Solar aviarie

The solar-powered poultry house forms an enclosed space through a combination of spaced-out shade structures, connected by netting several metres above the ground, and perimeter fencing. This system creates an outdoor area where the poultry can roam freely whilst being better protected. The birds can therefore remain outside at all times, in complete safety.

Solar panels create shaded areas that significantly reduce heat stress in poultry. Our studies show up to 15 fewer hours of severe risk in summer compared with an open-field run. This shade encourages the birds to spread out across the entire run rather than huddling together near the building.

Research carried out in collaboration with INRAE and ITAVI confirms that, after a few weeks, the poultry spend 70 to 80 per cent of their time more than 10 metres away from the hatches, freely exploring their surroundings.

Solar panels do not affect rearing performance either: growth, feed conversion ratio and slaughter weight remain comparable to those of a traditional woodland rearing system. The agronomic data collected from our aviaries also confirms a significant reduction in mortality rates. For the farmer, the aviary is a valuable tool that safeguards their business and simplifies their daily routine, without requiring any investment on their part.

The photovoltaic aviary helps address the health challenges faced by poultry farmers. By significantly limiting direct contact between farmed poultry and wild birds, it reduces one of the main vectors for the transmission of avian influenza.

This physical barrier, consisting of netting at the top and fencing at the bottom, also protects the animals from ground-based predators such as foxes and mustelids, as well as birds of prey.

At our operational sites, the mortality rate in aviaries is significantly lower than that observed in a traditional woodland habitat (2.8% compared with 11.7% in spring during our latest study), largely due to the elimination of predation.

With regard to animal welfare, observations carried out in accordance with the EBENE protocol – the benchmark for standardised assessment in poultry farming – show no significant differences in behaviour between an agrivoltaic area and a control area. Under the solar panels, the poultry display all their natural behaviours: dust bathing, preening, exploration, and stretching their wings and legs.

The shade cast by the panels also reduces panting caused by heat stress and encourages a more even distribution of the birds across the run, limiting crowding near the buildings which promotes physical contact and the spread of disease.

For the farmer, these benefits also translate into greater ease of work: as the poultry can remain outdoors at all times in complete safety, day-to-day flock management is simplified. The farmer can also use the structure to attach equipment (such as automatic feeders). The aviary thus reconciles requirements often perceived as contradictory – access to the open air and control of health risks – whilst meeting the growing expectations of consumers and the industry regarding animal welfare.

Installing a solar-powered aviary costs the farmer €0. This type of project requires no capital outlay thanks to the third-party investment scheme.

Under this model, Mexens finances 100% of the project and takes responsibility for every stage: preliminary studies, obtaining permits, constructing the structures, installing the solar panels and fitting the nets. The investment is recouped through the sale of the green electricity generated over the years.

For the farm, there are two benefits:

• A guaranteed supplementary income: In return for the use of their land, farmers receive a fixed annual rent.
• No impact on cash flow: The farmer benefits from a modernised tool that protects their livestock without having to take out a loan.