Since 2022, the farm of Sylvain Raison, a farmer in Haute-Saône, has integrated an agrivoltaic canopy system. On three hectares covered by mobile photovoltaic panels, the farmer chose to grow wheat. This installation, perfectly adapted to field crops, offers promising agronomic results.
Sylvain Raison observes with satisfaction the spikes of a particular field: above him, solar panels form like an openwork roof. “This year wheat has suffered a bit from winter humidity, but we can clearly see that it is much prettier than that of the uncovered control method”, he is delighted. Three years ago, Sylvain Raison established a partnership with TSE, a leading company in photovoltaic and agrivoltaics development. With the support of the Alliance BFC cooperative, an agricultural canopy has been installed on three hectares of its farm.
An installation adapted to field crops
Composed of 5,500 photovoltaic panels, this demonstrator is the first in activity allowing total compatibility with the exploitation of field crops, with rows spaced 27 meters apart. Installed at a height of more than 5 meters, the solar panels are oriented east-west and follow the course of the Sun regularly. The installation generates 3.2 GWh per year with an installed capacity of 2.4 MWc. Under the canopy, Sylvain Raison has maintained his usual agricultural practices. “I continue to work without problems in conservation agriculture using direct seeding,” he confirms. All our tools vary in width and height. There is no problem adapting the equipment for field crops.”
Greener wheat under the canopy than on the control plot
After growing soybeans, Sylvain Raison chose to sow wheat under his agricultural canopy, next to a control plot. “The crop under the panels is developing well, notes Paul Buffler, of Alliance BFC. We just noticed a slight etiolation as well as a little delay in the sum of the degrees day compared to the control. Above all, we can see that wheat remains greener. The grain will be fed until harvest when the control is already in the ripening phase, which will impact the quality of the harvest.”
An educational tool at the service of the energy transition
This demonstration project, led by TSE, the farmer and the cooperative, involves nine years of trials to study the impact on different crops and climatic conditions, with supporting measurements and sensors. Beyond its experimental dimension, this demonstrator also serves as an educational tool, making it possible to inform professionals as well as the general public.
“Agrivoltaics in general - and an installation like this in particular - necessarily raises questions, continues Paul Buffler. This device is very important to show the reality of this new technology. Many of the visitors we welcome come with preconceived ideas. When they leave, it is usually with a much more positive opinion! ”
Agrivoltaics, an innovation at the service of sustainable agriculture
To deploy such a project, TSE works closely with the farmer, local authorities and citizens. At the heart of the challenges related to the energy transition, agrivoltaics makes it possible to meet several challenges: producing green energy, protecting crops from climatic hazards and offering stable incomes to farmers. “The owner of the land retains all his rights and the operator keeps his rural lease, details Steeve Muller of TSE. What we are offering is an emphyteutic tripartite lease concluded over a period of 40 years, which can be extended twice five years. Economically, it is the guarantee of a stable additional income over this entire period.”
The wheat under the canopy was harvested 12 days after that of the control plot, thus confirming the observations made in June.
Watch the video report on this pilot agrivoltaic canopy system.
