In Mallemort (Bouches-du-Rhône department), Laurent Chabert grows asparagus in a photovoltaic greenhouse of 3 hectares. The crops are therefore protected from the cold, as the greenhouse serves to limit temperature gaps within the structure.
“The outside temperatures dropped to -5°C but stayed above 0°C in the greenhouse. The air volume of the greenhouse helps to avoid excessive temperature variations between day and night. When we have heat waves in the summer, we can limit the amplitude, and the same goes with the cold spells in the winter. We’ve also managed to save 30% of water through natural evaporation,” explains Laurent Chabert.
The installation of the greenhouse was financed by the company Ténergie, which then sells the electricity produced. “The solar power plant finances an agricultural production tool which allows for agronomic gains, better working conditions, water gains, while producing a lot of renewable electricity,” explains Gauthier Dieny, deputy general manager of Ténergie.
Franceinfo video report:
Source: francetvinfo.fr
Photo: © Ténergie