Where Nordic Innovation Meets Solar Revolution
We’re proving that even in the cloudiest corners of Northern Europe, the sun can power both farms and communities through intelligent agrivoltaic systems that transform agricultural land into dual-purpose energy ecosystems.
Our Story
Founded in 2019 by agricultural engineer Pieter van Berg and renewable energy specialist Anna Lindqvist, Nortrope emerged from research at Wageningen University focused on optimizing dual land use in Northern European climates.
What We Do
We design and install agrivoltaic systems specifically engineered for the challenges of northern latitudes – variable daylight, coastal weather, and seasonal crop cycles. Our proprietary mounting systems adjust panel angles seasonally while maintaining optimal growing conditions below.
Key Stats
* 45+ team members across engineering, agriculture, and project management
* 50+ installations across Netherlands, Denmark, and Northern Germany
* Rotterdam headquarters with testing facility in Zeeland
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team includes agricultural engineers, solar technicians, and project managers with deep expertise in both renewable energy and modern farming practices.
Land Efficiency:
40% increase in land productivity
Optimized spacing maximizes both solar capture and crop growth
Water Conservation
25% reduction in irrigation needs
Reduced evaporation and improved soil moisture retention
Energy Generation
1.2 MW clean energy produced
Equivalent to powering 850 homes while supporting full agricultural operations
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Featured Projects
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Zuidland Berry Farm, Netherlands
Location: Zeeland Province
Installation: 2022
System Size: 3.2 MW solar capacity over 8.5 hectares
Crop: Blueberries and strawberries
Working with the van der Berg family farm, we installed our seasonal-tilt mounting system at 4.2m height to accommodate berry picking equipment. The partial shade conditions reduced water stress during hot summers while maintaining 78% of normal light levels.
Results:
- Berry yield increased 12% compared to open-field plots
- 4,800 MWh annual energy production
- €680,000 annual combined revenue (€420k energy, €260k crops)
- Payback period: 4.8 years
Aalborg Organic Vegetables, Denmark
Location: North Jutland
Installation: 2023
System Size: 1.8 MW solar capacity over 5.2 hectares
Crop: Mixed vegetables (lettuce, kale, spinach)
Our first Danish installation featured enhanced wind-resistant mounting to handle coastal conditions. Panel spacing optimized for the farm’s existing tractor fleet while providing weather protection for delicate leafy greens.
Results:
- 15% reduction in crop loss from extreme weather events
- Extended growing season by 3-4 weeks
- 2,650 MWh annual energy production
- Payback period: 4.8 years
Renewable Horticulture Demo Site, Germany
Location: Schleswig-Holstein
Installation: 2021
System Size: 850 kW solar capacity over 2.1 hectares
Crop: Research plots with potatoes, herbs, and experimental crops
Partnership with University of Kiel testing our adjustable panel system across four different tilt angles and spacing configurations. This living laboratory helps optimize agrivoltaic design for Northern European conditions.
Results:
- Potato yields maintained at 94% of control plots
- Herb production increased 22% (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1,200 MWh annual energy production
- Research findings published in 3 peer-reviewed journals
Flevoland Flower Fields, Netherlands
Location: Flevoland Polder
Installation: 2024
System Size: 2.6 MW solar capacity over 6.8 hectares
Crop: Tulips and daffodils for cut flower market
Our most recent installation demonstrates agrivoltaics potential for flower cultivation. Custom panel configuration provides morning sun exposure while protecting blooms from afternoon heat stress and wind damage.
Results:
- Flower stem quality improved with more uniform growth
- Reduced pesticide use by 25% due to modified microclimate
- 3,400 MWh projected annual energy production
- Expected payback: 4.2 years
Project Pipeline 2025-2026
Greenhouse Integration Project – Westland, Netherlands
Planning a hybrid system combining traditional greenhouse sections with open-field agrivoltaics for a 12-hectare tomato operation.
Offshore Wind Integration – Borkum, Germany
Developing agrivoltaic systems for coastal farms that complement nearby offshore wind installations.
Nordic Expansion – Southern Sweden
Site assessment underway for our first Swedish installation focusing on root vegetables and energy storage integration.
How Agrivoltaics Work
Dual Purpose Design
Solar panels are mounted 3-4 meters above farmland on adjustable structures, allowing crops to grow underneath while generating clean energy above.
Partial shade from panels reduces water evaporation by 20-33% and protects crops from extreme weather.
Optimized Growing Conditions
Specialized panel spacing ensures adequate sunlight for photosynthesis.
Automated systems adjust panel angles seasonally to optimize both energy production and crop yields, with monitoring technology tracking soil moisture, temperature, and plant health.
Smart Integration
Benefits
For Farmers
❋ Increased land productivity – up to 60-70% more efficient land use
❋ Reduced water usage (up to 20% less irrigation needed)
❋ Protection from hail, frost, and extreme heat
❋ Stable 25-year income stream from energy sales
❋ Enhanced energy production – panels produce up to 10% more electricity
For Environment
✵ 60-70% more efficient land use than separate solar farms
✵ Reduced carbon footprint per hectare
✵ Improved soil health through 21-33% reduced evaporation
✵ Biodiversity preservation compared to traditional solar
✵ Lower agricultural water consumption
Common Questions
Don’t panels block too much sunlight?
Agrivoltaic systems typically allow 60-80% of sunlight through, which is actually beneficial – many crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and berries produce higher yields with partial shade protection.
What about maintenance access?
Panels are mounted 8-15 feet high with 20+ foot spacing between rows, allowing full access for tractors, combines, and all standard farm equipment.
How long until payback?
Most agrivoltaic installations pay for themselves in 3-5 years through combined energy sales and improved crop yields, with some systems achieving payback in under 3 years.
Research Studies
Wageningen University Solar Research Programme
Enhancing Ecosystem Services in Agrivoltaics (2025)
Fraunhofer ISE Agrivoltaics Guidelines
Comprehensive research on agrivoltaics combining energy production and food production based on ‘solar sharing’ principles
Recent study using InVEST modeling to evaluate habitat-enhancing strategies for carbon storage, sediment retention, water retention, and pollinator supply
Comprehensive guideline on possibilities, advantages, and current state of agrivoltaic technology
Policy & Industry News
EU Commission: Agrivoltaics Could Surpass 2030 Solar Goals
Dutch Policy Shifts on Solar Farmland Use
Empowering Farmers in Central Europe
European Commission study showing that covering just 1% of agricultural land with agrivoltaics could result in 944 GW of installed capacity
Netherlands implements new “no, unless” policy for solar panels on farmland, with guidance rolled out by July 2024
Analysis of economic benefits for farmers, showing potential revenues that could offset agricultural losses
