Self Sustainable Smart Electric Orchard

Excessive light negatively impacts orchard via reduced productivity and increased water demands. 50% full-sun is required for photosynthesis. The rest burdens the tree, which would benefit from lower energy loads. OPV materials installed under hail nets could use up to 50% of incoming light to produce photovoltaic energy. An S3-EO will: (i) offset fossil-fuels GhG emissions, as 68,5 MWh (246600MJ) are needed per orchard ha/yr; (ii) contribute to mitigate rising temperatures, reducing tree need for irriga- tion water; (iii) further reduce orchard GhG emission, CF, and increase sustainability, by adopting POM approaches based on sensor/actuator networks powered by the electricity produced in situ. All of the above are fully aligned with CK-SLU goals. Energy generated at the orchard could further be used to run implements such as electric tractors, har- vest aids, driving irrigation pumps, powering sensors embedded in the orchard that can improve its water efficiency. This smart approach to fruit growing would allow creating jobs in high-end technology and service com- panies (providers of decision support systems).