Not long ago, on the Lapeyre family farm in Mondalazac, the Voltalia company organized a presentation of the photovoltaic park project which will cover 74 hectares on the Causse Comtal.
The Lapeyre family wanted to be transparent. On their farm in Mondalazac, Pierre Lapeyre and his son, Rémi opened the doors of their farm in La Fumade for a very specific reason. In the years to come, at least by 2025, 74 hectares of their land in the Causse Comtal will be covered with photovoltaic panels.
This project, led by Voltalia, is part of an approach that “Wishes to be virtuous. Not only for me and my son who is going to take over, but also for my animals and my livestock which has been organic since 2001”, recalls Pierre Lapeyre, whose farm has around a hundred animals.
Today, faced with the difficulties encountered by farmers in general and those in the cattle-meat sector in particular, this installation must allow “the herd to be in the grass for a greater part of the year, to improve the management of the meadows. Moreover, I would like to point out that the land where these panels will be installed is not farmland exploited The land will not be damaged by the installations and it will be dismantled and recycled at the end of the operation”, specifies Pierre Lapeyre.
“We have nothing to hide”
Because, according to Voltalia’s presentation, the height of the structures will allow the free movement of cattle, with heights that will vary between 1.60 m and 1.80 m at the bottom of the panel and from 3.30 m to 3.50 m at the top. “This guarantees shade for the animals, essential when they are outside, that is to say a large part of the year, but the quality of the grass will also be improved., adds Rémi Lapeyre. This project may have been misunderstood at first. But we have nothing to hide. On the contrary, I think it needs to be explained and presented.”
Moreover, for two days, Voltalia’s project leaders were on site to meet elected officials, residents and also environmental protection associations.
“I see in this concept of agrivoltaism a solution to certain future challenges, assures Rémi Lapeyre. This is a project that will enhance our farm. And if he does so in full consultation with Voltalia.”
In May, the file will be submitted to the prefecture. Then, in March, a public inquiry will be launched and in May 2023 the prefecture will have to deliver its opinion.
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