Livestock agrivoltaic structure

for sheepfor cattlefor poultry breeding

Presentation
Since 2008, Photosol has developed agrivoltaic expertise in synergy with sheep farming and has extended solutions to cattle and poultry systems. More than 540 hectares are under development or already integrated. Installations are designed to generate solar electricity while keeping livestock production as a priority, respecting sector recommendations and quality labels (e.g. Label Rouge, PGI).

Our expertise

• Ovine: structures designed with a minimum clear height of 1.50 m to allow animal movement; provide shelter from heat, rain and hail; adapted to extensive and rotational grazing systems.
• Bovine: structures with a minimum clear height of 2.40 m for cattle passage; options for fixed panels or controllable trackers.
• Poultry: shades adapted to poultry farms, height adjusted according to specific sector recommendations to ensure fluid movement under panels.

Observed results

• Animal welfare: no observable negative effects on sheep behavior in studies (general behaviour, body condition, circadian rhythms).
• Pasture preservation: maintenance of quality forage growth throughout the year in monitored plots.
• Performance and growth: recorded weight gains in lambs (+3 to +5 kg in some local studies).
• Microclimate: temperature reduction of about 4 °C under panels during hottest hours, creating beneficial shaded zones for ruminants.

Technical and regulatory approach
Panels are mounted on monopile foundations to limit soil artificialization. Heights and spacing are adapted to species and farm equipment to preserve field operability. Projects are designed in compliance with the French agrivoltaic regulatory framework, with a structured technical approach including photovoltaic sizing, grazing management and safety/access constraints to ensure feasibility and durability.

Project stages

• Technical feasibility: terrain analysis, assessment of the farming system and breeder objectives to identify suitable solutions.
• Agricultural and environmental study: evaluation of impacts on grazing, biodiversity and farming practices, with technical monitoring to maximize benefits.
• Administrative and regulatory support: handling procedures to secure implementation and ensure compliance with agrivoltaic regulations and best agricultural practices.

Benefits for livestock

• Provision of shade and protection against climatic hazards (heat, rain, hail).
• Preservation and improvement of pastures; modulation of sunlight supporting vegetation diversity.
• Income diversification through solar electricity production (land leasing, additional revenues).
• Possibility of self-consumption to reduce farm energy needs.

Photosol solutions
Comprehensive support: tailor-made design, co-construction with the farmer, maximization of agricultural and energy benefits, and guarantees of territorial durability. Capable of supporting all livestock types (cattle, sheep, poultry, swine) and integrating technical options (fixed panels, trackers, monopile structures).

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Photosol expertise since 2008.
• Surface under development or integrated: over 540 hectares.
• Typical clear heights: ovine ≈ 1.50 m; bovine ≈ 2.40 m; poultry: height adjusted per sector recommendations.
• Foundation type: monopile structures (limiting soil artificialization).
• Technical options: fixed panels or controllable trackers.
• Observed impacts: microclimate ≈ -4 °C under panels during hottest hours; lamb weight gain +3 to +5 kg in local observations.
• Compliance: projects designed to meet the agrivoltaic decree and requirements for maintaining significant agricultural production.