May 16, 2025
Two French companies are joining forces to create a 100% locally sourced wooden photovoltaic shade structure
On Friday, May 16, Ineo, a division of Equans France, and Piveteaubois—two companies deeply rooted in their local communities—joined forces to develop photovoltaic shade structure projects based on a wooden framework, a low-carbon and 100% French alternative to traditional metal supports. The official signing ceremony took place in Sainte-Florence in the Vendée region, attended by Dominique Néel, Deputy CEO of Equans France, Buildings, Infrastructure & Services Division, and Jean Piveteau, Vice President of the Piveteaubois Group.
Wood: A Partner for Solar Energy
This partnership reflects the shared commitment of Ineo and Piveteaubois to strengthen their presence in the region and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions, both locally and nationally. At a time when the APER law requires that at least 50% of the surface area of parking lots larger than 1,500 m² be equipped with solar panels by 2026, the two partners are pooling their expertise to combine energy efficiency, low carbon footprint, and the use of local resources.
As part of this collaboration, Piveteaubois designs and manufactures the wooden support structure—that is, the framework that supports the solar panels—while Ineo, an expert in electrical installation, handles the integration and installation of the photovoltaic equipment.
The goal is clear: to adapt infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint of these installations and anticipate regulatory changes affecting both local governments and businesses. Manufactured in France at Piveteaubois’s workshops, this structure made of laminated Douglas fir combines performance, durability, and a low carbon footprint. Standardized on a 7.50-meter grid, it facilitates installation, optimizes parking, and reduces civil engineering costs, while offering an aesthetic and eco-friendly alternative to metal.
“This collaboration perfectly illustrates our commitment to combining innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By combining our technical expertise with that of Piveteaubois, we are demonstrating that it is possible to design infrastructure that is sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and adapted to today’s climate challenges. This type of project reflects our commitment to offering concrete, responsible, and replicable solutions across the country,” says Dominique Néel, Deputy CEO of Equans France, Buildings, Infrastructure & Services Division.
“We are proud to enter into this partnership with a company like Ineo that has placed its trust in us. Building with wood means promoting the only fully renewable material that helps combat climate change. At Piveteaubois, we are pleased to contribute to this fundamental shift for the environment and future generations,” said Jean Piveteau, Vice President of the Piveteaubois Group.
