French Winemaker Sacrifices Cognac Label for Solar Panel Vineyard Protection
David Moreau, a cognac grower in western France, has installed 6,000 solar panels over his vineyard to protect his grapes from heat and hail, sacrificing the official cognac label in the process. The solar canopy, costing around four million euros, is designed to balance shade and sunlight and protect the vines from extreme weather. Despite the high cost, Moreau earns only 600 euros annually from electricity rent. The decision to forgo the cognac designation was made to combat echaudage, a heat issue that damages a significant portion of his harvest annually. The project is part of a broader exploration of agrivoltaics in French vineyards, though it faces regulatory challenges. 
