Building-integrated photovoltaics company ClearVue Technologies has entered into an agreement to acquire the IP and assets of Israeli company ROOTS Sustainable Agricultural Technologies.

The acquisition, by subsidiary OptiCrop (Israel) Ltd, aims to expand photovoltaic glass and curtain wall systems manufacturer ClearVue’s offerings in agriculture markets.

ROOTS, formerly listed on the ASX, has developed a Root Zone Temperature Optimization (RTZO) system resulting in improved crop yield and quality, while their Irrigation by Condensation (IBC) technology enables standalone irrigation using air humidity to extract water from the air.

ClearVue will integrate ROOTS’ IP with its solar greenhouse and solar glazing products, bringing together complementary technologies to offer integrated greenhouse and agricultural solutions globally, according to the company.

ClearVue CEO Martin Deil said the two companies had been negotiating since 2019 but Covid interrupted, and the time was now right.

He confirmed that the approval of the Israel District Court (Central) in Lod had been received for an agreement with the Trustee in Bankruptcy of ROOTS.

Deil said: “ROOTS’ unique root temperature optimisation and irrigation technologies when combined with our advanced solar glazing solutions creates a comprehensive suite of agricultural solutions to enhance productivity and crop yields, optimise energy and water use, and address challenges in sustainable farming.

“ClearVue’s technology has already demonstrated material yield improvements on certain crop types grown inside its Murdoch University research greenhouse.

“Trials from our third growing season in 2023 showed between 52 percent and 170 percent yield increases in snow peas, capsicum and Roma tomatoes when grown under ClearVue’s solar glass (compared against regular greenhouse glass).”

ROOTS IP portfolio includies both design and utility patents across multiple jurisdictions including Australia, the EU, China, the US and others.

Key members of the ROOTS team will join ClearVue as part of its dedicated Ag Solutions team.

Picture: ClearVue Greenhouse Glass