The development of renewable energies, particularly photovoltaics, in the agricultural sector has become a priority to achieve energy transition goals. However, this expansion must be done while preserving agricultural soils. Thus, the concept of agrivoltaics has emerged in France, describing the combination of photovoltaic production with a primary agricultural activity, requiring a demonstrable synergy of operation.
This study aims to precisely define agrivoltaics and characterize photovoltaic projects on agricultural land. It relies on a literature review, interviews with farmers and developers, and the expertise of a dedicated committee. The feedback highlights benefits such as access to agricultural structures at lower costs, while also emphasizing the need to deepen agronomic knowledge regarding shading effects and suitable business models.
In the context of growing interest in agrivoltaics and its financial support by the government, it becomes crucial to clarify the agricultural synergy justification of these systems. This study contributes to providing evaluation criteria and recommendations for agrivoltaic projects, while underlining the importance of preserving the agricultural vocation of the land involved.
