Photovoltaism, Agriculture and Ecology

Foreword by Yvon Le Maho ix

Foreword by Thomas Lesueur xiii

Introduction xv

Chapter 1. Photovoltaics: Concepts and Challenges 1

1.1. Brief description of the different photovoltaic cell technologies 1

1.1.1. Photovoltaic versus thermal solar panels 9

1.2. Different types of photovoltaic installations 9

1.3. Legislation 10

1.4. Advantages of photovoltaics 11

1.5. Disadvantages of photovoltaics 12

1.6. Some figures on the environmental footprint compared to other energy sources 13

1.7. Origin of the silicon needed for the construction of photovoltaic cells 16

1.8. End of life of solar panels 17

1.9. Degree of maturity of material recycling 17

1.10. Location and mode of development of photovoltaics 18

1.10.1. Photovoltaic panels on roofs 18

1.10.2. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panels: creating solar fields on unused industrial wastelands and parking lots 26

1.10.3. Creating solar fields in arid areas 32

1.10.4. Creating photovoltaic parks on water 35

Chapter 2. Photovoltaic Energy Production and Agricultural Activity: Agrivoltaics 37

2.1. Definition-legislation-adaptation and evolution of techniques 38

2.2. Food crops 45

2.2.1. Fish farming 46

2.2.2. Oyster farming 47

2.2.3. Viticulture 49

2.2.4. Arboriculture and fruit production 50

2.2.5. Field crops 53

2.2.6. Market gardening: shades, greenhouses, protective structures for environmental conditions 54

2.2.7. Other crops 55

2.2.8. Pasture and livestock 57

Chapter 3. Innovative Principle of Ecovoltaics 63

3.1. Definition and concept 63

3.2. State of the art: feedback 64

3.2.1. Constraints of the experimental site in Occitanie 64

3.2.2. Planting of species of interest in biodynamic agriculture on the grounds of solar parks 69

3.2.3. Planting of melliferous species 81

3.2.4. Installation of regionally endangered species 88

3.2.5. Installation of medicinal species 89

3.3. Assessment - issues 91

3.3.1. Positive impact on soil quality 91

3.3.2. Positive impact on faunal biodiversity 93

3.4. Perspectives 97

3.4.1. Regulations for the marketing of plants or plant extracts for use in biodynamic agriculture 97

Appendices 103

Appendix 1 105

Appendix 2 113

Appendix 3 115

References 121

Index 135