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.
Solutions agrivoltaiques de TSE, canopée agricole

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

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.

Solutions agrivoltaiques de TSE, système d'irrigation
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Results of our demonstration program

-75%
-75% fewer days of stress over the course of the cycle (Amance, 2022)
2/3
Un nombre égal ou supérieur d'heures dans des conditions climatiques optimales sous canopées pour 2 des 3 indicateurs pris en compte (Amance, Verdonnet et Brouchy, 2024)
=
Pas de différence significative de rendement sur le Soja variété Soprana (Amance, 2022)
0%
Le rendement du mélange prairial, au mois le plus chaud (août) sous la canopée a atteint le double du rendement de la zone témoin et a été équivalent de juin à octobre (Souleuvre en Bocage, 2024)
-2°C
-1 à -2°C lors des journées chaudes et ensoleillées (pour les T° aériennes extrêmes) (Amance, 2022 et 2024)
Jusqu'à -2°C à 30 cm de profondeur sur la période printanière et estivale
Shading strongly 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 almost doubled our production under the canopy compared to the control plot.
Yoann Bizet, farmer from Souleuvre-en-Bocage
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
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
It was important to us to maintain agricultural production, which is our core business, while at the same time being able to produce electricity in the heart of the region. TSE's agricultural canopy was the most flexible and open : all our equipment passes under the structure, which is positioned at a height of 5m.
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.

Présence

Une équipe d’experts pour accompagner les agriculteurs et développer les solutions les plus adaptées

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.