France agrivoltaics regulations and land use policy
An overview of the new legal framework for combining agriculture and solar power in France.
Loi APER framework
The recent Law on the Acceleration of Renewable Energies (Loi APER) defines agrivoltaics as a project where solar panels contribute to agricultural production without being the main activity.
Key requirements
Projects must ensure that the agricultural activity remains significant and that the solar panels provide a service such as protection from weather or improved animal welfare.
Agricultural control
Regional chambers of agriculture play a key role in reviewing projects. Developers must prove that the crop yield or livestock productivity will be maintained.
Permitting path
Agrivoltaic projects usually require a building permit and an environmental assessment. The process involves showing how the solar structure is compatible with farming equipment.
Note
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules change; check with the local authority and a local adviser before committing.