Rector installs its first prefabricated concrete photovoltaic industrial canopies at its Tournefeuille site
Summary for decision-makers
Summary for decision-makers
Rector and Solveo Energies are combining their expertise to launch a range of low-carbon concrete photovoltaic industrial canopies, suitable for industrial and logistics sites. This turnkey solution covers design, construction, installation, and management, enabling the production of green electricity while optimizing costs, deadlines, and environmental impact.
The first major project is being deployed at the Rector factory in Tournefeuille: five solar carports totaling 4,5 MWp installed over 20,200 m². This initiative, partly funded by a citizen investment campaign, will supply electricity to 1,270 homes and prevent 44 tons of CO2 emissions per year. By 2026, these installations will cover 45% of Rector's electricity needs.
As part of a concrete CSR initiative, Rector has deployed its first industrial photovoltaic canopies at its Tournefeuille production site. For its new renewable energy business, Rector has developed a partnership with Solveo Energies.
A partnership between two complementary and recognized players in their market
Driven by its ambitious CSR policy and certified by AFNOR, Rector, a renowned French manufacturer in the field of prefabrication of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete frames, is making a concrete commitment to sustainable development through more virtuous and responsible construction systems.
By launching a new activity focused on renewable energies, low-carbon prefabricated concrete photovoltaic industrial canopies, Rector is taking a further step towards the energy transition and a more sustainable industry. Focusing on local roots and proximity, Rector decided to collaborate with Solveo Energies, a French independent producer of renewable electricity for nearly 20 years, to develop this offering. Their complementary know-how and expertise allow these two renowned players to offer a comprehensive solution managed by dedicated teams, from the project feasibility study to completion and operation.
Rector supports its clients in their all-in-one industrial shade projects, from the supply of foundations and the concrete supporting structure (posts, beams, and purlins) to the installation of the photovoltaic panels. Thanks to a team that meets the specific requirements of each stage of the project, while ensuring its continuity, management is simplified, risks are reduced, and costs and deadlines are controlled.
Solveo Energies handles production studies, development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of projects.
All-in-one photovoltaic shade structures made of low-carbon concrete
To adapt to the constraints of industrial or logistics parks (storage of goods, parking of construction equipment, utility vehicles, etc.), Rector canopies are equipped with concrete frames without braces, with large spans (>15 m) and great heights (up to 15 m), with reduced foundations to optimize costs and installation. They are designed to offer a structure that is robust, durable and has a low carbon footprint.
The connection system integrated into the foundation reduces installation time while ensuring a reliable and secure installation. Designed to produce green energy and enhance the outdoor spaces of industrial and logistics parks, this comprehensive range of low-carbon concrete industrial photovoltaic canopies guarantees the project's sustainability thanks to the complementarity of the two partners.
RECTOR production unit in Tournefeuille: first realization of the Rector Solveo Energies partnership
As part of its CSR strategy, Rector has chosen to implement its first shade installation at its Tournefeuille production site. For this ambitious project, winner of the CRE call for tenders, Rector is supported by Solveo Energies throughout the entire project chain: development, financing, construction, and operation.
Representing an investment of €4,6 million, it was supported by local citizen crowdfunding (200 investors). The five shade structures, with a capacity of 5 MWp and covering 4.5 m20, are currently being installed in the factory's outdoor storage areas and have not required any shutdown of the site.
Planned for the end of 2025, their commissioning will allow:
- to produce 5,5 GWh of electricity, the equivalent of the consumption of 1 households,
- and avoid the emission of 44 tCO2 per year (in comparison with the French electricity mix in 2023 – source: ADEME Footprint database).
Rector will continue this momentum with Solveo Energies in the third quarter of 2025 by equipping its production units in Berre (Bouches-du-Rhône) and Couëron (Loire-Atlantique) with concrete photovoltaic canopies with a total capacity of 10 MWp and a surface area of 43 m100, for a total investment of 2 million euros.
By 2026, electricity production from these installations will cover 45% of Rector's electricity consumption, equivalent to the annual consumption of the town of Tournefeuille.
Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers
What are the advantages of industrial photovoltaic canopies from Rector and Solveo Energies?
They offer a low carbon concrete structure, adaptable to industrial constraints, with a large span and height, while guaranteeing robustness, durability and a low carbon footprint.
How is the partnership between Rector and Solveo Energies organized for shade structure projects?
Rector provides the concrete structure and oversees the installation of the panels, while Solveo Energies provides the studies, development, financing, construction and maintenance of the project.
What are the production and impact targets for sites equipped with photovoltaic canopies?
By 2026, production will cover 45% of Rector's needs, representing the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of the city of Tournefeuille, and will prevent the emission of 44 tonnes of CO2.2 a year.
Thematic glossary for decision-makers
Photovoltaic shade structures
Structures installed on parking lots or storage areas, equipped with solar panels to produce renewable electricity and enhance industrial outdoor spaces.
Low-carbon concrete
A building material whose manufacture and use emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to traditional concrete, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of structures.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
A business approach that integrates social, environmental and economic concerns into its operations and interactions with its stakeholders.
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68200 Mulhouse
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Courriel : contact@rector.fr
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