Throughout 2008, the GSE Newsletter will be featuring the solutions applied within the scope of the Ecoparc-design buildings.

February 2008 looks at the rooftop installation of photovoltaic panels.

		Architectural Integration
		Ecoparc buildings are designed to face South, with a single slope roof at a 14% slope, designed to also serve as one big photovoltaic sensor. The photovoltaic panels are visible from ground level and are a harmonious part of the overall architectural concept, enhancing the visual appearance of the roof. This solution underlines the contemporary spirit of the offices and projects a high-tech image. The photovoltaic installation does not impact biodiversity, it does not cause any noise pollution nor does it impact the surrounding landscape.

		Chosen solution
		The Ecoparc solution uses a generator integrated into the roof of the buildings, which includes 76 photovoltaic modules made of amorphous silicon. The choice of the membrane has gone to a synthetic sealing membrane for flat roofs which replaces the standard PVC (or other) sealing used for leaktightness. The electricity-producing flexible photovoltaic cells are fastened on this membrane in the factory. The flexible membrane works with every roof form, and is recyclable. It is simple to use and adds no extra loads to the frame. It is unbreakable and provides a 20-year guarantee on energy performance and a 10-year guarantee on leaktightness.

		Economic approach
		Use of a photovoltaic roof optimises the use of land which is already dedicated to the building’s activity.  The installation is connected to the public electrical transmission grid. The energy which is produced (32,000 kWh/year) will be entirely sold to the French national electrical utility. In France, the sales price that applies to the energy produced by the building is the base price of 0.30 €/kWh. A financial incentive of 0.25 €/kWh is added to this base price. Depending on the region in France, there can exist subsidies or other incentive mechanisms which can reach 2 € per Wc of installed power. Annual revenue from the sale of the energy produced will be approximately 17,000 euros HT /year. Return on investment is estimated at 12 years.

		Ecological approach
		Total installation  kWp  27        Production  kWh/year  32.000  CO2 avoided  kg/year   3894  CO2 avoided over  20 years Tons  78 Use of photovoltaic panels contributes to reducing CO2 release into the environment. The following table shows the amounts of  CO2 which are avoided: The average figure calculated in this table is based on figures published by the ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency) for the average production of electricity in France: 120g CO2/kWh (nuclear plants and thermal plants).    Ecoparc is a modulable building which responds to the user’s needs and integrates the following constraints: • Optimum divisibility, arrangement and layout of the premises. • Harmonious integration in the surroundings. • Landscaped exterior. • Accessible to 2-wheeled vehicles (shelter) and electric vehicles. • Fitness trail. • Less energy-intensive building materials (releasing less CO²) in particular wood. • Thermal optimisation: heating, ventilation, air-conditioning. • Optimum use of natural light while also providing protection from the sun. • Water conservation. • Use of roofing for the production of energy. Ecoparc is an innovation from the Compagnie des Contractants Régionaux (the Regional Contractors’ Company), a subsidiary of the GSE Group. >>> more information about CCR...