Our agrivoltaic solutions

We develop agrivoltaic solutions that combine agricultural and solar energy production, with a synergy between the two systems. Our solutions guarantee a long-term income for the owner and the farmer.

Our vision of agrivoltaics

At TSE, we are determined to reconcile sustainable agriculture, green energy, the restoration of biodiversity and the preservation of water resources.

The agrivoltaic solutions that we develop hand in hand with the agricultural world, produce the best solar energy for the best of crops. All our solutions are equipped with rotating solar panels that generate partial and rotating shade that is beneficial to crops and livestock.

We have launched an ambitious program comprising several pilot sites, which are testing a large number of plant species and varieties as well as different types of livestock farming throughout France.

The agronomics benefits of partial and rotating shading

Lower temperatures on the plot and protection against excessive in summer
Reduces evapotranspiration and water stress, saves water.
Reduced risk of spring frost
Improvement of animal welfare through shading and shelter in case of bad weather
  • Solution adapted to all field crops
  • Structure compatible with agricultural machinery: 5 meters high, 27 meters wide
  • Optimized crop protection against climatic hazards

Agricultural canopy

  • Solution adapted to field crops
  • Flexible layout according to the terrain
  • Intelligent control of solar panels to meet the agro-climatic needs of crops and the needs of the farmer

Crop shading system

  • Solution for cattle, sheep and goat farming with adapted minimum heights under the panels
  • Compatible with agricultural machinery: up to 15 meters high
  • Improved animal welfare through shading and sheltering under panels

Livestock shading system

  • Solution adapted to livestock and field crops, ideal for temporary grasslands
  • Possibility of integrating an irrigation system
  • Dynamic panels that generate partial and rotating shade that protects meadows, crops and animals

Shading system for ley farming

  • Solution adapted to fallow land
  • Low land footprint leaving more space for ecological management and the development of biodiversity
  • Protection of the plot and its ecosystems against drought

Shading system for fallow land

Steps of your project

Land identification

A few weeks

Project development

6 to 24 months

Engineering and R&D

Throughout the project

Financing, valuation & sale

Throughout the project

Construction

6 months minimum

Connection

12 to 36 months

Operation & maintenance

Throughout the project

Results of our demonstration program

-75%
fewer days of stress overt the course of the cycle (Amance, 2022)
4/5
an equal or greater number of hours in optimal climate conditions under the canopy for 4 of the 5 indicators taken into account (Amance, 2023)
25%
Up to 25% difference in yield between varieties under the canopy and 19% on the control plot (Amance, 2022)
0%
No significant difference in yield for Soprana soybeans (Amance, 2022)
-4°C
-4°C in May - June 2023 (for extreme air temperatures) (Amance, 2022)-3.5° C at 30 cm soil depth from June to mid-August (Amance 2022)
On the plot, the plants have particularly suffered from thermal and water stress in recent years, with high thermal amplitudes and especially long periods without water which have impacted plant growth and yields, especially for wheat and potatoes. Global warming is also progressively and steadily bringing earlier harvests. I was looking for solutions to adapt to climate change. Irrigated agrivoltaics is one of the possible answers.
Benoît Bougler, farm operator in Brouchy
We took our worst plot to see if we could increase its value, through rent of course, but especially by improving yields, I hope. The soil is very light, superficial. We're going to keep our regular rotations. We sowed wheat in October. We plan to follow with alfalfa, spring barley and lentils. We will even experiment with sunflowers, which are usually not suitable for this type of soil, to measure the effect of the canopy.
Jean-François Cortot, farm operator in Verdonnet
It was very important to us to maintain agricultural production, which is our core business, while being able to produce electricity in the heart of communities. We found the TSE agricultural canopy to be the most flexible and the most open [solution]: all our equipment can fit under the 5m high structure.
Sylvain Raison, farm operator in Amance

Let's talk about your project

Our agricultural partners

Why choose us

Expertise

Independent French photovoltaic expert since 2016

Proximity

More than 270 employees working as close as possible to communities all over France

Growth

2.5 GWc under development in France. Goal of 5 GWc by 2027

Presence

A team of experts to support farmers and develop the most appropriate solutions

Commitment

A company committed to biodiversity

FAQs

 
What is the minimum surface area needed to install an agrivoltaic structure ?

The minimum surface area necessary to install an agricultural canopy is 4 hectares. For a dynamic shading solution such as a crop shade, livestock shade or shading system for fallow land, the minimum area is 10 hectares.

 
How do I know if my plot is eligible for an agrivoltaic project?

Our teams will first review your needs and agricultural practices with you, to offer you the most suitable solution. We will then conduct a study of your plots to verify compatibility in terms of topography, zoning, access, distance to the grid, etc.

 
How long will I need to commit for?

A long-term (emphyteutic) lease, is signed between the owner, the operator and TSE for a period of 40 years. During this period, the owner and farmer will receive an annual remuneration.

 
Can I keep my rural lease?

The lease that we offer does not relate to the plots but to aerial volumes, located above the ground and which include the panels and the structure above the ground. You can thus keep your rural lease. Only these aerial volumes will be subtracted from the initial rural lease.

 
Who pays for the agrivoltaic installation?

The construction of our agrivoltaic systems, as well as environmental studies, administrative and legal procedures, the maintenance of structures and their dismantling are fully covered by TSE. There are no investment costs associated with setting up the project for the farmer.

 
What payment is provided in return for the project?

The farmer receives a payement throughout the entire length of the project. This amount is divided between the owner and the farmer of the land. TSE is also committed to sharing the earnings created by the installation. A variable part of the rent will thus be paid to the farmer, based on the turnover generated by the sale of electricity from the agrivoltaic system.

 
What happens at the end of the project?

The owner may want to keep the agrivoltaic structure at the end of the lease and thus become the owner. Otherwise, TSE will dismantle the structure at its own expense so that the plot can be rehabilitated. A collection and recycling organization will collect the panels and recycle them.