TSE built a 2.9 MW agrivoltaic power plant in northern France equipped with sensors that trigger irrigation systems. The irrigation facility is reported to result in significant water savings.

French agrivoltaic specialist TSE has built a 2.9 MW agrivoltaic power plant equipped with an irrigation system aimed at improving water management for a wide range of crops.

The system is deployed in the city of Hauts-de-France Bruchy, covering an area of more than 3 hectares, and is expected to save nearly 30% of water. Sensors placed above the canopy enable the system to optimize irrigation by watering on demand and delivering the right amount of water.

The system is equipped with trackers that rotate solar panels located at a height of 5 meters from east to west. According to TSE, the device creates localized and rotating shade areas on crop plots throughout the day, effectively mitigating temperature stress and water stress.

The local agricultural chamber will also assess the impact of agrivoltaic installations and their irrigation systems on water resources. For non-irrigated crops, trials focus on the shading effect created by the agricultural canopy, addressing water stress and reducing transpiration. For irrigated crops, the trial will explore the potential for irrigation savings driven by photovoltaic systems and smart irrigation.

The photovoltaic power plant operates under a 20-year PPA and supplies power to several local factories.