Photovoltaic installation for collective self-consumption with Edilians max solar tiles on the roof of the Caserne Clarke in Landrecies (59)

Having undertaken its energy transformation several years ago with the installation of a wood-fired boiler in the Clarke Barracks in Landrecies, the area is continuing its transformation with the implementation of EDILIANS MAX SOLAR TILES during the complete renovation of the building's roof.

Rehabilitation and preservation of historical heritage

Built in the 18th century^nd Century to house the cavalry regiments, the Clarke Barracks, renamed in homage to a Napoleonic marshal born in Landrecies, is an imposing R+1 building measuring 100 m long by 20 m wide. Through the materials used for its construction, it echoes the local craftsmanship of the time, combining red brick typical of the region, stone and a roof made of flamed red terracotta tiles.

Completely disused following the army redeployment plan, like many other military barracks, the derelict site was handed over to local authorities in the 2000s. Expertly restored by the Mormal/Maroilles community of communes at the time, it has regained its splendor and now houses the technical services of the Pays de Mormal, the land rights department and a home for early childhood.

The Pays de Mormal, a player in the energy transition thanks to a photovoltaic installation for collective self-consumption

Committed to preserving the planet, particularly through the development of renewable energies, the community of communes began work in 2019 to better control the consumption of the Clarke Barracks, which, due to its large surface area, represents a significant energy expenditure item.

After investing in a wood chip boiler to heat the building, which significantly reduced the bill, the technical services set about renovating the aging roof, some of whose tiles were damaged. The question then arose of installing photovoltaic panels in order not only to cover the site's electricity needs but above all to redistribute the surplus in collective self-consumption to buildings located within a radius of less than 20 km.

A successful solar bet

If one of the sides of the roof of the barracks facing 50° South-West was the ideal location to accommodate photovoltaics, " its location in the heart of the city centre facing the inhabitants of Landrecien required a solution that would fit in perfectly with the environment and the architectural style of the building, unlike existing classic products that are raised above the roof. However, we absolutely wanted to preserve the original appearance of the barracks and create harmony if possible, so that it would be almost invisible in a way " explains Daniele Druesnes, Vice-President in charge of the environment, energy transition and sustainable development of the community of communes of Pays de Mormal.

To meet all of the specifications, the Energies-SB design office strongly recommended the red MAX SOLAR TILES from EDILIANS, " the only manufacturer to provide this type of photovoltaic solution in a terracotta color close to that of the military building " underlines Daniele Druesnes.

Since January 2024, the new roof of the Clarke Barracks has been covered with the 30 m AERO TOP 900 under-roof screen.² TENORD HUGUENOT tiles in rustic Flammé color and 600 red MAX SOLAR TILES with a total power of 36 kWc over a surface area of ​​300 m²The whole thing therefore benefits from a 30-year watertightness guarantee!

With an estimated production of 960.000 kWh over 30 years, the Clarke Barracks now produces and consumes its own solar electricity at 37% and shares it, via the public distribution network manager, in collective self-consumption at 90% with the administrative center, the Le Quesnoy music conservatory as well as the Landrecies and Le Quesnoy recycling centers.

« Between inflation and the price of energy which continues to rise, this investment of a total amount of a little more than €310.000 (including €150.700 for solar) subsidized by the state and the region (FRATRI), should be amortized within 12 years. ". " Beyond having received an excellent welcome from the inhabitants of Landrecies who judged the implementation of solar tiles very successful on this heritage building to which they are deeply attached ", this should save 32.000 kWh/year and achieve a gain of 63 tonnes of CO₂ over the lifetime of the installation. Enough to considerably reduce the carbon impact of the city of Landrecies but also of the community of communes of the Pays de Mormal!