Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Wine at Plume Estate Vineyard

How Agrivoltaics Are Changing the Game in the Perth Hills

Imagine sipping a glass of wine made from grapes nourished under a canopy of solar panels, where every ray of sunshine powers both the vines and the future. At Plume Estate Vineyard in the Perth Hills, this vision is now a reality. As host of Australia’s first commercial vitivoltaic array, Plume Estate is leading the charge for sustainable winemaking.

Plume Estate Vineyard - VitiVoltaic Solar Array

The installation is part of the national project Plant production agrivoltaics across southern Australia, led by the University of Melbourne. In Western Australia, the project is coordinated by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub), in partnership with Plume Estate, Sunrise Energy Group, and the University of Western Australia (UWA).

According to Marcus Geisler, Plume Estate vigneron and owner, this 'proof of concept' solar array has lots of potential delivering social, economic and environmental benefits and is eager to see these quantified in upcoming reports.

• Double the Impact: The innovative agrivoltaic system lets the land simultaneously grow premium grapes and generate clean, renewable energy. It’s all about making the most of every hectare.

• Smarter Water Use: Solar panels provide shade, meaning less water evaporates and more stays in the soil for the vines. That’s a win for the environment and wine lovers alike.

• Better Grapes, Better Wine: The gentle shade and stable microclimate beneath the panels shield vines from harsh weather, helping produce grapes of exceptional quality.

• Greener Energy: By harnessing solar power, the vineyard cuts down on its carbon footprint while lowering running costs—a sustainable solution on every level.

• Climate Resilience: With changing weather patterns, this approach means vineyards like Plume Estate can better withstand heatwaves and droughts, safeguarding harvests for years to come.

• Innovation at Its Best: Supporting the pioneers of agrivoltaics in Australia, Plume Estate is setting a new standard for what’s possible when tradition meets technology.

Raise your glass to a future where every sip is a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and a greener tomorrow. Cheers to Plume Estate Vineyard!

Plume Estate Vineyard - best in class, bi-facial solar panels