Solar panels, drones and sensors: Franconia tests the cherry orchard of the future
A pilot plant in the Franconian Switzerland combines photovoltaic panels with cherry trees, harvesting both electricity and fruit while protecting against hail and drought.
The cherry harvest is underway in the Franconian Switzerland, but growers are already looking ahead to a more resilient future. At the fruit information centre in Forchheim, a newly built agri-photovoltaic system spans cherry trees, generating power and shielding the crop from extreme weather. The region, with around 250,000 cherry trees on 25 square kilometres, is one of Europe's largest contiguous cherry-growing areas.
A dual-use canopy
Solar modules are mounted four metres above the ground, allowing the trees beneath to reach up to 3.50 metres. The Y-shaped structure channels rainwater into a storage tank, which then irrigates the orchard. Current tests measure how much light permeability is optimal for tree and fruit development, with sensors placed directly on the plants. The electricity already covers the energy needs of the centre's classrooms and offices.
We want to show what is technically possible. Of course we show the maximum.
The canopy prevents heavy rain and hail from striking leaves and fruit, and blocks excessive solar radiation that can cause sunburn on cherries. At the same time, it produces power without sealing over farmland.
Water without tapping the mains
Longer dry spells are making artificial irrigation an increasingly urgent issue. The pilot plant's system delivers collected rainwater straight to the trees, so even during the current dry phase there is no need to draw on drinking water. Maußner called water storage and irrigation "huge topics" for the future of cherry cultivation in Franconia.
Eyes in the sky
Drones are another piece of the future scenario. Overflights could detect pests earlier and allow countermeasures to be applied only where needed. Fruit size, leaf condition and many other details could be captured rapidly from the air.
Tradition under pressure
Cherry growing in the region faces a list of threats: a single night of frost in spring or a hailstorm in June can wipe out an entire harvest. Farms also struggle with succession, rising costs and foreign competition. Despite the challenges, Maußner remains convinced the cherry has a future.
That belongs to our cultural landscape.
Every farm can visit the trial facility and then decide which solution fits individually. The centre acknowledges the high cost of such a setup, especially for part-time operations, but insists the demonstration is about pushing the technical envelope.
