Understanding Dynamic Agrivoltaics
Sun’Agri’s dynamic agrivoltaics is a pioneering French innovation designed specifically for crops and livestock. This solution dynamically adjusts the amount of sunlight reaching the crops by tilting mobile solar panels mounted on a louver system that works in harmony with artificial intelligence algorithms, crop growth models, and in situ instrumentation. The technology isn’t just about generating green electricity – the modules are crafted to protect plants and animals from climatic hazards such as drought, hail, thunderstorms, and heat waves. Essentially, while the solar panels build clean energy, they first prioritize the crops’ needs with a controlled shading system specifically designed for field conditions, ensuring that the light benefits the crops or livestock before generating energy. It’s a win-win solution that has been rigorously tested on over 30 operational plots and 10 experimental sites, proving its value in a real-world context.
Main Benefits at a Glance
- 93% of farmers have experienced major climatic hazards in the last three years (source: Ipsos x Sun’Agri)…
- Up to 50% less water usage, helping preserve yields even under extreme conditions
- Improved yields through optimized light management
- Protection against weather hazards: up to -10°C at the soil level during heatwaves
- Enhanced animal welfare and the ability to maintain +3°C at night during late frost conditions
- Supplementary income for farms, thanks to revenue from green energy production
The Mechanics Behind the Innovation
Dynamic agrivoltaics is a solution that directly addresses the unpredictable effects of climate change on agriculture. It uses controlled shading – a clever mix of technology and practical agronomy – to adjust sun exposure on demand. When crops require protection from excessive sunlight or extreme heat, the mobile solar panels are tilted to provide optimal shade. Conversely, when maximum sun exposure is needed, the panels adjust accordingly, ensuring that the energy production continues without compromising the health of the crops. This innovative approach is underpinned by sensors and algorithms that continuously monitor the crops’ needs… making it a dynamic system that adapts in real time to ever-changing conditions.
A Comprehensive Agrivoltaic Project Approach
Each agrivoltaic project follows a structured, yet flexible roadmap, ensuring that every farm’s specific needs are met. The process begins with a detailed analysis by a dedicated Sun’Agri advisor who evaluates the farm’s goals and potential. Following this, all necessary administrative procedures and interactions with local authorities are handled, so there are no hassles for the farmer. Financing is secured through a model where the project is fully funded via the sale of the solar electricity generated. This unique financial model ensures that the farmer remains in control of the land while benefiting from supplementary income. The engineering team then supervises the construction of the structure high enough—typically 4 to 5 meters above ground level—so that any machinery can pass underneath. Once construction is complete, the installation is integrated into daily operations with tailored shading management practices that are defined in collaboration with the farmer.
State-of-the-Art Technology in Agrivoltaics
This solution is not just about energy or crop protection alone—it intertwines agriculture improvements with renewable energy generation in one comprehensive system. The heart of the technology is a louver with mobile solar panels. These panels are monitored by advanced artificial intelligence mixing algorithms, which take into account detailed crop growth models and local field instrumentation. This means the panels “know” when to tilt and how much to incline, ensuring crops receive the ideal balance of light and shade. The solar panels are mounted on a structure that stands 4 to 5 meters above the ground, allowing complete freedom for any farming machinery to pass safely. This combination of inventive technology and practical design makes the system robust, efficient, and highly adaptable to a wide range of farming practices.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By ensuring improved yields and safeguarding crops, this technology aids in food security.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – It promotes the generation of sustainable, green electricity.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The innovative agrivoltaic approach pushes the boundaries of agricultural and energy integration.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Protecting crops against climatic hazards directly supports efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Securing the Future of Agriculture
The integration of dynamic agrivoltaics into modern farming provides a multifaceted solution to today’s agricultural challenges. With this technology, farmers are not only better equipped to face unpredictable weather events but also given the opportunity to diversify their income without compromising the productivity of their fields. By ensuring that light is managed to prioritize crop and livestock welfare—before energy generation—the system simultaneously addresses climate adaptation, the preservation of local varieties, and enhanced animal welfare. There’s a casual sense of innovation here, almost as if nature and technology are having a friendly conversation about the best ways to support agriculture. This balance between practical agronomic benefits and renewable energy creation is paving the way for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future, where every element of the system works in tandem to secure the longevity and prosperity of farms.
