An experimentation program
Since 2022, the photovoltaic expert TSE has initiated an experimentation program in collaboration with farmers, by installing 4 agrivoltaic demonstrators across France. The aim is to study and measure the impact of shading on crops, in particular in terms of yield and protection against the effects of climate change.
Among the various agrivoltaic solutions existing on the market, the agricultural canopy of TSE is distinguished by its solar panels mobiles arranged at a height of 5 meters. La agricultural canopy thus facilitates the passage of vehicles and has little grip on the ground.
As an agrivoltaics reference, TSE has set up 4 demonstrators to better understand the effect of this technology on crops: Amance (70), Brouchy (80), Verdonnet (21) and Souleuvre en Bocage (14). The experiments focus on various crop species such as soybeans, soft winter wheat, winter barley, maize and potatoes. Various varieties have also been tested. In addition, on the Souleuvre en Bocage site, the agricultural canopy was installed on a temporary meadow.
>> Read more : The agricultural canopy, an innovative agrivoltaic system
Encouraging agronomic results under the agricultural canopy
First reassuring observation: the vegetative growth of the various crops took place in the same way under and outside the agricultural canopy.
The experiments then highlight a diversity of behaviors for each species under photovoltaic awnings, depending on the variety, seed density and fertilization.
For example, in Verdonnet in 2024, yield variability reached 35% between two different wheat varieties, each subject to the same modality of fertilizing.
Moreover, despite the variability in yields, the quality of the crops was homogeneous with minimal differences between crops and indicators, such as protein levels, sizing or even the specific weight of grains.
>> Read more : Optimized agricultural crop yield thanks to agrivoltaics
Better climate conditions thanks to rotating and partial shading
Observations carried out during three years of experimentation show that, out of all agrivoltaic demonstrators, the agricultural canopy creates a beneficial microclimate for cultures.
On average, the air temperature is lower by 0.2°C throughout the crop cycles. On hot and sunny days, this difference can reach -1 to -2°C.
Partial and rotating shading offered by the agricultural canopy also decreases soil temperature, down to -2°C at a depth of 30 cm in spring and summer.
The microclimate under the photovoltaic awnings contributes, during dry years, to reducing evapotranspiration and therefore to improving the water balance of soils. In 2022, a particularly dry year, the Amance site, for example, recorded a 75% decrease in days of water stress over the entire cycle under the agricultural canopy, compared to the control area.
A protective role against the stresses suffered by crops
The partial and rotating shading generated by the dynamic solar panels of the agricultural canopy protects crops against climatic hazards and offers agronomic benefits to the plants.
For example, during hot and dry years such as in 2022 in Amance, on the Soprana soybean variety, no significant difference in yield was observed between crops located under and outside the agricultural canopy.
In Souleuvre en Bocage in 2024, the weather conditions were similar to previous years. In August, the hottest month, the yield of the meadow mix under the agricultural canopy reached twice the yield of the control plot. It was equivalent from June to October.
On the other hand, in 2024, the demonstrators in Amance, Verdonnet and Brouchy faced an exceptionally rainy climate, not very sunny and with few temperature extremes. Under these unusual conditions, a slight decrease in yields under the agricultural canopy was observed, compared to the control areas.
Photovoltaic shades protect against hail
TSE's agricultural canopy protects crops from hail, as evidenced by Sylvain Raison, a farmer on the agrivoltaic demonstrator from Amance: “In 2022, after an episode of hail after the soybean outbreak, I was able to notice damage in the control area. The soybeans implanted under the solar panels were better protected.”.
TSE's agrivoltaics experiment continues
These initial results confirm the protective role of the agricultural canopy in the face of climatic hazards and the stresses suffered by plants, especially in hot and dry periods. The variability of yields within the same species depending on the variety and the technical itinerary highlights the importance of continuing research and the agronomic monitoring.
The TSE experimental program is therefore continuing, with the aim of optimizing performance. agronomic Under the photovoltaic awnings. Other pilot sites, such as agricultural canopies or Cultivation shade, will be gradually established throughout the country.
Discover in images the agrivoltaic installation built in 2023 at Benoit Bougler's house in Brouchy.
>> To find out more about the agricultural canopy : contact TSE.
