HEINENOORD, South Holland – Protium, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, has successfully revitalized a historic greenhouse in Heinenoord into a cutting-edge green energy source. Originally built in 1974, this greenhouse now hosts a state-of-the-art solar panel array, marking a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The solar-on-greenhouse project features 10,804 high-efficiency solar panels, generating an impressive peak capacity of 4.65 MW. Annually, these panels produce nearly 4,000,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to the total annual consumption of Heinenoord village. This transformation not only enhances energy efficiency but also supports local sustainability goals.
Matteo Santini, co-founder of Protium, highlighted the project’s innovative approach, stating, “We opted for bifacial solar panels, which have a glass backing to enhance light transmission. This design choice not only boosts energy generation but also offers greenhouse owners more flexibility in cultivation practices.”
Local farmers Gijs and Dianne van Herk, who have been cultivating strawberries since 2002 at the Heinenoord site, have embraced this sustainable initiative. Their farm now boasts a diverse range of products including raspberries, cherries, plums, redcurrants, and blackberries, all sold at their popular farm shop. This local attraction not only promotes fresh, locally grown produce but also integrates regional products from Hoeksche Waard, ensuring a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
However, transitioning an aged greenhouse into an energy-efficient hub posed several challenges. Hylke Kuiken, project manager at Protium, elaborated, “During the initial assessment, we discovered structural limitations in the greenhouse’s gutter system, necessitating reinforcement to support the solar panel installation effectively.”
Despite weather-related setbacks during construction, including heavy rainfall, Protium successfully completed the project ahead of schedule, ensuring all 12 inverters are operational. “The refurbishment of the shed’s roof with new sandwich panels also allowed us to expand the project with an additional 300 solar panels,” added Hylke, underscoring the project’s adaptability and resilience.
For many horticulturists facing regulatory pressures and fluctuating energy costs, projects like Protium’s offer a viable alternative. By repurposing older greenhouses with solar technology, these initiatives not only rejuvenate aging infrastructure but also align with global sustainability objectives.
