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Agrivoltaism: Let’s cultivate solar energy together

Agrivoltaism: driving the agricultural and energy transition of territories by combining food production and sustainable energy production on the same surface

To overview

Definition of agrivoltaism

Agrivoltaism or Agri-PV is a method which allows the coupling of main agricultural production with secondary energy production. This is a unique way of creating beneficial synergies between agricultural activity and solar energy, on the same surface.

Agrivoltaism makes it possible to drive the agricultural and energy transition of territories by combining food production and sustainable energy production on the same surface. It is a proven strategy for farmers to adapt to climatic hazards and an innovative solution to protect their crops while producing renewable electricity.

Agrivoltaism with BayWa r.e., a natural partner of the agricultural world

  • Our vision

    Climate change is a reality for our country's more than 400,000 farms. Climatic hazards are increasingly recurrent (spring frost, hail, extreme temperatures), resources are becoming rare (water) and expensive (energy).

    Younger generations no longer dare to engage in this profession with such unpredictable income and difficult working conditions. Yet more than a third of farms are looking for a buyer by 2030. Renewal is not happening, endangering our food sovereignty.

    BayWa r.e., from an agricultural cooperative, is keen to offer solutions to the agricultural world to face these new challenges. Agrivoltaism is one of them.

Overhead PV

The overhead PV solution is a fixed, raised structure on which photovoltaic modules are attached. The elevation compared to conventional ground panels allows cultivation below. Different panel transparencies can be used ranging from 0% to 49% depending on the needs of the culture. The orientation of these panels will depend on that of the plot. The structures are dimensioned (height, inter-row) according to each project in order to allow mechanization adapted to each operation.

  • The operation

    Solar panels

    Raised semi-transparent panels to meet the light needs of crops

    Structures

    Raising structures to ensure the passage of agricultural machinery

    Interspace

    Adaptation of the inter-row spacing according to agricultural needs (size of machinery, planting density, etc.)

Interspace PV

This technology recalls the principles of agroforestry with inter-row cultivation allowing a reduction in soil erosion, evapotranspiration and therefore a reduction in water consumption. Biodiversity zones (hedges, flowers, etc.) can be installed under the panels.

  • The operation

    Interspace

    Adaptation of the inter-row spacing according to the needs of the culture

    Diversified agricultural activity


    Possibility of a diversified agricultural activity (combination with grazing, crop rotation etc.)

    Biodiversity

    Biodiversity possible under panels (grass strips, flowers, etc.)

Pasturage PV

For grazing, BayWa r.e. offers fixed structures or trackers positioned horizontally in the presence of animals.

The project is designed for breeding activity with the installation of water troughs, channels to protect electrical wires, containment areas, suitable fences and grassy meadows according to the needs of the breeder. The latter has access to the site 24/7.

BayWa r.e. is diversifying into cattle projects with three projects under development in France. The structures are raised and reinforced to adapt to the size and power of these animals.

  • The operation

    Adaptation of structures

    Adaptation of structures and the park to adapt to agricultural needs and the passage of agricultural machinery.

    Facilities adapted to the breeding activity

    Specific facilities adapted to the breeding activity: water troughs, fixed and mobile fences, holding pen, electrical protection, etc.

Our commitment to agricultural research

BayWa r.e. is proud to be part, since its creation, of the Strategic Orientation Committee of the National Center for Research, Innovation and Teaching in Agrivoltaism created by INRAe.

This consortium, which brings together actors from the public and private, agricultural and energy, research and teaching sectors, aims to pool the costs and risks of research, while sharing the benefits with a view to sustainable development and virtuous use of photovoltaic technology on agricultural land.

  • SOLAR Project

    BayWa r.e. is leading a 2-year Research and Development project called SOLAR for Optimization Solutions and Levers for Resilient Agrivoltaism since 2022 with INRAE ​​(National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment) in order to study this synergy between fodder and photovoltaic production on 3 parks that it operates.

Do you have a project? Are you looking for a trusted partner who will meet your needs? Contact us!

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