SHINE: Sustainable Hybrid Integrated Energy System

SHINE – Sustainable Hybrid Integrated Energy System is developing an innovative greenhouse screen that combines smart light management with on‑site solar energy generation. By integrating flexible solar cells into a movable screen, SHINE captures unused sunlight while maintaining optimal growing conditions for crops, supporting the transition to a climate‑neutral and economically resilient greenhouse sector by 2050.

Solar island

At the heart of SHINE is a horizontally movable “solar island” that allows seamless control of shading while generating renewable electricity inside the greenhouse. The system components will be tested for the real-life situation and with this the concept can be designed for a real-world pilot at grower level. SHINE is a collaboration between TNO, Verzuu Screen Development BV and is co-funded by the European Union, with support from EFRO Oost – a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

After developing a PV-integrated screen, the roadmap focuses on up-scaling from a single component to a fully integrated energy and climate system by validating multi-season performance, coupled with greenhouse control and energy systems. The next phase then shifts towards further product development, cost-effective manufacturing, certification, and market deployment—laying the foundation for energy‑positive greenhouses and wider agrivoltaic applications.

More information

This project builds on the lessons learned from the world-first pilot with custom build PV modules integrated in shading screens. For more information, read the full news article.