On October 2, the French natural cosmetics wholesaler inaugurated two plants with outputs of 101 and 2.69 kilowatts respectively. Among the 600 guests were politicians and journalists, customers and suppliers, as well as project partners and neighbours.
A ride on a crane allowed guests an overhead view of both photovoltaics (PV) plants. Three inverters made by the Swiss manufacturer Sputnik Engineering turn their direct current into the alternating current used on the grid. The PV power plants were installed by the French corporation Groupement Photovoltaïque du Luberon (PV Luberon).
The systems are among the many sophisticated elements that contribute to the sustainable architecture of Bleu Vert's new headquarters, which comprise 1,900 square meters of office space and a warehouse. Another is the sewage treatment system for the building designed as a constructed wetland. An environmentally friendly heat pump supplies a pleasant indoor climate, fresh air is supplied by a controlled ventilation system whose efficiency is enhanced by heat recovery.
The façade is made of golden-yellow natural stone. The building surrounds 7,000 square meters of space devoted to a large garden facility, including a pond, designed for educational and demonstration purposes. In the reception area and the seminar rooms of the natural cosmetics company there are several monitors which continuously display the solar power being produced and the energy being consumed by the building.
Overall, the two PV plants produce roughly 140,000 kilowatt hours of power annually.
"Our experience with Sputnik Engineering inverters has always been very good," says Gilles Flavien, managing director of PV Luberon. "Product quality, warranty coverage and technical support are all outstanding. And in our next major project, the winery ‘Cave de Bonnieux', we will also use Sputnik inverters."
Plant data: PV plant 1 (101 kilowatts) Power output 101 kW Modules 336 modules by Sunpower Inverters SolarMax 50C, SolarMax 35C Inclination and orientation Inclination 21°, South Plant data: PV plant 2 (2.69 kilowatts) Power output 2.69 kW Modules 6 modules by Romag Inverters SolarMax 3000S Inclination and orientation Inclination 21°, South.
