The procedure for completing a photovoltaic greenhouse project successfully needs careful planning, in the hands of a team of professionals in construction and public works, the environment, and photovoltaic technology. Many steps, both technical and administrative, need to be taken, and they are lengthy, spreading out over several months. They must be carried out in exemplary fashion in order to secure both a building permit and long-term performance. This is why we mobilise about a dozen specialists for each project.
In addition to the usual administrative dealings (Technical and Financial Proposal, DIDEME), a photovoltaic greenhouse requires a number of specific steps to be taken. The environmental aspect is vital, and Solarneo systematically carries out impact studies for each of its projects. Solarneo only selects solid agricultural partners with a long-term project. Solarneo believes this is such an important requirement that it makes the obligation to actually use the greenhouse one of the clauses in the Solarneo partnership contract.
This rigorous approach has enabled Solarneo to install the three existing greenhouses and obtain building permits for future installations.
Solarneo has three greenhouses in operation, giving it unique experience in the deployment of large-scale photovoltaic greenhouses. This experience ensures its complete control over all the stages in the process.
Preliminary studies A certain number of studies are necessary prior to construction to be able to apply for a building permit:
- photovoltaic feasibility study,
- energy desirability study,
- environmental impact study.
Building permit and Technical and Financial Proposal
On the basis of the data gathered during the preliminary studies, the architect puts together the building permit application for the greenhouses, which is immediately submitted to the municipal authorities. Once the building permit has been obtained, a request for a Technical and Financial Proposal is sent to ERDF in order to validate the cost of connecting the site to the grid.
Ground study
A geo-technical engineering design firm carries out drilling operations to determine the exact nature of the ground and the precise characteristics of the foundations for the greenhouses.
Structural study
An engineering company specialising in structural calculation is commissioned to determine the characteristics of the foundations, thereby ensuring the strength and safety of the installations in accordance with the standards laid down for structures of this type.
Excavation work and foundations
The ground is levelled to accomodate the greenhouses, and the foundations are laid according to the recommendations made by the design firm.
Roads and services
Trenches are dug to take pipes for drainage and electricity cables. Sheaths and drains are laid and covered over.
Assembly of the greenhouses
All the prefabricated elements prepared in the factory are received on the site. The assembly team assembles the structures and fits the panels.
Installation of the electrical infrastructure
The panels are connected to the inverters, and the cables are passed through the buried sheaths to the transformer.
Connecting up the generating plant
All the elements of the generating plant are tested before ERDF connects it to the grid.
