In this vast farm in Amance, 25 km north of Vesoul, a cloud made up of 5,500 photovoltaic panels stretches above mature brown soybean pods.
These solar panels, which pivot to follow the sun, also serve as a “shade” over the crops.
Production is 2.5 megawatts peak and is equivalent to the consumption of 1,350 inhabitants according to TSE, the company leading the project.
It must be connected to the French electricity network at the beginning of December.
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For this installation covering three hectares, the farmer is remunerated 4,500 euros per year by the company.
The first soybeans from this farm that grew under panels would on average be heavier and richer in protein.
Similar experiments, aimed at reconciling electricity production and agricultural production, are also being carried out by other companies in France, especially over vineyards and fruit trees.
A dozen installations are still planned on other sites.