Row crop agrivoltaic canopy

OverviewThe TSE crop shade crop shading system improves agro-climatic conditions for crops while producing green energy. It uses dynamic, intelligently controlled solar panels to generate partial, rotating shade that reduces climatic stress (drought, high temperatures, excess light, spring frost) while preserving the agronomic potential of the plot.

Key advantages

• Solution adapted to the main crop types
• Compatible with agricultural machinery (clearance for machinery approximately 15 m)
• Minimal land footprint to optimize cultivated area
• Smart panel control addressing crop agro-climatic needs and farmer requirements
• Active panels generating partial and rotating shade to protect crops from climatic hazards
• Contributes to long-term income stability for landowners and farmers

Smart technology & control features

• Automatic adjustment of panels according to crop type and growth stage
• Automatic maximum tilt of panels in heavy rain to ensure even water runoff and limit soil erosion
• Optimized panel positioning to facilitate farming operations
• Panel positioning driven by crop agro-climatic requirements

Agronomic benefits

• Lower canopy temperatures and protection against excessive light during summer
• Reduced evapotranspiration, lowering water stress and saving irrigation water
• Reduced risk of spring frost
• Helps stabilize yields and improve resilience in dry conditions
• Demonstration results: -35% average potential evapotranspiration (Verdonnet, 2025); ~-1°C reduced 24 h temperature range on average; +18% yield vs non-piloted area (Verdonnet, 2025); similar annual yields with improved resilience in dry years (Souleuvre-en-Bocage, 2024-2025); -4°C average air temperature reduction at plant height during hottest part of the day on days >30°C (Chadeleuf, May 2026)

Projects & field implementationThe solution has been deployed and tested in demonstration projects, notably the Chadeleuf agrivoltaics project within TSE's experimental program. Field deployment uses piled metal-stake foundations to support the solar arrays and provide resilience to climatic hazards.

Operation & maintenanceTSE plans and performs maintenance operations (including preventive maintenance between crop cycles). When interventions impact standing crops, compensation measures are provided as agreed with the farmer.

Technical specifications

• Commercial name / model: Crop shading system (TSE crop shade)
• Brand: TSE
• Suitable crop height: designed for crops below approximately 1.60 m
• Compatibility with machinery: clearance for agricultural machinery up to approximately 15 m
• Panel behaviour: active control with partial and rotating shade; automatic tilt to maximum angle in heavy rain
• Foundations: preference for piled metal-stake foundations driven into the ground
• Agronomic targets: reduce evapotranspiration, limit heat stress, protect against excess light and spring frost, stabilize yields and improve resilience in dry conditions
• Demonstration data references: Verdonnet (2025), Souleuvre-en-Bocage (2024-2025), Chadeleuf (May 2026)