The deployment of agrivoltaics in the vineyards of Gironde: tomorrow's alternative to today's viticultural challenges?

The concept of agrivoltaics, which consists of a synergy between agricultural production and the production of solar energy, is emerging as a recent innovation. This approach takes the form of a dual activity within the same plot of land. The aim is to take advantage of the excess light received by crops by capturing this energy via solar panels and converting it into electricity. It is against this backdrop that this study, targeting agrivoltaics on vines in the Gironde department, has emerged. Nevertheless, the wine growing sector has been experiencing a double crisis for several decades: economic and climatic. The challenges lie in the harmonious integration of the panels into the vineyards, considering the specific needs of the farmers, but also the constraints of the environment. The integration of this innovation into a rural area such as Gironde raises questions about the notion of social acceptability. Installing an agrivoltaic complex on vineyards means changing the landscape, a symbolic and polarising feature of the Gironde region. However, as well as generating income, solar panels could also play a role in protecting crops against climatic hazards (frost, hail, sun). Agrivoltaics seems to be able to strengthen wine growing resilience. In short, agrivoltaics symbolises a potential transition towards sustainable agriculture, fostered by cooperation and innovation, with a view to a more virtuous energy and agricultural future. (author)