Solar-powered hangar in Soulatgé

In the Aude region, Jérémie Parnaudeau and Anila Shallari built an agricultural hangar equipped with 500 square meters of solar panels after completing their studies at Montpellier SupAgro. The hangar, installed in 2023, generates renewable energy for the surrounding residents through a collective self-consumption loop.

Regional park supports local energy project

Soulatgé, located in the Corbières-Fenouillèdes regional natural park, participated in the "Sun on Roofs" project, which promotes local energy production through citizen collective self-consumption. The park’s energy transition mission, led by Juliette Théveniaut, helped mobilize partners to support the initiative on technical, financial, and strategic levels.

Adapting a successful energy model

The self-consumption loop was inspired by a visit to the Acroprev loop in the Drôme. It took three years to adapt the model to Soulatgé, addressing technical, contractual, and pricing issues. François Ballay, president of the Verdouble Durable association, which was created in 2024 to manage the project, explained the goal is to provide residents with locally produced, renewable electricity at a stable price.

Project launch and initial results

On February 1, 2025, the hangar began sharing its electricity with the village, becoming the first non-patrimonial citizen collective self-consumption loop in Occitanie. Fifteen participants have joined the program so far, and in the first twelve months, local electricity covered 45% of the participants’ total consumption.

Expanding reach and managing the program

The project initially had a limited operational radius of 2 km around the hangar, but an exemption request to the Ministry of Energy in March 2026 expanded the radius to 20 km. To join the program, participants need a Linky meter and must pay an entry fee and annual subscription, with fees adjusted based on previous consumption. Producers pay a fixed annual fee of 100 euros to the Verdouble Durable association.

Economic and environmental benefits

The project leaders emphasized the local economic advantages, noting that such initiatives keep money within the community. Jérémie and Anila highlighted the alignment of their agricultural production with energy production, as their energy needs peak during the winter months. François Ballay mentioned that the project encourages energy sobriety among residents, such as running washing machines when there is sunlight.

Stable pricing and favorable policies

The Verdouble Durable association ensures a stable electricity price, indexed but capped at regulated electricity selling rates, to keep the local electricity price lower or equal to the base rate. The project benefits from a favorable taxation policy, including a zero euro excise on electricity from collective self-consumption and limited management fees through volunteering.

Future growth and impact

An apiculturist recently added her 6.5 kWc to the 100 kWc of Jérémie and Anila, with a limited impact on production and price. A larger installation under consideration at another farmer's could have a more significant impact on the pricing balance of the program.