Verneuil agrivoltaic park (58)
The project
Built on 70 hectares and spread across 4 parks – 3 in the municipality of Verneuil and 1 in the municipality of Charrin – Verneuil has been a pioneer site in agrivoltaics for the past 7 years and a true testament to the relevance of this future-oriented agricultural practice. Initially questioned, the synergy between livestock farming and photovoltaic electricity production has been proven through in-depth work carried out by the Photosol teams in collaboration with the farmer, followed by close cooperation with the Nièvre Chamber of Agriculture and the local stakeholders.
Today, Emmanuel Mortelmans, a farmer at the site, has a stocking rate of 5 sheep per hectare, with 350 of them grazing for 11 months out of the year to maximize pasture use and ensure the best conditions for lambing.
The site also has significant advantages: it is far from residential areas, perfectly adapted and integrated into the landscape with the installation of 1,800 meters of hedgerows to promote local biodiversity.
Discover our video report on the Verneuil park.
Nièvre (58)
Bourgogne Franche-Comté
The Verneuil Agrivoltaic Park: A True Study Ground
According to a study on the weight of lambs under the panels, conducted by the Nièvre Chamber of Agriculture between 2021 and 2023, the following was observed:
• In 2021 (a wet year): +3 kg live weight for lambs raised on the installation;
• In 2023 (a dry year): +5 kg;
• On a photovoltaic park, the average daily weight gain (ADG) for an animal over a given period remains stable: +200 g/day.
According to the INRAE study on grass growth under the panels, conducted in partnership with Rubis Photosol between 2020 and 2022, the panels provide:
• Protection against climate extremes, including drought;
• Maintenance of grass growth;
• A smoothing effect on biomass production during the growth period.
10 Installations and Projects in Nièvre
Agrivoltaic Project in Operation:
• Verneuil with a capacity of 43 MWp.
Agrivoltaic Projects Approved:
• Chevenon with a capacity of 30 MWp;
• Avril-sur-Loire with a capacity of 30 MWp;
• Sauvigny-les-Bois 2 with a capacity of 42 MWp.
Agrivoltaic Project Under Review:
• La Nocle-Maulaix with an estimated capacity of 43 MWp.
Agrivoltaic Projects Under Development:
• Coulange-lès-Nevers with an estimated capacity of 30 MWp;
• Langeron with an estimated capacity of 15 MWp;
• Vaux d’Amognes with an estimated capacity of 18 MWp;
• Épiry with an estimated capacity of 12 MWp;
• Luthenay-Uxeloup with an estimated capacity of 20 MWp.
« In a context of repeated drought, we had great difficulty replenishing our grass stocks. Accessing these agrivoltaic meadows allowed us to regain fodder autonomy. We increased our surface area, and the panels provide protection for the pasture. As a result, the soil is cooler and moister under the panels, and there is always green grass, especially in midsummer. »