Local authorities : driving a photovoltaic project in 5 stages

Spearhead of the energy transition, the communities have found in photovoltaics a concrete and rapid opportunity to develop renewable energies. At first glance, laying solar panels on the roof of a public building may seem simple, compared to wind or hydroelectric projects. However To be effective, Ucentral ne photovoltaic does not forgive any approximation. Its economic balance is played out in the operating phase. To guarantee the profitability of solar production, The technical and economic analysis and assembly upstream are decisive.

In a previous article, we described the large Macro steps of a public photovoltaic project : Realization of the feasibility study, identification of establishments, lifting of legal, technical and environmental constraints, financial and legal assembly and issues of consultation and communication. Discover today the steps techniques realization details a solar power plant and key documents not to be overlooked.

1. Sketch of the photovoltaic project

The sketch is the First step of a photovoltaic project. This is the political phase where The project is questioned in all its dimensions, technical, legal and economic. What are the territory’s electricity consumption opportunities? What are the possible locations (roofs, fallow land, polluted sites, etc.)? What are the legal, technical and environmental constraints to overcome? What is the production potential and estimated profitability in the short, medium and long term? What are the different possible legal arrangements? What are the actors to concert, even the opportunities for public or private partnerships? What are the existing subsidies? Is self-consumption possible, whether individual or collective?

After this analysis, the public authorities decide whether or not to concretely initiate the project.

2. Summary Preliminary Project (APS) and Detailed Draft (ODA)

We enter a more technical and detailed phase. The pre-feasibility study carried out is extensive, with a presizing of the photovoltaic system, simulations of electricity generation, the description of the technical and financial constraints of connection to the network.

Economic and financial analysis is specified, with details of investment and operating costs, revenue and profitability projections, financial arrangements (borrowing, subsidies, Crowdfunding and the search for partnerships.

This is the stage where the administrative procedures :

• · Planning authorization file, simple declaration of work or application for building permits depending on the size and type of project.
• · Environmental Assessment For projects above 250 kilowatt-peak (kWC) and ground-based photovoltaic plants. It includes an impact study and a public inquiry.
• · Glare Study If the solar power plant is built less than 3 km from an airport, an aerodrome or a heliport, in particular that of a hospital center.

The duration of the completion of the draft is estimated Between 2 to 6 months depending on administrative obligations. A public inquiry can lengthen the deadlines that depend on the availability of the investigators.

3. Tender and public contract for the choice of company

Subject to the Public Procurement Code, local authorities are obliged to go through a Public procurement procedure To select the company(s) that will build and operate the photovoltaic power plant.

passing a public contract requires setting up a Business consultation file (DCE). The Specifications is the key document. It must be very rigorous and detailed, both on the technical, administrative, financial or legal points. It Specifies the expectations of the community Client in terms of power, expected electricity production, investment costs, economic profitability, aesthetic and architectural rendering, covered roof surface, specific technical characteristics, type of installation, guarantees requested, software for monitoring production and consumption, etc.

The procedure can take place over several months depending on the complexity and amount of the project. After theOffer analysis, the incumbent company(s) are selected based on the criteria defined in the Consultation Regulations (RC).

4. Carrying out photovoltaic work

The project is entering its concrete phase With the completion of photovoltaic panel installation work. The duration of the project varies depending on the extent of the solar energy production project.

At the same time, the steps are taken with the network manager to Connect and Establish the purchase contract with EDF Purchase obligation or the local distribution company, in the event of a total or partial resale of the electricity production on the network.

Before commissioning, the photovoltaic installation is the subject of a Reception of works. Contradictory act carried out in the presence of the client and the company, it consists in noting the proper completion and compliance of the works. The community can issue reservations.

5. Operation of the solar plant

The photovoltaic installation is ready and can be activated. Depending on the set-up chosen, operation and maintenance can be carried out directly by the community in the form of a management or by a private operator. The missions? Ensure the proper functioning of the photovoltaic installation and solar panels, ensure thePreventive and curative maintenance In the event of a breakdown, Track production and, where applicable, consumption, billr resale to the buyer (EDF or local distribution company).

In the best of cases, a project to install photovoltaic panels on the roof will require on average one year, between the realization of the studies, the public market and the realization of the work. But the deadlines can be extended for a more complex project requiring consultation, public inquiry, detailed feasibility study, search for funding and partnerships.

To conduct its photovoltaic project, the community can decide to be accompaniedand by a design office techniques, if she does not have the necessary skills in her teams. A photovoltaic expert, Irisolaris can support you in your energy transition process.

Sources:

https://www.lesepl.fr/pdf/guide_epl_photovoltaique.pdf

https://energie-partagee.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GuidePhotovoltaiquedeme.pdf