Sheep agrivoltaic structure

Overview
Agrivoltaic solution dedicated to sheep farming that combines solar electricity production and sheep grazing, with panel arrangement designed to preserve grazing area and ensure animal welfare.

Land prerequisites

• Land declared under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as grassland.
• Recommended minimum area: 15 hectares.
• Preferably flat land with limited visibility from nearby residences.

Key installation points

• Tilting and pivoting panels providing shade and moving across the pasture while maintaining a low ground footprint to preserve sheep grazing space.
• Shelter for sheep beneath panels in case of weather extremes (heat, frost, rain).
• Adapted agricultural passages: up to 15 m access for tractors, positioned to allow farm interventions.
• Minimum clearance under panels adjustable according to the type of flock to ensure sheep safety.

Benefits

• Stable additional revenue stream through electricity sales.
• Improved animal welfare via shade and shelter from bad weather.
• Reduction of thermal and hydric stress for animals.
• Shade reduces evaporation, helps conserve water and prevents pasture drying.

Partnerships and support
Offer of formal partnership agreements and local expertise, including a site study (solar potential, available area, distance to grid connection) carried out by the project developer.

F.A.Q. (excerpts)

• Does agrivoltaics devalue the agricultural land used? No. Panels produce electricity while protecting crops and animals from weather conditions.
• What percentage of agricultural area can be covered by panels? In an agrivoltaic project, up to 40% of the farm area may be covered.
• What are the steps to implement an agrivoltaic project? Evaluation of solar potential, estimation of available surface, grid connection study, preparation of technical plans and submission of the permit application to the municipality.
• At what price is solar kilowatt-hour sold? The sale price is close to the market purchase price of electricity and regulated (power purchase agreements over 20 years; tariff set when the connection request is registered).
• Are solar panels recyclable? Yes: they are made of silicon, aluminum, glass and electrical components. Industrial channels now allow recycling of more than 95% of the panel; many manufacturers participate in take-back programs.
• What is the lifespan of a solar panel? Installations are guaranteed for 20 years; panel lifespan up to 35 years depending on technology and equipment.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Application type: Agrivoltaics for sheep farming.
• Recommended minimum area: 15 hectares.
• Maximum authorized coverage: 40% of the agricultural area.
• Panels: tilting and pivoting for adjustable shading.
• Ground footprint: designed to be low to preserve pasture.
• Agricultural access: up to 15 m for interventions and tractors.
• Clearance under panels: adjustable according to flock type to ensure sheep safety.
• Animal protection: shelter against heat, frost and rain under panels.
• Recycling: industrial channels enabling >95% panel recycling.
• Installation warranty: 20 years; panel lifespan: up to 35 years (depending on manufacturer and technology).
• Feasibility study: assessment of solar potential, available area and distance to grid connection required.