16.05.2025
Two French players join forces for a 100% local wood photovoltaic shade
On Friday May 16, Ineo, part of Equans France, and Piveteaubois, two local companies, joined forces to develop photovoltaic shading projects based on a wood structure - a low-carbon, 100% French alternative to traditional metal supports. The official signing took place in Sainte-Florence, Vendée, in the presence of Dominique Néel, Managing Director of Equans France, Buildings, Infrastructure & Services Division, and Jean Piveteau, Vice-Chairman of the Piveteaubois Group.
Wood, an ally of solar energy
This partnership marks Ineo's and Piveteaubois' joint determination 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 at least 50% of all parking lots over 1,500 m² to be equipped with solar panels by 2026, the two partners are pooling their expertise to combine energy efficiency, carbon reduction and the use of local resources.
In this collaboration, Piveteaubois designs and manufactures the load-bearing wooden structure - i.e., the framework that supports the solar panels, while Ineo, an expert in electrical installation, ensures the integration and installation of the photovoltaic equipment.
The aim is clear: to adapt infrastructures to reduce the carbon footprint of installations and anticipate regulatory changes affecting local authorities and businesses alike. Manufactured in France in the Piveteaubois workshops, this glulam Douglas fir structure combines performance, durability and low carbon impact. Standardized on a 7.50-meter grid, it facilitates installation, optimizes parking and reduces civil engineering costs, while offering an aesthetic and ecological alternative to metal.
"This collaboration is a perfect illustration of our determination to combine innovation, energy efficiency and respect for the environment. By combining our technical expertise with that of Piveteaubois, we are demonstrating that it is possible to design infrastructures that are sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and adapted to today's climatic challenges. This type of project reflects our commitment to offering concrete, responsible solutions that can be replicated throughout the country", explains Dominique Néel, Managing Director of Equans France, Buildings, Infrastructure & Services Division.
"We're proud to sign this partnership with a company like Ineo, which has placed its trust in us. Building structures in wood means promoting the only entirely renewable material that helps combat climate change. At Piveteaubois, we're delighted to contribute to this fundamental change for the environment and future generations," says Jean Piveteau, Vice-Chairman of the Piveteaubois Group.
