Agricultural canopy

TSE has developed a shading system that helps fight against climatic hazards trough a system of rotating solar panels installed above agricultural land that generate partial and rotating shade.

The key advantages of the system

System adapted to all major crops

Partial and rotating shading on the plot

Possibility of including an irrigation system

Low footprint for an optimized cultivated area

Crop protection against climatic hazards (drought, high temperatures, excess light, frost, hail)

Compatibility with agricultural machinery : 5m high, 27m wide

Dynamic panels with automatic orientation depending on weather conditions

Solution that guarantees a long-term income for the farmer and owner of the land

The agronomics benefits of partial and rotating shading

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These actions contribute to improving the potential of agricultural plots.

Lower temperatures on the plot and protection against excessive light in summer

Limiting evapo-perspiration, water stress and saving water

Reduced risk of spring frost

A built-in irrigation system

We have designed our agrivoltaic systems to meet another major challenge for the agricultural world, that of controlling water resources: our systems can feature a built-in irrigation system.

For irrigated land, our agricultural canopy can be equipped with an intelligent system that optimizes irrigation to save up to 30% in water use and costs. This device also saves labor time as it can be controlled remotely.

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Results of our demonstration program

-75%

-75% fewer days of stress over 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)

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)

Our solar farms

See all achievements

Agrivoltaic

Brouchy

Shading greatly limits the thermal stress associated with hot weather. We already have very good results in terms of biomass production. When it was very hot, we had almost doubled our production under the canopy compared to the control plot.

Yoann Bizet, farm operator in Souleuvre en Bocage

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

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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 footprint of the structure?

The agricultural canopy covers only 0.5% of the land area, which minimizes the loss of usable land.

Do I need to adapt my agricultural practices?

The agricultural canopy, due to its height (lowest point at 5m) and the width of its rows of 27m, is designed to maintain the agricultural use of the land and ensure that the vast majority of agricultural machinery on the market has room to pass underneath. There is no impact in terms of agricultural interventions or equipment.

Is the agricultural canopy compatible with all types of crops?

The agricultural canopy is compatible with the majority of field crops. Do not hesitate to contact our teams to find out more.

In case of maintenance, is there an impact on my crops?

We plan preventive maintenance operations between two crops, in consultation with the farmer. If part of the crop is impacted by a necessary intervention during cultivation, then we will compensate the farmer accordingly.