Agrivoltaism: crops first

In early January 2022, the Senate passed, by a large majority, a resolution calling on the government to better regulate agrivoltaic projects. The text makes their development conditional on a commitment: that they give priority to agricultural production over energy production. Since then, the APER law of March 10, 2023, on accelerating renewable energy production has enshrined this principle, in particular its implementing regulation of April 8, 2024, and the maximum coverage rates it sets forth.

Fixed or dynamic photovoltaic panels on farmland, vineyards, or pastures. As land is a coveted commodity, these installations are currently experiencing rapid growth in France, giving rise to worrying abuses. Lagging behind its renewable energy development target (19% compared to 23% in 2020), France has committed to investing heavily in solar energy. The multi-year energy plan for the period 2019-2028 thus aims to increase capacity from 10 to 20 gigawatt-peak (GWp) in 2023, reaching 35 GWp to 44 GWp in 2028. At a rate of one MWp per hectare, this target requires the installation of photovoltaic panels on some 30,000 hectares. After abandoned industrial sites (brownfields, quarries, etc.), which are now all in use, investors are increasingly turning to agricultural land, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of the land in France.

Photovoltaics: land speculation

For farmers, it is tempting to welcome such projects on their land. Indeed, the rents paid by energy companies are up to ten times higher than agricultural incomes, which are in constant decline. As a result, land prices are skyrocketing, preventing young farmers from setting up. In addition to the increasing artificialization of this agricultural land, there is also a risk of the country losing its food autonomy.

On the other hand, agrivoltaic installations can offer agronomic benefits. For example, the shade provided by panels over vineyards in southern France limits scorching temperatures and water shortages in summer. In winter, on the other hand, their presence can reduce the impact of late frosts. These structures also allow nets to be installed to protect against hail or certain unwanted animals (insects, birds, etc.).

However, an agrivoltaic installation cannot prioritize energy over agriculture. A 2009 decree prohibits favoring one over the other. However, in the absence of clear regulations, there are many loopholes. As a result, we have seen a proliferation of hangars. free for farmers, provided that they allow a photovoltaic roof to be installed on it, or greenhouses covered with solar panels, whose shadows made it impossible to grow any vegetables...

Agrivoltaics: a welcome reference framework

Since then, the industry and public authorities have been working to prevent such abuses. The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) now requires in its calls for tenders that agrivoltaic projects must first meet an agricultural need. by enabling demonstrable operational synergy This priority has been taken up by the young association France Agrivoltaïsme, which brings together the main players in the sector. ADEME, the French energy transition agency, has undertaken a study of around 100 agrivoltaic installations, the results of which are expected to be released shortly.

It was in this context that a project developer approached us: selected as part of the Investing in the Future Program (PIA), he needed to produce a technical reference framework to qualify virtuous projects that give priority to agriculture. , says Jérémie Mella, product manager at AFNOR certification. This led to the creation of the label. Agrivoltaic project on crops which promotes virtuous projects that have a positive impact on agricultural performance. The standard does not make any selection based on photovoltaic technology: both fixed and dynamic panels (1-axis or 2-axis) are eligible. It is the project that is evaluated, insists Jérémie Mella, throughout its life cycle, from commissioning to operation, using a multi-criteria assessment. This is not a rigid application, but a combination of mandatory requirements and the achievement of a minimum score that takes into account the specific characteristics of each project and each culture.

Agrivoltaics: planning control areas

The initial certification audit assesses the project's resources at the design stage. The energy project must be adapted to agricultural operations and give them priority. The system must therefore provide sufficient light for crops. The shadows cast by fixed photovoltaic panels must not cover more than 50% of the surface area, and the foundations must not cover more than 10%. Systems must be reversible , insists Jérémie Mella. The installation of the panels must also be adapted to the technical agricultural route: they must be high enough and spaced far enough apart to allow all the agricultural machinery necessary for farming to pass through.

Next, to retain the label, the developer must apply best practices to the construction of the plant and then to its operation. The machinery used for construction and maintenance must not compact the soil or disrupt agricultural production. Control areas and agrivoltaic surfaces are regularly monitored by independent bodies in order to assess the impact of the system on agronomic results, a measure included in the decree of April 8, 2024. Priority is given to measuring the volume and quality of agricultural production during a normal year, the project's ability to maintain this production in unfavorable climatic conditions, and the co-benefits it can bring to farmers and their environment. In this regard, it is essential that farmers learn how to operate the solar system. For example, they must be able to raise the panels to a vertical position over a wheat crop to allow the combine harvester to pass.

The agrivoltaic label soon to be extended to livestock farming

Finally, a final assessment of agricultural performance takes place five years after cultivation begins, with an intermediate stage at three years, in order to make adjustments if necessary. When it comes to assessing results, better yields are expected thanks to the protection offered by the panels against climatic hazards. The installation must also demonstrate long-term economic profitability and a favorable environmental impact in terms of biodiversity.

Barely established, the label is already being sought after by several agrivoltaic project developers. It has also just been included in the recommendations of the Drôme Departmental Directorate for Territories for agrivoltaic projects in its territory. It is also cited in the work of a parliamentary mission on the subject ( watch here, at the 56th minute ). It should quickly become an essential reference for project developers, pending its adaptation to projects installed on land intended for livestock farming.