Development of photovoltaic projects
The aim of a solar power plant is to produce electricity for at least 20 years making it a “green” property asset with a long-term investment return. During the project development phase, our teams are focus on optimizing technical, economic and environmental performance in the long term.
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE is aware of the importance of project development and design. To this end, the Group has decided to integrate the development, engineering and construction phases. In this way, GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE pools and optimizes the know-how and expertise of each of its teams, with a constant focus on optimum management of deadlines and risks.
An illustration of the effectiveness of this strategy is the high number of bids won, and the quality of the assets developed by the Group for its own portfolio or for third parties.
Innovation, quality and competitiveness are GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE’s main priorities.
Stages of a photovoltaic project
Stage 01
Technical, economic and environmental feasibility studies
Once a site has been identified, the teams of GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE perform a complete technical and economic feasibility study.
From a technical point of view, the in-house engineering department designs the preliminary project, taking into account the site parameters. This team also conducts a preliminary solar irradiation study and an electricity generation estimation based on meteorological data. In the case of a self-consumption project, the team additionally studies the consumption patterns of the end-user in order to design a photovoltaic system consistent with their real electricity needs.
From an economic point of view, in the development phase we estimate the global investment amount and we prepare a provisional schedule. With these elements, an initial business plan can be elaborated, which is crucial for the economic feasibility assessment.
From an environmental point of view, the project is designed with a genuine desire to minimize its environmental impact and ensure that its architecture fits harmoniously within the local landscape. This assessment is done in close consultation with the local authorities.
Stage 02
Securing the property rights
Potential sites, whether roofs or plots of land, are selected by the GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE teams with the utmost care. Securing land ownership for a project generally involves two stages: a preliminary agreement, followed by a final deed defining the framework and terms and conditions for the construction and long-term operation of the plant.
When the owner is private, the deed is signed before a notary and takes the form of a sale or lease (long lease or building lease). In the case of land made available by a local authority, the temporary occupation agreement concluded, or the concession granted generally follows a tendering procedure.
Stage 03
Administrative procedures
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE takes care of all the administrative procedures involved in developing a project. This involves obtaining the authorizations required for the construction and operation of the power plant, the purpose of which is to produce electricity for a minimum period of 20 years.
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE‘s teams apply rigorous procedures to this process, which mainly involves
– obtaining planning permission from the local authorities,
– dividing the building into volumes or parceling out the land with a surveyor from the land registry
– planning the connection works with the electricity distribution network operator.
Stage 04
Securing the conditions for the sale of electricity
The return on investment of a photovoltaic project depends largely on the conditions under which the electricity produced can be sold throughout the lifetime of the installation. In addition to the ‘purchase obligation’ procedure, GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE responds on behalf of its subsidiaries, partners and customers to calls for tenders organized by the Energy Regulatory Commission. These calls for tenders (100-500 kWp and +500 kWp) make it possible to obtain a remuneration supplement contract paid by EDF in addition to the sale of production on the electricity market.
GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE regularly wins projects in these tenders, confirming its development expertise and its status as a major player in France.
The quality of the projects put together by GÉNÉRALE DU SOLAIRE has also been demonstrated on several occasions as part of calls for tenders aimed at securing international photovoltaic electricity sales contracts.
Local authorities or private properties owners, you want to create value from your properties and join the energy transition? Share your project with us and our experts will help you to make it real!
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