In the ever-evolving landscape of agribusiness, where efficiency and sustainability are key, innovative solutions are needed to ensure profitability and environmental stewardship. Among these solutions, solar energy has emerged as a transformative force. With the ability to reduce energy costs, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to environmental goals, solar power is increasingly becoming an integral part of modern farming.

Recent studies, including those conducted by the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE) in collaboration with solar companies have provided compelling evidence of the benefits of agrivoltaics.

According to the INRAE’s findings, agrivoltaic systems can create microclimates that are conducive to improved crop and forage production. For instance, research conducted in three distinct pedoclimatic regions in France revealed that the presence of solar panels resulted in a drop in soil temperature by 3 to 4°C and an increase in soil moisture by up to 11%.

The Benefits of Agrivoltaics in Action – real case study

The recent researsh provides a concrete example of how agrivoltaics can benefit agricultural businesses. In one of the research sites located in La Tour Blanche, France, the shading effect of solar panels was shown to reduce wind speeds by an average of 38%, creating a more stable environment for crop growth. This effect, combined with the moderated temperatures and increased soil moisture, contributed to the enhanced quality and quantity of forage produced.

These findings have practical implications for farmers. Improved forage quality, richer in nitrogen and minerals, leads to more nutritious feed for livestock, which can enhance animal health and productivity. Additionally, the ability to graze livestock for longer periods, particularly during the hot summer months, further increases the efficiency of farm operations. As highlighted by Mathilde Gaulier, an agrivoltaics research engineer at INRAE, this system presents a “winning combination” for farmers, offering both agricultural and economic benefits.

 “These conditions, particularly during the hot summer months, foster better growth dynamics in crops, including forage, which in turn leads to higher nutritional quality. The study further highlighted a 30% increase in dry matter production in shaded areas under the solar panels, demonstrating the potential for significant yield improvements”,  – commented in studies.

Reduce energy cost

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can reduce electricity bills by up to 70% for an on grid configuration. These include lowering your carbon footprint, enhancing energy independence, and potentially increasing property value. By harnessing renewable energy from the sun, solar PV systems provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for meeting energy needs.

“Modern farmers and agricultural enterprises are increasingly beginning to use renewable energy sources to develop their business. This is a simple and economical way to increase your yield and profitability.Most of the used tools and equipment in this industry can be completely transferred from traditional sources of energy to solar energy. This will significantly reduce the cost of using fossil fuels.

Renewable energy generated on farms can be used to cover the company’s own needs, and surplus energy can even be sold as a commodity unit to the utility grid”, – emphasized CEO of Neosun Energy Ilya Likhov.

Beyond cost savings, the environmental benefits of solar energy are profound.  Implementing solar solutions allows farms to operate more sustainably. Additionally, agrivoltaic systems can improve land use efficiency, a critical consideration in regions where arable land is scarce. By combining energy production with agriculture, farms can maximize the productivity of their land without sacrificing one activity for another. 

There can be many variations of using solar solutions. The solar panels can be installed both on the roofs of technical rooms and covered for a heating complex. Moreover, solar panels can even be used as fences.


As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and economic challenges, the adoption of sustainable and innovative practices is essential. Solar energy, particularly through the use of agrivoltaic systems, offers a powerful solution that can help farms thrive in this complex environment.

It is also worth noting that solar energy can become a key solution for agricultural enterprises in remote areas. Thus, Neosun Energy  has implemented a project to provide energy to a pumping station in Yemen. The power plant built by the company with a capacity of 580 kW has become an illustrative example of how solar energy can be perhaps the only way to build and develop a business in remote corners of the earth, where conventional networks are simply unavailable.

By integrating solar energy into their operations, farms can not only save on energy costs but also improve the quality and yield of their crops, enhance the well-being of their livestock, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. The collaboration between cutting-edge research and practical implementation by industry leaders like Neosun Energy paves the way for a new era of agricultural success, powered by the sun.