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What is agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics refers to the integration of photovoltaic systems on agricultural plots with the goal of simultaneously producing renewable energy and agricultural products. This model aims to optimize land use by fulfilling a dual function: food and energy.

 

A concept initially formulated many years ago to resolve the competition in use between agriculture and solar production, it was scientifically formalized in 2011 with the introduction of the term in academic literature.

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Finctioning and agronomic principles

The system is based on the installation of solar panels above crops. It allows:

  • To regulate the irradiation received by plants,

  • To limit evapotranspiration,

  • To create a protective microclimate against extreme events (hail, excess heat, drought).

 

The modules can be fixed or dynamic (adjustable or mobile), with controlled systems that adapt the angle of the panels in real time according to environmental parameters (light, humidity, temperature, phenological stage of the crops).

 

The objective is to maximize the synergy between agricultural production and energy production without loss of yield or soil degradation.

Types of agrivoltaic installations

  • Shades in open fields
    Raised structures (4 to 5 meters) allowing the passage of agricultural machinery. They can be fixed or adjustable, with automatic shade control.

 

  • Vertical bifacial systems
    Vertical structures spaced apart (6 to 12 meters) allowing the passage of agricultural machinery. These structures also act as windbreaks and allow for delayed electricity production.

 

  • Photovoltaic greenhouses
    Integrate solar modules into their roof structure. Used primarily for high-value horticultural or market garden crops.

 

 

 

Technical and economic advantages

  • Increased climate resilience: reducing the impact of weather extremes.

 

  • Water optimization: reduction of evapotranspiration, better irrigation management.

 

  • Maintenance and enhancement of agricultural land: avoids artificialization of soils and promotes the sustainability of farms.

 

  • Carbon-free energy production: the electricity generated can be self-consumed or injected into the network.

 

  • Diversification of agricultural income: marketing of electricity via purchase contracts (PPA or regulated tariffs).

 

Challenges and perspectives

Agrivoltaics is a strategic lever for:

 

  • Achieving energy mix objectives

 

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

 

  • Adapting agricultural systems to climate change

 

However, its deployment must remain regulated to ensure the primacy of the nutritional vocation of agricultural land. It is not a question of substituting energy production for agricultural production, but rather of promoting effective and sustainable complementarity.

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