Agrivoltaics Roundtable

A morning of discussion focusing on energy and agricultural issues

The PV-STAR Key Challenge, a research program dedicated to photovoltaic innovation and funded by the Occitanie Region, invites local stakeholders to gather on March 31, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the IES premises in Montpellier, for a roundtable discussion on agrivoltaics. At the intersection of the agricultural and energy transitions, this event aims to create a space for dialogue among researchers, agricultural professionals, energy producers, and institutional representatives. The objective is clear: to compare perspectives, share experiences, and identify concrete needs around a central question: how can photovoltaic systems support and strengthen agricultural production?

Using fieldwork to guide research

The morning session will feature testimonials from farmers, agricultural engineers, and stakeholders in the energy sector. This participatory approach aims to identify the technical, regulatory, and economic barriers that currently hinder the deployment of high-performance, widely accepted agrivoltaic projects. By adopting a bottom-up approach, PV-STAR aims to foster and stimulate research and innovation in a strategic field at the intersection of food security and energy sovereignty.

A dynamic and interactive program

Following a coffee reception at 9 a.m., the half-day event will consist of four main segments:

1. A keynote lecture
   
   Christian DUPRAZ, an expert in agrivoltaics, will speak on the topic “Agrivoltaics: Making Better Use of Sunlight. Challenges, Potential, and Controversies.”
2. Oral Presentations
   
   The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Agrivoltaics, by Pierre Giraud.
   
   Lessons Learned from an Agrivoltaic Project: Challenges Encountered and Production Needs, by Anne-Lise Salomé, Olivier Grard, and Justin Leurquin.
   
   Technical and Scientific Aspects of Photovoltaic Technologies, by Yvan Cuminal.
3. A panel discussion
   
   A one-hour discussion to explore the central question: How can photovoltaic systems support agricultural production?
4. A networking buffet
   
   Two hours of informal conversation over a casual lunch to continue the discussions and foster collaboration.