Story: Solar Grapes
Episode: 15
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 22 November 2025

Trevor visits Marcus Geisler at Plume Estate in the Perth Hills to see what innovative steps they’re implementing to mitigate the effects of climate change.

• With temperatures rising due to climate change, producers will have to adapt to higher temperatures.
• Australian growers, such as Marcus Geisler, are noticing the many negative effects the increase temperatures are having on production. After many years of working to close the loop with waste, he recently moved to the world of grape growing and wine production.
• While his family-owned and run business Plume Estate in the Perth Hills makes an excellent wine, Trevor is most interested in the innovative methods being used to protect the grapes while generating energy at the same time.
• Trials on the property show that mounting solar panels above the vineyard are increasing yield while simultaneously improving soil quality and generating renewable energy