Photovoltaic radiation in Toulouse
Toulouse residents should expect to see photovoltaic panels flourish. In the near future, new buildings in the metropolis should all be equipped.
With rising energy prices and growing awareness of the impact of climate change, renewable energies, and in particular photovoltaics, are on the rise.
In this respect, the objectives of Toulouse Métropole are extremely ambitious. Since the adoption of the Territorial Climate Air Energy Plan in June 2019, the territory has developed large-scale projects. Created by the company Urbasolar, the solar power plant deployed on the former AZF site, near the oncopole, in 2020, is probably the most emblematic. With 35,000 panels with a power of 15 MWp and an annual production of 19,500 MWh, “it is to date the largest French photovoltaic power plant in an urban environment”, specifies Nicolas Misiak, municipal councilor in charge of the modernization of administration.
The MEET, the Grand Marché and the techno-centre
Among the other major facilities, we can mention the MEETT which has 3 hectares of photovoltaic shade houses on the north car park with a power of 5 MWp. Inaugurated in September 2021, the exhibition center thus supplies the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of nearly 4,000 households. On the site of the Grand Marché de Toulouse, 6,000 photovoltaic panels over an area of 10,000 m² were also installed in 2018, for a power of 1.7 MWp and an annual production of 2,000 MWh.
A deployment of photovoltaics that will continue in the months and years to come. On the site of the techno-center of Atlanta, a large building where many technical services of Toulouse Métropole will be grouped together at the beginning of the year 2026, the panels will be legion. “We are going to have 14,000 square meters of photovoltaics; 10,000 square meters of carports in the car park and 4,000 square meters on the roof. This represents 3.50 MWh. 63% of the production will be consumed by the building, the surplus will be reused by 17 buildings in the nearby metropolis. »
The new buildings will all be equipped with panels
In addition, all new buildings in the city will benefit from photovoltaic panels. In the first half of 2023, in Colomiers, a technical building will be equipped with 1,000 square meters of photovoltaics, 2 years later, the operation will be renewed at the Union. “When feasible, new schools will also be equipped with photovoltaics. »
Another track: car parks. “We are looking for new land to install shade. Studies are underway for the zenith car park, the oncopole relay car park, and the Tisséo car parks.
The elected official also encourages individuals to turn to photovoltaics. “Today, the return on investment is 7 to 10 years compared to 15 years just a short time ago. The prime numbers existing are not negligible. I invite everyone to study the question. »
Evaluate the solar potential of your home
In order to encourage the development of solar installations on its territory, Toulouse Métropole has set up a solar cadastre, a free online tool for the general public. “The platform offers individuals, businesses and communities information on the solar potential of their roof as well as the various technologies involved in the project (photovoltaic or thermal). »
The technology implemented uses data and algorithms from NASA, Mines ParisTech, Météo France and the National Institute for Geographic and Forest Information.