Research in the field of photovoltaic cells is constantly progressing. Given today’s technical prowess, Lower Normandy too can offer interesting solar energy potential. Within the framework of the Ouest Collectivités seminar, one of Synergia’s breakfast debates was devoted to the subject on the 9th of April.

“Solar panels have considerably progressed and are, in particular, suitable for areas with less sunlight,” explains Michel Frémont, director of Les Sept vents du Cotentin (Société Coopérative d’Intérêt Collectif, SCIC - Cooperative company of collective interest).

“Furthermore, the Manche department now has a local energy agency, the AME, to help, in particular, projects initiated by local authorities,” adds Guy Flucha, the agency’s director. The Manche County Council is also behind the construction of a building, the roof of which is equipped with an electricity producing waterproofing membrane with a production of over 20%. The project was funded in partnership with the SCIC Les Sept vents du Cotentin. “This membrane adapts to any type of roof. Highly aesthetic thanks to its solar cells which are « poured » into the roofing, it is also flexible and easy to install since it is virtually unbreakable,” highlights Michel Frémont. “According to an estimate by a Caen-based team, the average lifespan of a solar cell system is approximately 30 years, with no maintenance cost. Given that it takes ten years for a return on investment, the operation remains extremely advantageous,” explains Paul Weis, delegate administrator of the Luxembourg company Enco-tec S.A. “Furthermore, electricity consumption is ever-increasing,” quite rightly notes Christian Delabie, an engineer in the ADEME’s sustainable energies sector.

A profitable financial market

The French electricity board, EDF, needs to buy electricity from sustainable sources, produced either by individuals or professionals at a price of 0.57€/Kwh, set by law for facilities which are integrated within a building, and 0.32€/Kwh for those which are not. Given that the average cost of electricity is 0.10€/Kwh, the advantages of auto-production can be seriously questioned. “EDF sells its electricity to individuals at a far lower price than it buys it from them. Today, solar cells are considered first and foremost as a financial product rather than a sustainable energy product.” admits Christian Delabie. The various grants and tax benefits which encourage this type of installation go on to reinforce this logic. “In terms of a financial market, it is far more profitable than others,” confirms Paul Weis. The aim? “To encourage developments that will both reduce cost and improve captor quality. Hence, managing without State support in the future,” explains Paul Weis. Luxembourg has become the best equipped nation per inhabitant, via the same strategy.
“The extra cost paid by EDF to buy back photovoltaic electricity is covered by compensation funds financed by all of its electricity consumers and levied on electricity bills,” reveals Christian Delabie.

Christian Delabie
Tél. : 02 31 46 81 09

Guy Flucha
Tél. : 02 33 05 90 74

Michel Frémont
Tél. : 02 33 19 01 40

Paul Weis
Tél. + 352 27 62 27 200

Send post as PDF to