Our agrivoltaic experimentation program

TSE has launched a trial program covering a very wide range of plant species and varieties, as well as several types of livestock, throughout France.

Why a pilot program ?

The benefits of agrivoltaics are evident in the field. This is the purpose of the experimental program conducted by TSE at its power plants:

to test the effects of agrivoltaic solutions on crops and livestock,
to test seeds and irrigation methods,
to compile data,
to compare results with control areas without solar panels,
to measure agronomic and climatic impacts,
and to refine the systems in collaboration with our agricultural and scientific partners.

Cultures sous la canopée agricole, TSE agrivoltaisme

Our agronomic monitoring method

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Our program is based on several pilot sites located throughout France. These sites follow a scientific testing protocol that was jointly developed and is carried out with our teams of expert agronomists in plant and animal biology, as well as our scientific and agricultural partners.

Each agronomic trial is designed to observe the effects of the agrivoltaic system on the microclimate, water balance, yields, crop quality, and animal welfare.

Comparison with a control area not covered by solar panels is essential: it allows us to distinguish between natural variations within a plot and effects that can be attributed to the agrivoltaic solution.

Our pilot sites

The Puyréaux agrivoltaic project

The Saint-Palais-de-Phiolin agrivoltaics project

The Chadeleuf agrivoltaics project

The Souleuvre en Bocage agrivoltaics project

The Verdonnet agrivoltaics project

The Brouchy agrivoltaics project

Amance's agrivoltaics project

Results of our demonstration program

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When properly configured and managed using appropriate agronomic practices, an agrivoltaic installation helps to improve the resilience of agricultural land in the face of climatic uncertainties.

TSE conducts its trials over periods of between 3 and 9 years. The initial published results indicate particularly positive effects over several years.

-20%

-20% average potential evapotranspiration (Chadeleuf, 2026)

-1,5°C

A reduced temperature range of approximately 1,5°C over 24 hours on average throughout the year (Brouchy, 2025 et 2026)

96%

96% yield compared with the control plot using ‘Robust’ management, and 90% yield using ‘Intensive’ management (Chadeleuf, 2026)

+3,3%

Barley grown under shade netting had a specific weight that was 3.3 per cent higher than that of the control (Chadeleuf, 2026)

-4°C

Air temperature at plant height was reduced by an average of about 4°C under the shade structure, compared to the control plot, during the hottest part of the day (on days when temperatures exceeded 30°C in Chadeleuf, May 2026)

Our projects

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Agrivoltaic

Amance

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Our agricultural partners

Any questions ?

Why does TSE use control zones?

The control area allows for a comparison between a plot equipped with dynamic solar panels and a similarly managed plot without an agrivoltaic system.

Which indicators are monitored in agronomic trials?

Depending on the site, indicators may include yield, quality, evapotranspiration, temperature, water stress, microclimate, and animal behavior. These are tracked year over year and compared, allowing for the optimization of both yields and the farmer's daily operations.

Can the results of the pilot program be generalized?

They must be interpreted on a site-by-site basis. The value of this experiment lies precisely in distinguishing between established results, emerging trends, and areas that still require measurement. At this stage, our results are particularly positive.