Expertise
A wide range of expertise for comprehensive support
At Photosol, our teams have in-depth knowledge of every phase in the life cycle of photovoltaic projects. From securing the land and carrying out the studies, through to appraisal, permits, financing and construction, to operation, maintenance and decommissioning, we provide comprehensive support to ensure the success of your projects.
Securing land tenure
The first stage in a solar project is to reach an agreement with the landowner. Our teams get in touch with people who want to know whether a photovoltaic project is feasible on their land. We first assess whether planning permission can be obtained, and then study the economic viability of the project. Our proposals are adapted to the situation and nature of the land (farmland, natural areas, car parks or built-up areas).
« Solar projects typically take between 5 to 9 years from the initial idea with a developer to commissioning. Completing one in four years is theoretically possible, but it’s close to a miracle. That’s why it’s essential to find trustworthy partners for this long-term journey. Our teams, who engage directly with landowners, are well-versed in explaining the process: how a project unfolds, the specific challenges tied to the land, and the various scenarios that might arise over the years. We not only need to convince landowners to choose us—but more importantly, to support us throughout the entire process.»
Project development
During the development of the project, our teams carry out a series of studies and consultations that are essential to ensure that the photovoltaic project fully respects environmental, landscape and agricultural issues, and is successful in obtaining planning permission. From the earliest stages, our dedicated team engages in consultation with local stakeholders, well before planning permission is granted, to ensure that they are fully involved in the project.
« We place strong emphasis on the quality of our projects’ integration into the environment, supported by the creation of a dedicated ‘environmental monitoring’ team. Beyond ensuring consistent environmental commitments across France, this team oversees the implementation and tracking of the ‘avoid, reduce, compensate’ ecological measures. We’re genuinely enthusiastic when species are observed within our solar parks—they are a clear sign of the effective management of the grasslands beneath the panels. »
« The agricultural division, backed by its deep expertise, works hand in hand with farmers to develop unique agrivoltaic projects tailored to each specific context. By leading agricultural assessments and serving as the primary point of contact for farmers and local agricultural partners, our project managers collaborate closely with them to co-develop sustainable projects that benefit both agriculture and the surrounding region. »
« We firmly believe that collective reflection around a project is the most effective way to ensure that stakeholders understand its challenges and that the project is adapted to serve their interests. To support this participatory approach, we make it a priority to involve local elected officials and all regional stakeholders—residents, the farming community, associations, and more—throughout the development and permitting phases. This inclusive process is guided by a commitment to continuous improvement. »
Project appraisal
The project review process begins once the planning phase is complete, with the submission of the building permit application to the local town hall, which initiates the official procedure. Once the application is deemed complete, it is forwarded to the relevant review authorities (DDT, SDIS, MRAE, etc.) for in-depth analysis, and then sent to the prefecture to launch a public inquiry. This inquiry is conducted by a public commissioner, who gathers input from local residents and issues an opinion on the project. The final decision rests with the departmental prefecture, which grants or denies the authorization in the form of a prefectoral decree.
« To streamline the permitting process, our development teams meet with all stakeholders early on to understand and integrate their specific needs and expectations. Thanks to the feedback received, the project remains flexible and can evolve throughout the review phase to better fit its surroundings. Over the years, the public inquiry phase has grown in importance, with increasingly active participation from the local community—strengthening collective ownership and support for the project.»
Resale of electricity
At the same time as developing and appraising the project, Photosol secures the resale of the photovoltaic electricity. This can be done either by means of a remuneration supplement contract, which guarantees a stable tariff from the State for a period of 20 years, or by means of an over-the-counter contract (PPA), which offers a fixed, competitive price to French manufacturers for periods ranging from 5 to 25 years.
« At Photosol, we tailor each photovoltaic project to meet the specific expectations of our partners. Choosing between a feed-in premium contract and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is based on a detailed analysis of the economic model and specific needs, ensuring both financial stability and flexibility. »
« At Photosol, we offer our partners direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the electricity generated by our photovoltaic installations. This model allows them to fully align with their decarbonization strategy while ensuring budget stability and long-term security of electricity volumes. Our installations can be developed directly at the consumption site—referred to as On-Site PPAs—or externally, in which case they are known as Off-Site PPAs. »
Financing
Financing is an essential step in the value chain of a renewable energy producer, ensuring the profitability and viability of the project while meeting sustainability requirements. Our facilities are financed by a combination of equity and long-term debt, providing a balanced and optimised financial structure to support our growth.
« The Finance division plays a key role in managing Photosol’s financial resources while ensuring the economic viability of our projects. Thanks to its recognized expertise, Photosol is able to adapt to the specific challenges of each project—financing its growth while maintaining strict financial discipline. »
Engineering and construction
The construction phase of a photovoltaic project begins after in-depth technical studies and rigorous sourcing of materials. Thanks to precise management of schedules and contracts, and strict compliance with HSSE standards, we can ensure that the photovoltaic installation is commissioned efficiently.
« The Construction division brings together a team of dedicated engineers united by a common goal: to deliver photovoltaic installations that fully comply with building permits as well as territorial and environmental commitments. The success of our projects relies on the agility of our teams, who swiftly mobilize the necessary resources to ensure smooth execution and successful project delivery. »
« The construction of our solar power plants goes far beyond building infrastructure—it embodies our commitment to a sustainable energy transition. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of our teams, we deliver high-performance, safe, and environmentally responsible photovoltaic installations, driven by the belief that we are helping to create a better future for generations to come. »
Connection
The connection team plans and models the connection of photovoltaic installations during the development phase, and also monitors them, from obtaining the building permit to commissioning. It works closely with the managers of the public distribution and transmission network to optimize the time and cost of the work.
« With the exponential growth of renewable energy, the French power grid is constantly evolving to meet new challenges. At Photosol, we support grid operators by actively proposing innovative connection solutions that minimize environmental impact and shorten lead times. Each grid connection is the result of close coordination and dialogue between all stakeholders involved in our photovoltaic projects. »
Operation
Photom Services, a subsidiary of Photosol, ensures the operation of the facilities after their commissioning. Our teams continuously monitor the performance of the facilities using monitoring systems. Our analysis tools allow us to adjust operating parameters to optimize energy production while minimizing operating costs.
« At Photom, the success of every project is built on the commitment and expertise of our team. Our Bordeaux-based team tackles the daily challenges tied to the performance of our assets. By combining technical precision with strong collaboration, we ensure long-lasting performance and uncompromising reliability across our solar installations. »
Maintenance
The maintenance teams at Photom Services ensure the optimal operation of our solar installations. Our advanced monitoring systems allow for the rapid detection of any drop in production or system malfunction. By combining proactive maintenance, remote monitoring, and swift on-site intervention, Photom Services maximizes energy output while minimizing the risk of interruptions.
« The longevity and performance of our solar power plants rely first and foremost on the precision and expertise of our maintenance teams. Backed by a specialized technical workforce deployed across the country, we anticipate every detail and ensure optimal energy production—day in, day out. »
Dismantling
After approximately 30 years, decommissioning marks the end of a photovoltaic installation’s lifecycle. Photosol rises to this major challenge by ensuring a clean dismantling process and the full restoration of the land to its original condition. From the construction phase onward, we anticipate this stage by securing dedicated funding and guaranteeing the complete reversibility of the site.
« The decommissioning of a photovoltaic installation may be driven by end-of-life, system degradation, or a repowering project. At Photosol, we anticipate the future needs of the sector by embracing the technical challenge of repowering—strengthening our expertise to deliver ever more efficient and sustainable solutions. ».
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