2.9 MWc agrivoltaic project on a farm
Wishing to diversify the activities of his farm, the farmer Yoann Bizet first became interested in installing solar panels on his buildings. It is in this context that he discovered agrivoltaics, an innovative approach that combines the production of energy at height while maintaining and protecting agricultural production on the ground. Convinced by the potential of this sustainable solution, he initiated the project in 2018. In December 2023, The agrivoltaic installation is commissioned: 5184 modules, spread over 3 hectares, for an installed capacity of 2.9 MWp, and an expected annual production of 3.59 GWh.
A solution adapted to animal welfare issues
After a first year of use, the positive effects are already visible, especially on the comfort of animals, who benefit from the shade provided by the solar panels.
“After a year, the results are very positive, he notes. The structure provides shade for my animals throughout the day. Because yes, even in Normandy, we are experiencing heat peaks more and more often. As soon as temperatures rise above 22°C, dairy cows suffer and seek shade. It is also for this reason that 15 years ago, we made the choice to stop grazing. But thanks to the installation of this agricultural canopy, our cows are grazing again, in excellent conditions.”
The farmer compared the behavior of two herds, one placed under the solar panels of the agrivoltaic installation and the other in a conventional meadow, near his buildings:
“When the temperature rises, the unsheltered cows go under the shed to take shelter in the shade while the others continue to graze: the animals' thermal stress is limited and their comfort is increased,” he summarizes. Ultimately, the idea is also to quantify the impact on milk production.”
Encouraging agronomic results
The positive effects of the agrivoltaics project also extend to crops. The grasslands located under the solar panels in the agricultural canopy have shown a marked improvement in biomass production.
“For them too, the findings are indisputable. The grassland biomass produced was twice as large under the canopy in August 2024,” explains Yoann Bizet.
The analyses carried out confirm this observation: yields increased from 50% to 100% during the drought episodes of summer 2024 and summer 2025.
A secure and sustainable economic model
Beyond the benefits for agriculture and animal welfare, the agrivoltaics project set up by Yoann Bizet with TSE is also a financial asset.
The economic interest of the project is fully assumed by the farmer. This system provides him with a regular additional income, paid in the form of annual rent. This framework is formalized by an emphyteutic lease for a period of forty years, thus offering long-term financial visibility and contributing to the sustainability of its operation.
With regard to the partner chosen to carry out this project, the farmer declares himself fully satisfied with having opted for TSE, a leading player in agrivoltaics in France:
“The strong agricultural sensitivity and the listening of the company's experts throughout the project reassured me and allowed me to carry it out calmly.”
Do you have an agrivoltaics project? Contact TSE, a reference in agrivoltaics in France.
