Combine agricultural production with solar energy
Photovoltaic Sheep & Cattle Grazing Park
Are you a sheep or cattle farmer, a landowner or a local authority? Mexens develops, finances and operates your turnkey agrivoltaic farm. Combine grazing with renewable electricity generation — without any investment on your part.
Turnkey project
Improved animal welfare
No investment required
Agrivoltaic sheep and cattle park: combine livestock farming with solar energy on your pastures
A sheep or cattle agrivoltaic farm is a ground-mounted solar power plant designed to coexist with livestock farming. The photovoltaic panels, mounted on raised, spaced-out structures, allow sheep or cattle to graze freely beneath and between the rows of modules.
The principle is simple: Mexens identifies the agrivoltaic potential of your land, develops the project in partnership with the farmer and local authorities, secures the necessary permits, finances the construction, and operates the plant for the duration of the lease. In return, you receive an annual rent without having to use your own funds.
Beyond energy generation, the agrivoltaic farm delivers tangible improvements to livestock farming conditions: natural shade in summer, protection from wind and bad weather, and the maintenance of grass growth during periods of drought. Each project is designed in close collaboration with the farmer to ensure that solar power generation is compatible with farming practices.
Whether you are a farmer, a landowner or a local authority, Mexens will tailor the project to your livestock and your objectives.
Key features of the sheep and cattle agrivoltaic farm
Agrivoltaics for sheep and cattle combines renewable electricity generation with improved livestock farming conditions. Discover the basics of our offering.
Third-party investment
No investment required on your part
Animal welfare
Shade, protection, preservation of grassland resources
Co-construction
Project developed in collaboration with the farmer and agricultural organisations
Reversibility
Planned decommissioning, agricultural activity to continue after 30 years
The benefits of an agrivoltaic farm for sheep or cattle
Animal welfare
Photovoltaic structures provide natural shade that protects your animals from intense heat, wind and bad weather.
In summer, the grass remains greener beneath the panels, extending the grazing season.
The enclosure’s fencing also provides effective protection against predators.
Economical
Mexens covers the entire cost of the investment: development, planning permission, construction and connection.
In return for making your land available, you will receive an annual rent for the duration of the lease. A stable source of additional income with no financial risk.
Territorial
An agrivoltaic park generates direct economic benefits for your local area: local tax revenue (property tax, land tax), job creation during construction and operation, and a boost to the local economy.
Some projects also include a crowdfunding component open to local residents.
Agricultural
Each project is subject to rigorous agronomic monitoring to assess its actual impact on forage production, animal behaviour and soil quality.
The aim is to demonstrate that combining livestock farming with solar energy brings tangible benefits to agricultural activity, in line with the requirements of the agrivoltaic decree.
Mexen (formerly Technique Solaire) is partnering with the National Sheep Federation (FNO) to develop sustainable agrivoltaic projects for sheep farming, designed in collaboration with farmers. Each project complies with the FNO’s technical guidelines and includes agronomic monitoring.
Agrivoltaic sheep or cattle farm: are you eligible?
Whether you are a farmer, a landowner or a community, our solutions can be tailored to your specific circumstances and the nature of your land.
Relevant profiles
Sheep or cattle farmer
Landowner
Local authority
Community of municipalities
Technical requirements
Have access to at least 12 hectares of land
Accessible agricultural land, preferably flat
Existing or planned sheep or cattle farming operations
Mexens covers all costs associated with your agrivoltaic farm
Analysis of your land (topography, sunlight exposure, access, grid connection capacity), preliminary environmental assessment, evaluation of compatibility with livestock farming, and project sizing.
Project planning in close collaboration with the farmer: layout of structures, row spacing, height of panels, and management of access for livestock and machinery. Consultation with and involvement of local agricultural bodies (Chamber of Agriculture, FNO where applicable).
Consultation with local stakeholders, preparation of the planning application, and compilation of the agrivoltaic project dossier in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Financial arrangements, equipment selection, site preparation, installation of structures and panels, connection to the grid.
Operational management of the plant (monitoring, performance), as well as preventive and corrective maintenance, carried out by our own technical teams throughout the lease term. Regular agronomic monitoring of grazing activities.
At the end of the lease, the wind farm will be dismantled and the land returned to agricultural use. As a member of Soren, we ensure that the panels are collected and recycled at the end of their useful life.
Why choose Mexens for your agrivoltaic farm?
Contact usOur expertise
An independent renewable energy producer since 2008, Mexens operates more almost 1 GW of assets in France and internationally. A single point of contact supports you from the feasibility study through to the operation and maintenance of the plant, throughout the entire lease term.
Our integrated know how
Mexens manages the entire value chain: development, design, financing, legal affairs, construction, operation and maintenance. This integrated approach ensures quality, responsiveness and long-term performance.
Our commitment to agrivoltaics
As a partner of the National Sheep Federation (FNO), Mexens is committed to developing sustainable agrivoltaic projects, designed with and for farmers. Each project complies with the recommendations of the agricultural sector and includes agronomic monitoring.
Discover our other solar and renewable energy solutions
See all our solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
A sheep or cattle agrivoltaic farm is a ground-mounted solar power plant designed to coexist with livestock farming. The panels are installed on structures adapted (in terms of height and spacing) to allow sheep or cattle to graze freely and to permit the passage of agricultural machinery (mowers, rotary mowers, etc.).
The panels provide natural shade, reducing heat stress in summer and protecting the animals from wind and rain. Grass grows better in the shade of the panels during dry periods, which extends the grazing season. The secure fencing around the paddock offers additional protection against predators.
The most suitable land is grazed grassland or low-yielding land that is easily accessible and, preferably, flat. A minimum area of 12 hectares is generally required. Livestock farming must already be in operation or planned.
The landowner receives an annual rent for the entire duration of the lease. The amount depends on the size of the site, the amount of sunlight it receives and the connection requirements. This rent provides a stable source of additional income without any investment on your part.
Yes. All our agrivoltaic projects are designed to meet the requirements of the agrivoltaic decree: the maintenance of a significant level of agricultural activity, demonstrated benefits for the farm (improved animal welfare, maintenance of forage resources), regular agronomic monitoring, and the reversibility of the installation.
Mexens finances, builds and operates the power station at its own expense. The landowner makes their land available under a long-term lease. The electricity generated is sold, and the revenue covers the investment. The landowner receives rent without any financial risk.
Yes. At the end of the lease, the landlord has the choice between renewing the contract or dismantling the wind farm. If the wind farm is dismantled, the land is returned to agricultural use: the structures are removed, the panels are recycled and the land is restored.
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Chauvigny: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – La Bazeuge: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Lathus-Saint-Remy: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Saint-Loup: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Azat-le-Ris: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Villeneuve-la-Comtesse: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Moulismes et Persac: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Vallons-de-l’Erdre: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Sainte-Honorine-La Chardonne et La Lande-Saint-Siméon: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Morannes-sur-Sarthe-Daumeray: Project committee presentation
- Agrivoltaic ground-mounted power plant project – Villeneuve de Marsan et Saint Cricq Villeneuve: Project committee presentation
Do you have any other questions?
Contact our teamsAre you planning an agrivoltaic project involving sheep or cattle?
Are you a farmer, landowner or local authority? Our development teams are here to help you assess the agrivoltaic potential of your land.
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