Installation of photovoltaic panels on agricultural buildings
Are you a farmer looking to diversify your income or reduce the construction costs of your building? Installing solar panels is a cost-effective and sustainable solution that allows you to generate your own energy while adding value to your farm.
The stages of your energy transition
Customized study
One of our experts will visit your farm to understand your needs. We will carry out a technical and feasibility study of your project, calculate the projected photovoltaic yield, and offer you the solution best suited to your needs.
Administrative procedures
We take care of all the administrative procedures to ensure the project runs smoothly and to make the process as seamless as possible for you.
Installation and commissioning
We will visit your farm to install your solar panels.
Servicing and maintenance
AR SERVICES is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of the facilities.
Why install solar panels on your farm?
Generate additional income
Managing your bills
Securing your investments
Animal safety and welfare
Enhancing the value of the farm
Choose the solution that best suits your needs
Total sales
Sell all of your electricity production to EDF at the regulated purchase price and enjoy a stable and sustainable additional income.
Self-consumption with sale of surplus
Use the energy you generate directly on your site and sell any surplus electricity to EDF at the current feed-in tariff.
Self-consumption with storage
Consume your own electricity and store the surplus in a battery to use when you need it.
Financing your solar power system
Bank loans
Some banks offer specific loans dedicated to renewable energy projects. These loans are designed to support farmers who wish to invest in photovoltaics, green energy production, or energy-efficient renovations to their buildings.
Grants
The government and local authorities actively support the energy transition in the agricultural sector. Depending on your region and the nature of your project, you may be eligible for subsidies to reduce the cost of your photovoltaic installation or to facilitate its financing.
The self-consumption bonus
The self-consumption bonus is for those who have photovoltaic panels and operate on a self-consumption basis, selling any surplus. In other words, you consume some of the electricity you generate from solar energy and sell the rest to a mandatory buyer (usually EDF OA).
Everything you need to know about agricultural photovoltaics
How does a photovoltaic installation work on agricultural land?
An agricultural photovoltaic installation relies on the use of photovoltaic panels composed of cells capable of capturing the sun's energy. This energy is then transformed into direct current, then converted into alternating current using inverters connected to the panels. It is in this form that the electricity produced is transmitted to the electrical grid or used directly to power the farm's equipment.
Where can photovoltaic panels be installed on agricultural land?
Each farm can adopt a customized configuration for the installation of photovoltaic panels, depending on the available surface area and production needs.
- Raise the photovoltaic panels on structures 4 to 5 meters high in order to preserve agricultural activities on the ground.
- Integrate panels into agricultural greenhouses, on roofs or vertical walls, to produce energy while optimizing light.
- Install panels on the roofs of existing buildings, such as barns or stables, to make use of already built-up areas.
- Install panels on agricultural plots using mobile or adjustable structures that can be adapted to the needs of crops and seasons.
What factors should be considered when installing solar panels on agricultural land?
Before embarking on a solar project, several key factors must be analyzed to ensure the viability and profitability of your installation.
Land characteristics:
The site must have good direct sunlight and an optimal south-facing orientation. A flat or slightly sloping surface (slope less than 5%) facilitates the installation of the panels and their efficiency. The space required will then be determined based on the desired power output of the installation.
Impact on agricultural activity:
The installation of photovoltaic panels occupies part of the land, which can reduce the amount of land available for cultivation. Some crops are more sensitive to shade than others, so a preliminary study is needed to find the right balance between agricultural production and energy production. Easy access for equipment maintenance and servicing must also be provided.
Local acceptability:
A solar project must also blend harmoniously into the landscape. It is therefore essential to communicate with neighbors to ensure that the project is well accepted and to avoid any opposition.
Terms and conditions:
To install a solar farm in France, it is necessary to:
- to own the land
- to obtain approval to connect to the EDF grid
- not to be subject to any contraindication by local authorities
Since the 2024 agrivoltaic decree, panels cannot cover more than 40% of agricultural land. It is also still possible to install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of agricultural buildings, which is often a simpler solution to implement.
What steps must be taken to install photovoltaic panels on agricultural land?
Before starting your project, it is essential to be familiar with the regulations in force. In France, there are several rules governing photovoltaic installations on agricultural land:
- Exclusion zones: The installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels is prohibited on arable land. Certain protected areas or areas of high ecological interest may also be excluded.
- Compatibility with agricultural activity: The project must remain compatible with the main agricultural activity and not compromise production. The objective is to ensure a sustainable balance between energy production and agricultural operations.
- Required permits: Depending on the power of the installation and the area occupied, a planning permit or building permit may be required. These procedures vary depending on the nature of the project and the municipality where it is located.
Once the regulations have been identified, it is essential to conduct a thorough feasibility study to assess the technical, economic, and agricultural viability of the project.
- Assessment of solar potential: analysis of sunlight exposure, orientation, and topography of the land
- System sizing: calculating the optimal power output and number of panels required
- Choice of equipment: selection of photovoltaic panels, inverters, and suitable components
- Agricultural impact assessment: identification of possible effects on crops, farming practices, and access to land.