Crop agrivoltaic structure

for fallow fields

Overview
The photovoltaic fallow-land solution enables electricity production while preserving agricultural use and biodiversity. The system combines fixed low-footprint panels and layouts compatible with routine agricultural operations, allowing coexistence of energy production and farming activities.

Land prerequisites

• Fallow land registered under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for at least 6 years.
• Minimum area to propose: 15 hectares.
• Preferably flat terrain with limited visibility from nearby dwellings.

Key installation points

• Fixed panels designed for minimal ground footprint to preserve agricultural surface.
• Ground anchoring by metal piles (reversible system without concrete use).
• Positions and spacing adapted to permit circulation and interventions with tractors.
• Layout conceived to maintain biodiversity and contribute to land rehabilitation.

Benefits

• Additional and stable revenue stream through electricity sales.
• Improved land management and rehabilitation via photovoltaic layout.
• Shading reduces evaporation, helping to conserve water and limit soil drying.

FAQ and regulatory/contractual information

• Agrivoltaics does not necessarily devalue agricultural land; panels can protect crops and animals.
• At project level, up to 40% of the farm area may be covered by panels (commonly applied limit).
• Typical project steps: assessment of solar potential and available area, estimate of grid connection distance, development of a detailed technical plan, submission of the file to the municipality.
• Power purchase agreements are typically 20 years; the feed-in tariff is fixed when the complete grid connection request is registered.
• Beyond roughly 15 km of connection distance, ground-mounted profitability decreases due to connection costs.
• Recycling: panels are made of silicon, aluminium, glass and electrical components; industrial recycling streams allow a high recycling rate (e.g. >95% in some plants).
• Panel lifetime: installations are generally warranted for 20 years; panel lifespan can reach approximately 35 years depending on manufacturers and technologies.
• Panel quality: modules from Chinese manufacturers can offer quality comparable to leading market brands.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Installation type: Fixed photovoltaic panels with low ground footprint.
• Mounting system: Metal pile foundations (reversible, no concrete).
• Target minimum area: >= 15 hectares.
• Maximum possible farm coverage: 40% of the surface (commonly applied limit).
• Power purchase agreement duration: 20 years.
• Indicative panel lifetime: up to ~35 years.
• Connection distance impacting profitability: indicative threshold ~15 km.
• Panel recyclability: industrial recycling streams exist; high recycling rates achievable (e.g. >95% in some plants).