Photovoltaic Crop Canopies
How does a crop canopy work?
A photovoltaic crop canopy is an installation designed to protect an agricultural plot while producing solar energy.
Our canopy models are tailored to each agricultural project and meet the specific needs of each crop. Mounted on trackers, they are controlled by an algorithm that adjusts in real-time to the crops’ needs based on weather conditions.
The mobile solar panels automatically adapt to protect the crops and maximize renewable energy production. The algorithm, supported by sensors and a biaxial motorized system, optimizes the orientation of the modules.
Agricultural photovoltaic canopies are perfectly suited for vineyards, fruit trees, forage, and large-scale crops. This agricultural production tool enables high plant productivity through the automatic adjustment of the panels.
Our agricultural expertise at the service of your farm
We have developed unique expertise and are now specialists in developing agricultural tools tailored to farmers’ needs. Our R&D program and the agronomic monitoring we implement provide precise feedback on crops, contributing to advancing agricultural research under photovoltaic canopies and improving agricultural quality and yield. To achieve this, we collaborate with specialized organizations in the agricultural sector and also integrate our field experience into a continuous improvement approach.
Among them, we can mention:
Vergers Cancel, a French company founded in 1900 in Tarn-et-Garonne specializing in the production of fruits such as kiwis, plums, grapes, and cherries, grouping over 400 fruit growers from the Southwest of France.
Today, we capitalize on this long-standing agronomic expertise, particularly acquired through our solar greenhouses, for the realization of crop canopies and apply this know-how to our various agricultural applications such as arboriculture, viticulture, horticulture, and market gardening.
What are the advantages of a crop canopy?
Offering crop protection and support for your agricultural activity, crop canopies provide numerous agronomic and economic benefits:
PROTECT
crops from extreme weather events (hail) and leaf burns due to excessive solar exposure
CREATE
a favorable microclimate under the panels: the partial shading provided by the modules lowers ground temperature and reduces evapotranspiration
IMPROVE
your productivity & diversify your crops: elevated structures are designed to allow the passage of machinery and the production of various crops
DEVELOP & MODERNIZE
your agricultural operation by limiting your investments to agricultural equipment alone
INTEGRATE
an automatic irrigation system and install nets for pest protection
PRODUCE
decarbonized and local energy, thus contributing to the energy transition of your territory
BENEFIT
from additional income
They trust us
Having worked with Urbasolar for many years for the production and marketing of kiwis under photovoltaic greenhouses, we are in the process of signing a partnership for crop canopies. Like greenhouses, photovoltaic canopies play a crucial role in crop protection. By installing these structures, we create a more favorable environment beneficial to fruit trees. In addition to providing effective protection against direct sunlight, thereby reducing thermal stress on trees, the canopies prevent damage caused by adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or hailstorms, which are particularly destructive to crops. This solar solution is a long-term investment that not only protects our crops but also makes them more resilient to climate change.
Stéphane LIMOUSIN
Technical manager at Vergers Cancel
References
Surface:
7 Ha
Agricultural activity
The crop canopies of this agrivoltaic project located in Gard will allow the operator to protect and develop their kiwi cultivation. The crop canopies are equipped with trackers to provide the necessary light for the crops.
Power of the agrivoltaic plant: 2.1 MWp
Our other
solutions
As a true expert in photovoltaic technology, we are able to provide the solution that matches your site and your expectations.
Across the territory, our teams support you in carrying out your solar projects.
