“Our solar technology is built for resilience within the greenhouse environment”

Solar-integrated greenhouse systems are emerging as a method to optimize both energy production and crop yields. TSO Green has developed a Total Sun Optimization (TSO) system designed to dynamically adjust greenhouse conditions based on Daily Light Integral (DLI) requirements, with a shade tracking system that features a 0-to-360-degree rotation capability"The system ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of sunlight for growth while simultaneously generating solar energy," says Dominic Stringer with TSO Green. "The system offers the potential to boost a grower's income by up to 30%." A pilot project is underway in Arizona.

Greenhouse applications
TSO Green's solar panels are designed for greenhouse applications, integrating lightweight and flexible structures to minimize excess heat buildup on the greenhouse floor. By integrating automated shading and solar tracking, growers can manage light exposure, temperature, and energy efficiency without compromising crop yields.

"The automated tracking system adjusts panel positioning based on current weather conditions, solar intensity, and plant needs, ensuring that excess light is either utilized for energy production or redirected for plant consumption," says Dominic. The system is designed to function across different climates, from hot and arid regions to temperate zones with fluctuating weather patterns.

A key feature of the TSO system is its 360-degree rotating capacity. "Unlike fixed solar panels, which lose efficiency as the sun's angle changes, this system continuously adjusts panel orientation to capture maximum solar energy," says Brianna Iannone with TSO Green. "The automated rotation also enables precise shading adjustments for crops, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of light while excess radiation is converted into usable energy."

The system is applicable to a wide range of crops grown in controlled-environment agriculture. According to TSO Green, it is particularly suited for leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, berries, herbs, and fodder crops. "Because the system reduces heat stress, prevents overexposure, and maintains optimal growing conditions, it is effective for crops requiring precision agriculture techniques," says Brianna. Floricultural crops such as orchids, roses, tulips, and chrysanthemums also benefit from controlled light exposure, which helps maintain bloom cycles and plant quality. "Many flowers, such as orchids, roses, tulips, and chrysanthemums, require precise light conditions to maintain color vibrancy, bloom cycles, and stem strength. The adaptive shading system helps prevent sun damage, overheating, and inconsistent light exposure, making it particularly advantageous for commercial flower production and greenhouse nurseries."

TSO Green is focusing on regions with high energy costs, climate-sensitive farming conditions, and increasing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions. "Key markets include the United States, where we see energy-efficient greenhouse solutions being in demand, Europe, where high labor and energy costs drive the demand for automated greenhouse technology, and the Middle East & North Africa, where there's a need for water-efficient, climate resilient farming solutions. But also Asia-Pacific, where the rapid urbanization and interest in high-yield, sustainable food production offers potential, and Latin America, where there's a strong governmental support for renewable energy and controlled-environment agrciculture."

Dominic Stringer and Mark Ruggs with TSO Green, showcasing their solar solution for greenhouse crops, equipped with tools to check DLI and natural sunlight for optimized cultivation and energy generation.

A pilot project is underway in Wadell, Arizona, to test and demonstrate the system's efficiency and scalability. "We are in the advanced stages of implementation, working closely with commercial growers and industry partners to deploy the solution," says Brianna. Commercial-scale implementations are planned for the near future.

Beyond greenhouse applications, TSO Green is exploring additional uses for its technology, including open-field farming, data centers, real estate, and warehouse energy management. "One of the potential advantages of the system is its ability to contribute to farm income by optimizing energy production alongside crop yields," Dominic concludes. "By integrating solar energy into agricultural operations, we engineered a highly cost-effective and energy-dense solution to ensure the grower's economics would improve significantly."