faq Category: General information about Agrivoltaism

Agrivoltaics is currently more expensive than ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, as it is designed to promote and optimize agricultural production, sometimes to the detriment of photovoltaic production. In fact, the structures are raised to adapt to the height of crops, animals or machinery. Some panels are less powerful, to let in more light for the plants.… Continue reading How much does the energy cost of agrivoltaic systems compare with the energy cost of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems?

The Plurinannuel de l’Energie (Multiannual Energy Plan), which aims to move away from fossil fuels by 2050 (which currently account for over 50% of our energy consumption), has set a milestone target of 100 GWp of solar power installed in France by 2035 (compared with 18 GWp in the first half of 2023). With the… Continue reading What is the potential for agrivoltaic installations in France and around the world?

Agrivoltaic installations, both the photovoltaic modules and the structures, do not reflect light. The risk of glare for local residents is extremely low. What’s more, the systems don’t emit any noise and can be installed very quickly (just a few weeks). Landscaping is designed to limit the visual impact on direct neighbours (planting of hedges,… Continue reading What impact, if any, will agrivoltaic systems have on local residents?

Like the ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, the agrivoltaic systems have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.

Agrivoltaics is not a new technology, but a new application of an existing, proven technology. The return, risk and administrative costs of agrivoltaic system are comparable to those of an investment for a ground-mounted photovoltaic systems.

The dismantling of the farm, the restoration of the land to its original state (certified by a bailiff) and the recycling of the farm’s components are legal obligations. This work and the costs involved are the responsibility of the project owner. The piles, driven into the ground, are removed.

The development required for an agrivoltaic project is the same as for a conventional solar project. It takes around 5 years from the signing of the Land Agreements (between the landowner and the energy company) to the commissioning of the park. This time frame includes environmental impact studies for the four seasons (1 year), the… Continue reading How long does it take to complete an agrivoltaic project?

Water availability, insofar as it is influenced by the agrivoltaic system, is adapted to the growth requirements of the crop in question. We ensure that rainwater is distributed evenly to the crops below the agrivoltaic system. This process can be optimized with additional technical equipment.

Each project is tailored to the farmer’s crops and equipment. The dimensions of the farm machinery are taken into account to define the height and spacing of the solar panels.

Agrivoltaics serves agricultural production. It’s a production method that combines agricultural production with energy production. It’s a unique way of creating beneficial synergies between agricultural activity and solar energy, on the same surface. Since March 2023, it has been governed by a law (art. L. 314-36 of the Energy Code), whose implementing decree is currently… Continue reading Could agrivoltaic systems jeopardize the economic viability of agricultural crops?