Independent renewable energy producer CVE has launched the commissioning of an agrivoltaic demonstrator on a cattle farm in Paulhaguet, in the Haute-Loire department. The installation is located on a farm hosting one hundred cattle, with the objective of testing the compatibility between photovoltaic production and livestock farming.
A test area of 8,500 m² with 240 solar modules
The demonstrator covers a plot of 8,500 m² and includes four rows of agrivoltaic tables, with a total of 240 photovoltaic modules for an installed capacity of 140 kilowatt-peak (kWp). To assess the impact of structure height on animal and machinery movement, two rows are set at 2.2 metres high and the other two at 2.5 metres.
The project aims to evaluate three key aspects: animal behaviour and welfare in the presence of solar structures, the quality of pastures beneath the panels, and ease of use for the farmer. CVE seeks to collect data before considering a larger-scale deployment on the same farm.
A 12 MWp project planned on adjacent land
Following the experimental phase, the company plans to roll out a 12 megawatt-peak (MWp) installation on a neighbouring plot, expected to generate approximately 15.8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. This future installation could provide a stable revenue stream for the farmer without disrupting core livestock operations.
The demonstrator will be monitored over a five-year period by an independent body responsible for assessing the effects of solar shading on grass growth and animal behaviour. Data will focus on vegetation density, evapotranspiration, and the time cattle spend in shaded areas.
Independent scientific monitoring and agronomic data collection
The experiment is designed to test the coexistence of agricultural production and solar generation. The integration of panels in a livestock environment aims to maintain farming activity while creating added value. The demonstrator’s design was co-developed by CVE and the farmer to tailor technical specifications to operational needs.
According to CVE, the pilot will determine whether this setup can be replicated in similar-sized agricultural settings. If successful, the model could serve as a reference for future deployments in comparable farming contexts.
