© VoltirisAs energy continues to directly influence greenhouse production strategies worldwide, new technologies and industry discussions are converging around the same central question: how to produce more efficiently while maintaining optimal crop performance.
One company positioning itself within this evolving landscape is Voltiris, which is preparing to expand its spectral solar technology into the North American greenhouse market.
Following a recent visit to the company's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mona Nazari confirmed she will lead the company's commercial expansion in the region.
"They have developed spectral filtering solar modules purpose-built for high-tech greenhouses," she shares. "The technology splits sunlight, directing photosynthetically active radiation to the crop while converting the remaining spectrum into electricity."
Beyond generating electricity, the system also influences greenhouse climate conditions. By filtering portions of the infrared spectrum during periods of intense sunlight, crop temperatures can be moderated.
"By filtering infrared radiation during peak sunlight periods, plant temperature can be reduced by up to 4°C, helping crops stay within their optimal growing range."
According to the company, more than 2,000 modules have already been installed with commercial greenhouse partners across Europe. Early research results also suggest potential crop performance benefits.
"Recent Delphy trials have shown a 9% increase in Class I yield and a two-week extension of the harvest window." For the industry, these types of innovations are arriving at a time when energy costs and sustainability targets are becoming increasingly important factors in greenhouse design.
"Energy is quickly becoming one of the defining questions for greenhouse production," she notes. "It will be interesting to see how solutions like this fit into the next generation of controlled environment infrastructure."
Industry focus shifts to energy strategy
Many of these same themes will be discussed at the upcoming Advancing Cultivation Technology Leamington Grower Summit, scheduled for March 31, 2026 at the Roma Club in Leamington, Ontario.
Organizers say the event will focus on practical solutions for managing energy use, improving efficiency, and protecting profitability in greenhouse operations.
"This year's program is focused on what growers need most right now: real ways to manage energy, improve efficiency, and protect profitability," the organizing team said when announcing the agenda.
One of the featured presentations will be delivered by Amos Bassi of Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, who will present results from a multi-year tomato trial conducted at Botany in the Netherlands in collaboration with Grodan.
The research explores how advanced LED lighting strategies, including interlighting and higher light intensities, can significantly reduce greenhouse energy consumption while maintaining crop performance.
Climate optimization will also be addressed by Paul Arena of Svensson Climate Screens, who will present practical strategies for reducing heat demand while maintaining stable greenhouse conditions. His session will examine double screening payback scenarios, as well as the role of vertical airflow in improving heating and cooling efficiency in LED-equipped greenhouses.
Energy strategy will be explored from a broader operational perspective by Timme Hovinga, Product Director at Priva. His presentation will focus on how growers can integrate energy management into long-term greenhouse operations and turn energy efficiency into a competitive advantage.
Addressing crop health challenges
In addition to energy topics, the summit will also cover crop health challenges affecting greenhouse production.
Dan Skinner of Grodan will present new research into pepper wilting, a problem that has become increasingly complex for Canadian greenhouse growers.
The session will examine rootzone dynamics, hygiene practices, and fungal pathogens that contribute to the issue, to help growers improve prevention and management strategies.
With research findings, technology developments, and practical grower discussions on the agenda, the ACT Leamington Grower Summit aims to provide actionable insights for an industry navigating rapidly evolving energy and production challenges.
For Mona, whose new role centers on bringing energy-integrated greenhouse technologies to North American growers, the event reflects exactly where the industry conversation is heading. "The theme couldn't be more aligned with what Voltiris is all about and the value it brings."
Register for the Advancing Cultivation Technology Summit here.
For more information:
Voltiris
[email protected]
www.voltiris.com
