Photovoltaic technology is a high growth sector. The success of a company depends on the pertinence of its strategy, the speed of its development, and its anticipation of the market. In the space of four years, by focusing exclusively on agriculture – with the agricultural photovoltaic greenhouse – we have acquired 50 MW of potential installed power, which makes Solarneo a major player in the French market.
Gérard Bonvicini
CEO, Solarneo
Solarneo’s creation in 2006 was the result of brainstorming by a group of entrepreneurs in the new technologies sector who were keen to develop innovative solutions in the sustainable development sector.
2006
Creation and development of the first photovoltaic greenhouse- Creation of Solarneo by its founder, Gérard Bonvicini
- Invention and development of the first photovoltaic greenhouse for market gardeners – Agrisolar
2007
Installation of the first experimental photovoltaic greenhouse in France, in Cannes- First agricultural partnership, with Les Jardins de la Siagne
- Validation of the concept in terms of photovoltaic and agronomic yield (study carried out on the tomato)
2008
First photovoltaic greenhouse covering 1 hectare (10 000 sq.m.) in France, installed in Cahors (Lot département)- Creation of an “Ecoparc” in partnership with the local authorities with responsibility for the Midi-Pyrénées region and the Lot département
- Development of new technological solutions resulting from the experimental greenhouse in Cannes
- Creation of a full-size centre for study and experimentation to allow more refined agronomic and technical research on a large scale
- Setting up of a monitoring and steering centre for future photovoltaic greenhouses
2009
Agricultural partnerships (50 MW in hand):- Launch of the first partner generating plant in Marmande in the Lot-et-Garonne département (15 hectares) - Yves Bertrand (Rougeline group)
- Selection of “farmer” partners (120 hectares)