Under solar panels, cyclists

At first glance, it looks like a slightly futuristic roof installed above a cycle path. For example, But in Caderousse. In addition, in the Vaucluse, the photovoltaic shade deployed for almost a kilometer from the via Rhôna are much more than a simple sun visor for cyclists. For example, This experimental site is the first realization of an unprecedented project in France: producing solar electricity while valuing unused linear. Furthermore, such as cycle paths.

A pilot project pending much more

The project. Furthermore, baptized Ophelia, brings together the national company of the Rhône (CNR), Schneider Electric, Nexans, Supergrid Institute and the SNCF. In addition, It has financial support from ADEME and has to enter service by the end of this summer. Similarly, The installation will be the subject of an evaluation phase until 2028. Moreover, Its objective: to test the large -scale feasibility under solar panels, cyclists of a “linear” solar production model. suitable for long infrastructure such as roads, railways or dikes.

With 23,000 kilometers identified as compatible in France, including 2,800 km of cycling, the potential is substantial. Linear solar avoids conflicts of uses related to increasingly rare land, as the CNR underlines Figaro. According to estimates by the ENGIE subsidiary, this type of device could accommodate up to 35 GW of power.

One of the most ambitious aspects of the project lies in the technological choice: transporting the continuing current over. the entire length of the installation. Unlike the current standard based on the alternating current for long distances. the bearers of Ophelia focus on a more direct approach. Solar panels are already continuously produced. and an increasing part of the devices – such as electric vehicles or batteries – also need it.

This decision reduces energy losses, reduce needs into transformers and optimize under solar panels, cyclists space. “” When you recharge a phone, the charger converts the alternating current continuously. Why not directly provide direct current? “Wonders Éric Lamard, engineer at the CNR. The idea is also to exploit this current for new uses: charging stations, data centers or even electrolysers.

Another argument put forward: local manufacturing. If solar panels remain Chinese, most of the infrastructure – metal supports, wiring, energy management – is produced in France. “” You are witnessing the emergence of an industrial sector around the continuous current on average voltage “Hins Hubert de la Grandière. CEO of Supergrid Institute.

There remains a black point: the cost. The price of the megawatt hour produced was not communicated, but it is deemed high, as often for a prototype. Specific public support would be necessary to go to scale, but the current political atmosphere is not frankly favorable. Ophelia’s success could however give ideas when under solar panels, cyclists we speak of reindustrialisation and energy sovereignty.

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