Agrivoltaics represents a major step towards more resilient and sustainable agriculture. By combining agricultural production and solar energy on the same plot of land, this approach meets two key challenges: energy transition and adaptation to climatic challenges (drought, frost, heat waves). Thanks to the shading and thermal regulation provided by solar panels, crops benefit from better protection, while optimizing crop yields and reducing the use of inputs.
Agrivoltaics: combining solar energy and agriculture
Agrivoltaics involves the installation of photovoltaic panels on farms. To qualify, a project must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Protect crops against climatic hazards (hot weather, frost, drought).
- Improve animal welfare, in particular by providing shade for free-range livestock.
- Optimize crop yields thanks to more favorable microclimatic conditions.
Guarantee economic equilibrium without reducing farmers’ productivity or income.
Irrigated agrivoltaics: a promising innovation
Combining solar energy and irrigation on the same plot of land represents a real technical challenge. It involves superimposing two networks:
- an electrical network
- an irrigation network, while ensuring smooth, efficient day-to-day management for the farmer.
The main challenges of an irrigated agrivoltaic project are :
- Access to water resources and the choice of irrigation method best suited to crops.
- Integration of infrastructure (solar panels, pumping and water distribution systems).
- Optimizing management to avoid wasting energy and water.
The importance of intelligent irrigation systems
Smart irrigation is essential for maximizing the efficiency of agrivoltaic systems. Thanks to sensors and IoT (Internet of Things), these systems enable:
✅ Automated irrigation management, adjusted to actual crop needs.
✅ A reduction in water consumption, thanks to targeted, optimized watering.
✅ Real-time monitoring, remotely accessible by the farmer via a mobile application.
By combining solar energy and precision irrigation, irrigated agrivoltaics offers a sustainable and profitable solution for the agriculture of the future.
SOVERDI: a committed player in irrigated agrivoltaics
At SOVERDI, we support farmers in implementing high-performance agrivoltaic solutions tailored to their needs. Thanks to strategic partnerships, we design and install systems that combine renewable energy and optimization of natural resources.
➡️ Would you like to find out more about irrigated agrivoltaics and its benefits for your farm?
Read the previous article : Cashew nut cultivation: the importance of good irrigation
