Roundtable discussion on agrivoltaics

A morning of discussions focusing on energy and agricultural issues

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

Starting from the field to guide research

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

A fast-paced and interactive program

After a welcome coffee at 9 a.m., the half-day will be structured around four key moments:

1. A keynote lecture
   
   Christian DUPRAZ, an agrivoltaics specialist, will speak on the topic of "Agrivoltaics: making better use of sunlight. Challenges, potential, and controversies."
2. Oral presentations
   
   The legal and regulatory framework for agrivoltaics, by Pierre Giraud.
   
   Feedback on an agrivoltaic project: difficulties 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 collective round table discussion
   
   An hour-long discussion to debate the central question: how can photovoltaic systems serve agricultural production?
4. A networking buffet
   
   Two hours of informal discussions over a convivial lunch to continue the conversations and promote synergies.