FAQ
Solar power at Technique Solaire
Are solar panels recyclable?
Solar panels are 95% recyclable.
A solar panel is composed of 75% glass, which is a material that can be recycled endlessly, just like the aluminium that is used to make the frame. Inside, there is an EVA-plastic film that can be transformed into granules to be melted down or burned to generate electricity.
Finally, there are the silicon cells and electrical conductors which can be made of aluminium, silver or copper. The materials are then 95% recyclable.
Technique Solaire is a member of the Soren organisation (formerly PV Cycle). We are committed to a process of recycling panels. We collect, transport and recycle the solar panels for our customers.
For more information, please read our article:
How are our solar panels sourced?
The projects carried out in France are rated by the Commission de Régulation de l’Energie (energy regulation commission) at the invitation to tender stage. This is based largely on the carbon footprint of the modules and encourages developers to choose modules with the best possible carbon footprint.
Also, Technique Solaire works with several suppliers in France and abroad.
Our sourcing strategy is diversified. We mainly work with conglomerates (French or international), because we want to work with manufacturers which can offer sound guarantees.
What is the life time of a solar panel?
The minimum lifetime of a solar panel is between 25 and 30 years. Beyond that, the yield of the panel gradually decreases.
What is the carbon footprint of our photovoltaic modules?
The carbon footprint of solar panels includes all greenhouse gas emissions accumulated over the life cycle of a solar panel (silicon extraction and forming, manufacturing process of the cells and panels, transportation, miscellaneous facilities, etc.)
The projects carried out in France are rated by the Commission de Régulation de l’Energie (energy regulation commission) at the invitation to tender stage, based on the carbon footprint of the modules. This encourages developers to choose modules with the best possible carbon footprint.
The carbon footprint of Technique Solaire’s solar panels is around 500 kgCO2eq/kWp. Moreover, according to the ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition), a solar panel reaches carbon neutrality after 3 years, which is a low impact for an operation that will last at least 30 years.
Do our ground-mounted projects take into account the preservation of biodiversity?
Our ground-mounted solar projects are systematically subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. To carry out this regulatory study, we are assisted by independent engineering firms that are experts in their field. For each project, the Environmental Impact Assessment includes a complete analysis of the concerns in terms of the fauna and flora, so that we can identify the areas of high concern and take them into account in the design of the project on the basis of the “Avoid – Reduce – Compensate” method. This method uses practical measures to take into consideration the biodiversity aspects of the project (avoiding areas of high concern, adapting work hours, etc.)
You have a project under development or in operation
When do I become the owner of the building (or facility)?
You will own the facility at the end of the lease (construction or long lease).
How long does it take to develop a project?
The development of a project lasts from 18 to 24 months, subject to conditions, and can vary according to the type of your project.
How can I track the progress of my project?
You can follow the progress of your project by calling 05 49 56 01 19, option 3.
How can I reach the maintenance department? Is there a weekend service?
On weekends, there is an on-call service set up to deal with various urgent matters.
What should I do in case of an accident or damage to the building or my plant?
You can reach the administrative department by dialling +33 5 49 56 01 19, option 1.
Methanisation at Technique Biogaz
How is the biogas recycled?
The biogas is purified and transformed into biomethane which is then controlled, odorised and injected into the distribution network.
Moreover, the local production of renewable gas entails the reduction of fossil gas imports from other countries.
What happens to the digestate?
The digestate is a natural material, which is treated and recycled by putting it back on the soil on farm land in order to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and phytosanitary products.
Given that the digestate being odourless, there will be no more odour pollution during the spreading periods.
Do the methanisation units developed by Technique Biogaz produce bad smells?
The anaerobic digestion process itself does not generate any odours because the reaction always takes place in sealed tanks to maintain an anaerobic environment, which is essential for the bacteria responsible for the production of biogas.
We are concerned with avoiding any disturbance to the surrounding area, so we systematically plan for odorous inputs to be stored under a building with an air treatment facility.
Does it make noise?
Noise emissions from a methanisation unit are minimal. The compressor is phonetically isolated and produces a noise perceptible within a very limited radius that is limited to the site itself (60 dB at 10 m).
For comparision, a moving car emits a sound level of 81 dB at a distance of 7.5 m.
Is there a risk of explosions?
Biogas is loaded with moisture and is not under pressure (5 mbar). The storage of biogas corresponds to a few hours of production and to the equivalent in energy content of an 1800 L fuel oil tank or an 800 kg propane gas tank, which is what you will find in many homes.
After purification, the biomethane is directly injected into the network without being stored.
Others
What can I store under the building?
The equipment can be stored under the building.
You can also store combustible materials such as hay, fodder and compost as long as it doesn’t exceed 50% of the surface area of the building and there is a vertical clearance of 2 metres with the underside of the steel sheet.
You can also store cereals as long as it doesn’t exceed 50% of the surface area of the building, and only on a flat surface.
Are there any prohibitions?
The storage of flammable liquids such as fuel, oil or liquid fertilizers is strictly prohibited inside the building.
What activities can I carry out inside the building?
In addition to the storage opportunities, you can keep livestock in stalls or install a riding arena and stables, goat houses and sheepfolds, etc.
Do the large roof projects for new constructions comply with the Climate Energy Law and Climate and Resilience Law?
Yes, all of our large roof projects are in compliance with these laws which impose a minimum of 30% of solar on the roofs of new builds with a footprint of 1000 m² or more.
Why do we appeal to crowdfunding, given that we have no difficulty in raising funds from our institutional partners?
We want to give everyone the opportunity to participate in the French energy transition and to give meaning to their savings by investing in local projects. The CRE’s invitations to tender also encourage the use of participatory financing.