Articles written by François Puthod

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French startup offers concrete solar carport for heavy weight vehicles Visionpark is developing a concrete-structure photovoltaic canopy for heavy-duty vehicle parking areas, logistics hubs, and highway rest stops. In addition to generating electricity, the installation is designed to maintain refrigerated trucks at the required temperature and provide power while vehicles are stationary.
François Puthod
May 29, 2026
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Technology & Products
Lidl launches 2.24 kWh battery in Germany for €299 The battery supports 1,000 W input and 800 W output, is compatible with most balcony PV systems, and can be optionally app-controlled via a dedicated app.
François Puthod, Sandra Enkhardt, Tristan Rayner
May 19, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Heat pumps may help boost residential solar in France The government’s electrification plan, presented last week, includes a goal to double heat pump deployment in France by 2030, potentially benefiting the residential photovoltaic sector.
François Puthod
Apr 16, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Morocco finally unlocks solar self‑consumption Morocco has published the implementing decree for Law 82‑21, enabling self-producers to consume their own solar power and sell up to 20% of surplus energy back to the grid. The measure, effective 9 June 2026, sets clear tariffs and grid limits.
François Puthod
Mar 20, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Morocco begins construction on 305 MW Noor Atlas solar program Morocco’s state energy agency and national utility have signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) and begun construction on six Noor Atlas solar plants totaling 305 MW. The project – financed by KfW, the European Investment Bank and Bank of Africa – aims to expand renewables, support local industry and create regional jobs.
François Puthod
Mar 11, 2026
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Markets & Policy
Key takeaways from Solaire Expo Maroc A pavilion dedicated to electric vehicles, a dominant Chinese presence and limited European representation shaped the solar trade show held Feb. 10 to 12 in Casablanca, Morocco. Local distributors warned of rising prices for Chinese solar equipment, while a booming commercial and industrial (C&I) segment, a nascent residential market, emerging storage demand and largely untapped solar potential underscored the sector’s direction.
François Puthod
Feb 16, 2026
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Applications & Installations
French startup launches ‘universal’ home energy management system PvPilot has introduced a home energy management system (HEMS) designed to be compatible with all major brands of solar equipment, targeting France’s fast-growing residential self-consumption market.
François Puthod
Feb 16, 2026
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Applications & Installations
French startup launches app to boost collective self-consumption French startup Jane Energie has introduced a software platform to automate and manage collective self-consumption projects, targeting 100 kWp to 500 kWp installations as the segment moves from feed-in tariffs toward shared local consumption models.
François Puthod
Feb 11, 2026
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Markets & Policy
France sees growing case for residential solar battery leasing Battery leasing is gaining traction in Europe as a way for households with rooftop solar to increase self-consumption without the upfront cost of purchasing a storage system.
François Puthod
Feb 10, 2026