By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Oliver’s Double Barrel Vineyards is set to become a North American trailblazer for its bold plan to introduce agrivoltaics, which will combine the protection of grapevines from extreme weather while generating clean solar energy to power farm operations.
Jesse Gill, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Okanagan Hills Winery Group (Double Barrel Vineyards in Oliver and Back Door Winery in Summerland), explains that the project will see the installation of an automated agrivoltaics system above the existing vineyard, integrating solar panels with crop protection.
The system uses adjustable panels on louvres that can open or close in response to weather conditions, helping mitigate extreme heat and cold that can otherwise devastate grape crops.
“This project is a real game-changer for agriculture in the Okanagan,” said Gill in a statement on Friday. “It’s a novel way to protect my grapes while keeping the land productive and resilient,” he adds.
While protecting the grapes from extreme weather – both hot and cold – the solar canopy will generate renewable electricity for on-site farm use.
Gill noted this will both reduce operational energy costs and, at the same time, demonstrate the benefits of combining agriculture and clean energy in a region facing increasing climate pressures. He added that excess power could be sold back to the grid.
The project is intended as a demonstration site for the wider agricultural community. If successful, it will be expanded, Gill said. The project “aims to show how vineyards and wineries across the Okanagan can adapt to climate extremes without sacrificing productive farmland.”
The project aligns with regional and provincial priorities to support agriculture and build climate resilience on farmland, according to technical consultant Claude Mindorff, WEST Partners Ltd.
“I have worked with biologists, grape and soil specialists to adapt the technology specifically for vineyards in the Okanagan, Mindorff said, noting his company has successfully developed agrivoltaics for sheep grazing in Alberta, with this system adapted for the different crop and location.
The project earlier received support from the Regional District of Okanagan–Similkameen (RDOS) in submitting a request to the Agricultural Land Commission. That approval was granted this month (January 2026), laying the groundwork for a first-of-its-kind installation over grapevines in North America.
Additional permitting from the RDOS and other regulatory bodies is underway before building can commence.
