Commissioned on September 23 and inaugurated on October 9, 2026, the Presnoy photovoltaic park in Loiret combines electricity generation and sheep farming. Developed and built by ABO Energy, then sold to Tenergie, it spans 32 hectares with 44,980 panels and 26.25 MWp capacity. The companies expect nearly 31 GWh annually, presented as equivalent to 14,000 people’s electricity consumption.
The project began in 2018 with landowners and farmers Sandrine and Valéry Grégoire. Design incorporated farming needs, particularly flock protection from bad weather and extreme heat. The ambition is maintaining agriculture while generating renewable electricity. Operating results will show over time whether coexistence delivers for farmers, animals and energy production.
A plant designed around existing livestock farming
At Presnoy, panels do not replace livestock: they stand on pasture alongside wind shelters. Developers say the layout should protect ewes from rain, wind and heat episodes. It responds to farmers’ requests on weather-exposed land.
Integration requires organizing livestock movement, maintenance and farm machinery access around structures. Farmers must retain workable daily operating conditions, while the electricity producer needs equipment access and maintenance. Dialogue between both activities will matter as much as installed capacity.
Companies describe Presnoy as “agriculture-compatible.” This emphasizes maintained farming but does not alone establish coexistence quality. Indicators include flock health and behavior, available land, agricultural costs, responsibility sharing and income actually received by farmers.
Eight years from initial studies to operation
ABO Energy initiated the project in 2018. Discussions with Presnoy officials began in 2019, before authorization on April 12, 2023. Commissioning followed on September 23, 2026. This schedule spanning more than eight years recalls that ground-mounted solar requires studies, permits, financing, construction and grid connection.
ABO Energy developed and built the project, then sold it to Tenergie. This is a common developer model: designing an asset, building it and transferring it to a long-term operator. Financial terms are not public in the information provided. For local authorities, roles and long-term commitments must remain clear after ownership changes.
Announced annual generation of 31 GWh
With 26.25 MWp and 44,980 modules, the park should generate nearly 31 GWh annually, according to Tenergie and ABO Energy. This is an operating forecast that can vary with sunshine, maintenance shutdowns and connection conditions. The 14,000-person consumption equivalent gives an order of magnitude; it does not mean electricity is reserved for those residents.
Solar generation feeds the grid rather than alone guaranteeing lower bills for every household. Announced local benefits include tax revenue related to development, energy networks and municipal road use. Amounts are unspecified in available information. Local economic effects will also depend on operating expenditure, jobs and purchasing within the area.
Agricultural monitoring will determine the model’s value
Presnoy’s interest extends beyond electricity injected. Amid competition for land, agrivoltaics is presented as a way to preserve farming through shared land use. To avoid merely placing panels beside pastures, the project must demonstrate viable livestock farming and facilities suited to its needs.
Long-term monitoring will therefore be decisive: solar generation, pasture condition, animal behavior, working conditions and farm income. Results must be compared with initial goals and field adjustments. Transparent evaluation would also distinguish observed benefits from developers’ expectations.
Presnoy is a practical example of photovoltaics built around existing agriculture. Performance will be judged not only by 26.25 MWp, but by maintaining viable farming while producing expected electricity. Coming operating years will provide initial evidence of whether the combination can be replicated while respecting local agricultural realities.