Agrivoltaics

Combining agriculture and energy production, without compromise

From its very beginnings, Corsica Sole has developed close ties with the agricultural sector, notably by equipping farm buildings in Corsica with photovoltaic panels. This collaboration gradually expanded to the use of ground-mounted solar power plants for sheep grazing, well before agrivoltaics benefited from a dedicated regulatory framework.

Feedback from these early projects highlighted the synergies that can exist between extensive livestock farming and renewable energy production. Building on this experience, Corsica Sole has continued to develop agrivoltaic projects, now governed by specific regulatory texts that secure their uses and define the conditions for their deployment.

An agronomic approach at the heart of every project

Agrivoltaics is a relevant solution when it is designed in line with existing farming practices and monitored over the long term. Depending on pedoclimatic conditions and livestock systems, it can help create shaded areas and a localised microclimate, providing protection against certain climatic hazards and contributing to pasture management.

At Corsica Sole, agrivoltaic projects are custom-designed to adapt to the realities of each farm, in particular to ensure:

• suitability for extensive livestock farming (sheep, cattle, horses, etc.);
• continuity of existing agricultural practices;
• harmonious integration into rural areas and their local ecosystems.

A partnership built on expertise and proximity

Because every farm, herd and plot of land has its own specific characteristics, Corsica Sole develops its projects in close collaboration with farmers and local territorial stakeholders.

This approach relies on a dedicated team of agronomists, who support projects from the prospecting phase through to commissioning, and who also provide ongoing monitoring throughout the entire lifetime of the power plants. Their role is to ensure that technical and layout choices meet agricultural needs and remain fully compatible with the farmer’s day-to-day activity.

Custom-designed projects

Each agrivoltaic project is unique and requires a tailored approach. Corsica Sole has the flexibility needed to adapt installations to land constraints and agricultural uses: structure height and spacing, plot layout, livestock movement, and seasonal resource management.

The objective is to adapt each installation to the realities of the partner farm. No two projects are alike, because no two farms operate in the same way or face the same technical, climatic or economic constraints.

On this site, Corsica Sole has developed a tracker-equipped photovoltaic power plant, combined with an adjacent livestock building. This configuration facilitates agricultural operations on the site while ensuring renewable energy production tailored to the farmer’s needs and to local constraints.

Two main structure types can be adapted to different agricultural systems and site characteristics:

Elevated Fixed Structures — Sheep & Cattle Farming Systems

• Minimum clearance height: 1.5 m
• Tilt angle: 20–30°
• Suitable for grazing
• Spacing adapted to vegetation cover

Single-Axis Tracker Structures — Cattle Farming & Mixed Cropping Systems

• Motorized solar tracking
• Position adjustable to agricultural activities
• Height: 2.20–2.60 m
• Energy yield increase: up to +15–25% (depending on site conditions)

Challenges and Outlook: Supporting Agriculture Sustainably

In the face of the climatic and economic challenges confronting the agricultural sector, agrivoltaics can serve as a complementary solution, provided it is designed with rigor and responsibility. By combining renewable energy generation with the continuation of agricultural activities, it contributes to the long-term viability of farms and the sustainable use of agricultural land.

At Corsica Sole, this approach is founded on a strong conviction: the energy transition can only succeed if it is aligned with agricultural practices and the realities of local territories.

Farmers’ Perspectives

Projects designed in collaboration with farmers to address real-world agricultural needs.

Across France, livestock farmers and agricultural producers are gradually integrating agrivoltaics into their operations. Animal protection, preservation of forage resources, and enhanced farm resilience are among the benefits they highlight. Their experiences demonstrate how agricultural production and solar energy generation can coexist sustainably over the long term.

A Valuable Resource for Livestock Farming

In Saint-Quentin-du-Dropt, Mickaël makes productive use of the photovoltaic plant’s grasslands through eco-grazing. Continuing the family farming tradition, he now raises 65 ewes and produces lamb sold through local short supply chains.

On the site, 6 hectares of pasture provide feed for the flock while ensuring the natural maintenance of vegetation beneath and around the solar installations.

For the farmer, these grazing areas are a valuable resource, particularly during dry periods, helping to secure the flock’s feed supply.

This synergy between agricultural activity and renewable energy production supports local farming while ensuring the long-term sustainable use of the land.

Eco-Grazing at Folelli: Sheep Beneath the Solar Panels

In Folelli, a family-run sheep farm has been grazing its flock on the photovoltaic plant for several years. Nearly 450 sheep regularly roam across the site’s 30 hectares.

On a day-to-day basis, the solar panels provide additional comfort for the animals, particularly during periods of intense heat or adverse weather conditions.

Farmers have also observed effects on vegetation, with certain areas beneath the panels remaining greener in springtime.

Over time, the flock has adapted perfectly to this environment. This experience demonstrates how a photovoltaic power plant can be sustainably integrated into an existing livestock farming operation.

A Project Designed Together

When this farmer first began considering an agrivoltaic project, his objective was clear: to preserve his agricultural activity while securing the future of his farm against climatic and economic uncertainties.

Before moving forward, several questions needed to be addressed: the circulation of farm machinery, grazing management, the preservation of agricultural land, and the compatibility of the project with day-to-day farming practices.

Now that the project has entered the construction phase, what stands out most to him is the collaborative approach developed with Corsica Sole’s teams.

Discussions with agricultural and technical experts made it possible to adapt the layout of the solar panels to the farm’s operations, animal movements, and future development needs.

For this farmer, the project represents a way to anticipate the impacts of climate change while maintaining full agricultural use of the land.

Ultimately, it will enable him to continue farming under good conditions, with a more secure long-term outlook for his operation.