Schoonrewoerd's Zon op Fruit: A Sustainable Blend of Agriculture and Solar Power
Schoonrewoerd, Friday, 24 October 2025.
In Schoonrewoerd, Netherlands, the Zon op Fruit project innovatively combines pear farming with solar energy, allowing local investors to earn over 5% annually while enhancing sustainability.
An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
In the quaint village of Schoonrewoerd, Netherlands, the Zon op Fruit project marks a pioneering effort to merge agricultural practices with renewable energy. Initiated in 2022 by Jan Brouwer and Klaas Kuil of the Energie Coöperatie Molenlanden, this project strategically places solar panels over a 2-hectare pear orchard. The design allows 30% of sunlight to reach the pear trees, ensuring their growth while generating solar power. This dual-purpose land use not only enhances agricultural productivity but also contributes to local energy needs [1].
Community Involvement and Financial Opportunities
Zon op Fruit operates as a cooperative venture, inviting local residents to invest in certificates priced at €250 each. These certificates offer an annual return exceeding 5%, making the project financially attractive to the community. Currently, 80 members have acquired 40% of the total certificates available, showcasing strong local support. The project is bolstered by the Subsidieregeling Coöperatieve Energieopwekking (SCE), which provides a subsidy for the energy generated, ensuring a consistent remuneration over a 15-year period [1][2].
Environmental and Agricultural Benefits
Beyond financial gains, the project offers significant environmental benefits. The solar panels provide protection for the pear trees, shielding them from hail, extreme heat, and frost damage. This innovative approach aligns with broader efforts to mitigate climate change by integrating renewable energy sources into traditional farming practices. The use of the same land for both agriculture and energy generation exemplifies an efficient and sustainable use of resources, a model that could be replicated in other regions [1].
Future Prospects and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Zon op Fruit continues to engage the community through informational meetings, such as the one scheduled for 6 November 2025 at the Maranatha community center in Leerdam. These meetings address practical concerns, such as grid congestion, which has been resolved with the help of the local grid operator, Stedin. As the cooperative looks to expand its membership and certificate sales, it remains a beacon of sustainable innovation, demonstrating the potential of integrating renewable energy with traditional agriculture [1].