French renewable energy firm Émeraude solaire has secured a major regional contract with the Chambers of Agriculture of Brittany and Pays de la Loire to deliver solar installation and maintenance services for local farms. Announced on September 15 at the Space livestock exhibition in Rennes, the partnership designates the company as the official provider for agricultural photovoltaic projects across the two regions.
An Official Mandate for Brittany and Pays de la Loire
Beating Out 21 Competitors in the Selection Process
Émeraude solaire was chosen out of 21 competing candidates following a call for expressions of interest (AMI) launched by the agricultural institutions. Xavier Borel, head of Émeraude solaire, notes that securing the selection validates the firm’s longstanding commitment to the agricultural sector since its founding in 2008. The company currently employs approximately 250 workers across operations in Brittany, Gironde, and Puy-de-Dôme.
Using Group Purchasing Power Amid Shifting Markets
The collaboration aims to provide farmers with vetted, secure, and cost-effective solar solutions by using group purchasing power to negotiate lower equipment prices. According to the Brittany Chamber of Agriculture, the initiative addresses shifting market conditions, including declining state electricity feed-in tariffs and a growing emphasis on self-consumption.
Feasibility Studies and Tailored Photovoltaic Installations
Under the agreement, energy advisors from the Chambers of Agriculture will conduct initial feasibility studies for interested farms. Émeraude solaire will then design and install photovoltaic systems, which include rooftop panels mounted on livestock buildings and hangars, as well as ground-mounted solar arrays located strictly outside of agricultural production land.
Comprehensive Maintenance and System Supervision
Installations can incorporate self-consumption setups and battery storage systems. Borel emphasizes that the contract also encompasses ongoing maintenance, system supervision, and after-sales support. While the agricultural chambers initially considered dividing the tender into separate lots for roofing, ground arrays, and maintenance, they ultimately awarded the comprehensive mandate entirely to Émeraude solaire.
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