Armenia has added a new layer to one of its oldest traditions.
On the slopes of Mount Aragats near Aghdzk, rows of solar panels sit above vineyards cultivated for thousands of years.
The solar array project, known as SUNWINE, pairs grape production with renewable energy production (solar) on the same plot of land. This is Armenia’s first agrivoltaic project built on a vineyard.
Underneath the solar panels are two native Armenian grape varieties – Areni and Voskehat — each of which are well-known to the Armenian wine industry.
Not only will this vineyard produce electricity, but there is much more at stake. What becomes of the grapes being grown underneath them?
Ancient vines meet a new purpose
The SUNWINE agrivoltaic project was officially inaugurated on July 31st, 2026, in the Aragatsotn region. Created through a partnership between Armenian and French organizations, it combines a 121-kW solar array with a working vineyard.
Unlike traditional solar parks, Agrivoltaics uses the same land for both energy production and agriculture.
In this case, the vineyard remains the priority, and the solar system must adapt to the needs of the crop rather than the reverse.
There is a reason why this concept is particularly significant in Armenia. Areni is widely regarded as Armenia’s flagship red grape variety.
Voskehat holds a similar position in Armenian white wine.
Both are equally tied to Armenia’s ancient viticulture history. That history goes all the way back to approximately 4100 BC with archaeologist discoveries in the Areni-1 Cave Winery Site.
Therefore, in essence, new technology sits upon grapes that represent one of the oldest wine traditions on earth.
Nobody knows how the vines will react
Generating electrical power wasn’t the sole purpose of building the solar installation.
Scientists are studying how the solar panels affect the Armenian grape varieties they were planted with, according to Regional Post Caucasus. The varieties include those highlighted by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
The vineyard serves as a living laboratory where scientists can gather long-term data.
Will the dynamic shading provided by the solar panels be able to mitigate against heat stress caused by warmer summers? Can this process decrease water usage in drier times?
Could these structures protect the vines from hail, frost, and excessive rain?
Additionally, can we generate enough electricity using these types of systems without negatively affecting either grape quality or harvest yields?
French researchers have documented decreases in vineyard water consumption under agrivoltaic systems previously. However, those studies were conducted under different environmental conditions.
Conditions such as high elevation, volcanic soil, intense sunlight, and climate, within the Aragatsotn region, are unique and cannot easily be replicated.
Therefore, local data will be necessary prior to drawing any broad-based conclusions.
How does the software manage sunlight?
The answer lies in an Energy Management Platform known as the Suntropy Energy Management System.
Sensors continually track environmental factors surrounding the vines. Weather patterns, sunlight, seasonal changes, and panel positions are monitored by software.
According to project developers, adjustments are made in real-time regarding the positions of the panels.
Why the panels keep moving
When vines need protection from heat and excessive sunlight, the panels adjust to provide additional shade. Conversely, when environmental conditions allow for increased sunlight exposure, panels are adjusted to allow for greater sunlight penetration.
Project developers aim to find a middle ground between two competing interests.
Vines require adequate sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis and promote grape growth and maturation. On the other hand, solar installations require optimal amounts of sunlight to maximize electrical power production.
Software continually adjusts panel positions to balance both requirements.
The system’s job is not to maximize sunlight, but to decide how it should be shared.
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