy.
"Digital Twin" simulator
Second, we are launching a digital ecosystem featuring a mobile decision-support tool, a virtual "Digital Twin" simulator to test farming scenarios, and an online e-Living Lab platform to make smart training accessible to all.
Simplified method
Third, we are creating a low-cost, simplified method to measure soil carbon, enabling smallholders to easily enter voluntary carbon markets and gain a new source of income.
This work is grounded in real-world collaboration. Through our 4 Living Labs and direct field trials with local farmers, we are combining scientific rigor with community action to co-design and prove these climate-smart farming solutions.
4Living Labs
Why Agrivoltaics?
AgriPV-Nexus champions the integration of solar PV systems
In the Mediterranean region, severe shifts in climate are exacerbating water scarcity, soil degradation, and crop vulnerabilities, which directly threatens the socio-economic resilience of smallholder farmers. To combat this, AgriPV-Nexus champions the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with agroecological practices, a nature-tech solution known as agrivoltaics. These systems offer:
Environmental Co-Benefits
The intentional shading from elevated solar panels creates a moderate microclimate that protects crops from extreme heat, increases soil moisture, and promotes healthier soil conditions.
Water Harvesting
When equipped with collection gutters and nets, agrivoltaic panels can effectively harvest rainwater and fog, drastically improving water-use efficiency in hot, arid environments.