Agrivoltaics
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE, expert in photovoltaic solutions, is committed to the development of your agricultural activity and supports you in maximizing the value of your land with a solution of agrivoltaics!
What is agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics is a concept that combines agricultural production with electricity. This simple definition conceals several visions of the opportunities related to this concept. GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE considers that for agrivoltaics, regardless of its interpretation, the major challenge of the project is to support agricultural production.
You are a farm owner,
farmer or landowner…?
Value your farmland
Contact our experts to help you develop your solar power plant project!
What are the advantages of a photovoltaic farm building?
Additional income
Optimizing land with limited agricultural potential
Adapting to climate change
Contributing to the energy transition
How does it work?
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE is committed to the agricultural sector and thus adapts its plant concepts to the projects and their location. The density, orientation of the solar panels, as well as the height, fixing and technology of the tables are carefully selected to suit the specific needs of each farming project.
The spacing between the tables is designed to allow the passage of an agricultural machine to perform simple mechanical work. Solar panels also create shade and thus promote the welfare of herds and grass growth by creating microclimates.
The design of the project and solar power plant is done in coordination with the farm operator.
The agricultural project is therefore at the heart of agrivoltaics!
Why implement a solution of agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics represents a real opportunity for farmers to sustain their agricultural activities. An agrivoltaics project guarantees additional income, a valorization of the lands with lower potential, but also allows adaptation to climate change. Farmers thus participate in the energy transition, making them actors of renewable energies.
agrivoltaics also helps farmers to diversify their agricultural activities and supports them in the transition of their agricultural practices thanks to the additional income provided, over time, by the installation of a solar power plant. This facilitates the transmission of farms.
agrivoltaics projects are designed as full-fledged territory projects.
What is the cost of installing a power plant as part of an agricultural project?
The cost of a photovoltaic power plant depends on various factors (studies, connection costs to the public grid, surface area, type of technology, etc.) and takes into account the price of the necessary equipment as well as its implementation by professionals.
The installation of a solar power plant as part of an agrivoltaics project represents a substantial investment over a long period. Générale du Solaire covers the full investment costs.
What is the minimum area to install a solar power plant on agricultural land as part of an agrivoltaics project?
Générale du Solaire develops photovoltaic power plants on agricultural land, only in the context of a true co-farming activity on the site with a minimum surface area of 10 hectares.
What is the solution for cultivated land?
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE has developed a partnership with Sun’Agri, concerning a dynamic agrivoltaics solution, in order to set up a specific organization guaranteeing the optimal development of the plant. Générale du Solaire provides protection for crops with specific solar structures (agricultural shade) that shade the plant according to its needs, in real time, thanks to the software developed by Sun’Agri that ensures agronomic monitoring with professional organizations. Viticulture, fruit trees… solutions adapted to each sector, for areas from 3 ha.
The stages of a solar project
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE supports you in the realization of your agrivoltaics project. If you want to value your agricultural land, and want to participate in the energy transition, opt for our turnkey agrivoltaics solution.
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE supports you through every step of your project:
Submission of
planning permission
Submission to the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE)
* Please note: stage 1 only applies to ground-mounted and on-water projects.
Why put your trust in Générale du Solaire
for an agrivoltaics project?
Expertise
A key player in the sector since 2008, we are a French group, an independent green power producer and experts in solar projects. We master the entire photovoltaic project value chain, from development to operation.
Commitment to quality
and the environment
We are committed to quality in everything we do and have obtained ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. As a member of the Soren association, we are already planning the future dismantling of photovoltaic power plants and the recycling of solar panels.
Flexibility and responsiveness
Flexibility and responsiveness are part of our DNA, enabling us to respond and adapt to the specific needs of each photovoltaic project.
FAQ
Is it easy to dismantle a solar power plant?
Générale du Solaire installs the structure of the solar panels on easily removable piles and participates in the provision of the dismantling works and the recycling of the panels. At the beginning and end of the lease, an agricultural inventory is carried out.
I own a plot of land — could it be profitable to install a solar power plant?
The agricultural project being the priority of the agrivoltaics project, our experts first analyze the typology of the land, but above all, identify how a solar power plant solution can be compatible with the agricultural project.
Are there any subsidies available for the installation of a solar power plant as part of an agrivoltaics project?
Today, there are no specific aids for the installation of solar power plants. Nevertheless, in the context of a project with Générale du Solaire, the cost and financing of the power plant are covered by the group, which pays for itself on the resale of electricity during the term of the lease.
The agricultural project being at the heart of the agrivoltaics project, Générale du Solaire defines a balanced remuneration of the landowner and the farmer.
What type of crop/livestock for a agrivoltaics project?
Générale du Solaire develops agrivoltaics projects on meadows and pastures for cattle and sheep farming mainly, but also for all other types of livestock. For land dedicated to cultivation, Générale du Solaire develops dynamic agrivoltaics in partnership with Sun’Agri for market gardening, fruit and plant crops.
