Brite Solar is a nanomaterials company developing and marketing solar glass products with variable transparencies for applications in agriculture. The company’s solar glass applies to greenhouses and open field agri-cultivations and yields energy autonomous operation, water saving, and thus sustainable agriculture.
Interview with Dr. Nick Kanopoulos, CEO of Brite Solar.
Can you introduce your company and the core industrial technologies or services you provide?
Nick Kanopoulos: At Brite Solar, we design and manufacture advanced semi-transparent agrivoltaic panels using nanotechnology to enhance the panel performance. Our patented glass-glass modules are engineered to both produce energy and enhance crop performance, creating an ideal synergy between agriculture and photovoltaics. Applications include greenhouses, open-field canopy systems, and sustainable architecture.
What are some of the most complex challenges your clients face today, and how does your company address them?
N.K: Farmers face a cocktail of challenges: climate volatility, energy inflation, water scarcity, and the demand for sustainability. Our agrivoltaic solutions respond with a single system that cools, protects, and powers—transforming traditional agriculture into a resilient, energy-autonomous model.
How do your solutions contribute to increased productivity or efficiency in your clients’ operations?
N.K: Thanks to our patented nanocoatings, our panels convert harmful UV into red light that enhances photosynthesis. This leads to faster plant growth, better crop quality, and lower water usage, all while producing electricity. For many clients, this means shorter cycles, higher yields, and less dependency on external energy. Our agri-PV system installations enable rainwater harvesting and precise irrigation, which increases farming productivity.
What strategies or technologies does your company use to ensure long-term value for your customers?
N.K: We combine AI-enabled monitoring tools with tailor-made panel transparency levels based on the crop and region. Our panels are durable (25+ years lifespan), recyclable, and supported by expert engineering. Our new factory in Patras is the world’s first industrial line exclusively dedicated to spectrum-shifting agrivoltaics.
Can you share a recent project or case study where your solution significantly optimized a complex process?
N.K: In Germany, strawberry growers using our panels reported earlier harvests, higher quality fruit, and reduced energy bills. In Greece, a tomato greenhouse achieved complete energy autonomy, eliminating cooling costs. More stories are available on our YouTube channel and project gallery.
In what ways do you tailor your solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries or sectors?
N.K: From low-height crops like strawberries to tall fruit trees, and from greenhouses to logistics hubs, we offer project-specific transparency levels, panel formats, and mounting solutions. In commercial buildings, our panels are integrated on façades and rooftops to provide natural light, shade, and energy.
How does innovation play a role in the development of your optimized solutions?
N.K: Innovation is our core identity. Our nanomaterial coatings are a game-changer—it transforms sunlight in a way no standard PV module does. We invest in precision agriculture, AI systems, and climate-adaptive design to stay ahead of industry needs. Our R&D never stops—because agriculture and architecture never stop evolving.
What specific long-term benefits do your clients typically experience from adopting your solutions?
N.K: They gain resilience, lower costs, higher productivity, and positive ESG positioning. Our solutions improve plant health, reduce water use, protect against extreme weather, and turn the cost of energy into a competitive advantage.
What feedback have you received from clients regarding productivity improvements or ROI after implementing your solutions?
N.K: Clients report breaks even in as little as 5–7 years. Beyond economics, they speak of improved food quality, energy independence, and climate adaptability. For many, our panels act as a safety net in an increasingly unpredictable climate that can severely impact agriculture.
How do you ensure your solutions remain adaptable and scalable as your clients’ challenges become more complex?
N.K: We offer modular systems that scale with our clients’ ambitions. Whether a 500m² pilot or a multi-hectare deployment, our engineering team ensures technical and economic viability. The new Patras manufacturing facility, makes our aim for global scalability a reality.