What is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics combines two terms: agriculture and photovoltaics. It refers to the harmonious coexistence of agricultural production and solar photovoltaic energy production on the same land. In other words, it involves installing solar panels above crops, pastures, or vineyards to generate electricity while allowing plants to grow beneath them.
There are various types of structures: ground-mounted solar panels, elevated panels, floating panels, etc. In all cases, they must not disrupt the ecological functions of the soil or harm biodiversity. The aim is to achieve food production with energy self-sufficiency.
The Legal Framework for Agrivoltaics in France
Like any technological and agricultural development, agrivoltaics requires a clear legislative framework to ensure the harmonious coexistence of these two activities. Here is an overview of the key points of agrivoltaic legislation in France.
Law No. 2023-175 of March 10, 2023, aims to accelerate the production of renewable energy in France. It focuses on four major areas: planning, streamlining procedures, preserving land, and better distributing the value generated by these energies.
One of the key objectives is to increase solar energy production capacity to exceed 100 GW by 2050. The law defines an installation as agrivoltaic if it ensures significant agricultural production and sustainable income while meeting at least one of the following criteria:
- â—Ź Improving agronomic potential and impact;
- â—Ź Adapting to climate change;
- â—Ź Protection against weather hazards;
- â—Ź Enhancing animal welfare.
An installation will not be considered agrivoltaic if it harms these services, if agricultural production is not the primary activity on the land, or if it is not reversible.
Every agrivoltaic project must be approved by the departmental commission for the preservation of agricultural, natural, and forested areas (CDPENAF). Additionally, administrative authorities may require financial guarantees for the dismantling and restoration of the site.
Regarding the placement of solar panels, no panels may be installed outside areas identified in a framework document developed by the departmental prefect in collaboration with the departmental chamber of agriculture. This document will specify agricultural and forest areas eligible for projects while safeguarding food sovereignty. Only "uncultivated" or unused lands for a defined minimum period may be considered. Another decree will outline the details of this document.
Finally, solar installations requiring deforestation of more than 25 hectares in forested areas will be prohibited for applications submitted more than one year after the law’s enactment.
The Advantages of Agrivoltaics
- â—Ź Energy Sustainability: Agrivoltaics allows the production of green electricity from sunlight, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- â—Ź Land Optimization: It enables the dual use of the same land, avoiding the sacrifice of valuable farmland solely for energy production.
- â—Ź Crop Protection: Solar panels can provide protection against adverse weather and reduce evaporation, helping plants grow in more favorable conditions.
- â—Ź Additional Income for Farmers: In addition to selling agricultural products, farmers can benefit from the sale of electricity produced by solar panels.
Agrivoltaics represents a unique opportunity for farmers to diversify their income sources while contributing to the creation of more sustainable agriculture.
During the 4 days of the Sommet de l'Élevage, you can attend several conferences on the integration of photovoltaics into agriculture. Whether you’re seeking case studies or information to develop your agrivoltaic project, you’ll find knowledgeable experts to guide you.