What if our industries became the locomotive of clean energy

Historically considered very polluting, industries such as petrochemicals, automobiles, logistics and manufacturing have, for more than 10 years, taken the lead in switching to renewable energies while favoring solar energy. Thanks to premises with large roof surfaces, suitable for solar installations, these players demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. Between the flexibility of these installations, technical advances and the evolution of energy costs, investment in these projects is becoming more and more profitable. Especially since according to the report (ETP-2023) on the prospects for the energy transition from the International Energy Agency (IEA), we are entering a “new industrial era”, “the era of manufacturing of clean energy technologies.

However, for any business that has never produced electricity, the transition to solar energy can be complex. Depending on the region, there are legal subtleties to be aware of with regard to the size, electrical load or even the nature of the site. And sometimes buildings are leased, which complicates matters because owners may be reluctant to allow a solar installation with a lower return on investment (ROI) than the occupant's lease.

Address concerns before committing to this transition

Once the company is internally aligned, the next step is to find trusted partners who can help it navigate the transition and minimize risk. This type of partner can be regional or international, but many French companies believe that local partners are best placed to know the regulatory and operational conditions. Over the total lifespan of an installation, solar energy offers a very attractive return on investment, which has enabled well-advised manufacturers to make significant energy savings; however, the majority of costs must be borne in long-term fixed assets (CAPEX).

Safety and risk management above all

In industries, the main concerns, arising from various factors and professions, relate to safety and risks. Insurance issues are also complex because they include building insurance, solar installation insurance, company insurance and civil liability insurance. As the solar industry matures and the number of installations increases, stricter regulations become the norm. In general, these standards specify that in the event of an emergency or maintenance, the solar inverter must be able to reduce the direct current produced by the solar panels to a safe voltage level, within a specified period of time.

Industrial union will be strength!

When companies take the plunge into photovoltaics, they quickly repeat the operation. The completion of each project thus becomes a model for the next. It is important to take into account the challenges specific to each industry to ensure their transition effectively. One of the keys lies in an open discussion between companies in the same sector to identify all requirements and concerns. This allows us to better understand the specific needs of each person and provide useful answers to lead the transition. It is always surprising how cooperation between competing companies can lead to sustainable solutions for the entire sector.

Transition to a better future

For the industry, solar energy requires a mindset shift in several respects. This implies greater internal collaboration and that stakeholders move away from a logic of financial risk reduction (CAPEX) to focus on the possibilities of protecting themselves from future risks such as the increase in the cost of energy. Many businesses now view solar energy as a valuable asset that helps achieve sustainability goals but also offers a potential revenue stream. Solar energy is a rapidly evolving sector of innovation and advances and new applications are multiplying. Industrialists have jumped on the bandwagon and it is now a matter of not being the last to get on board because it is undeniable that the repercussions are positive for French industry in terms of sovereignty, competitiveness and job creation. .

Between the government's 30 billion euro energy transition plan, part of which is intended for solar, and France's solar potential (1.400 kWh/m2/year on average), the adoption of this energy within of French industry should accelerate. Especially since this carbon-free energy could support reindustrialization and promote employment in the renewable energy industry in France.

Tribune by Arnold Bourges, France Director of SolarEdge Technologies (LinkedIn).