Enerdeal Luxembourg, a subsidiary of the EDP group, provides large-scale, increasingly intelligent turnkey solar solutions to businesses, either through direct investment or third-party financing. These installations can be deployed on rooftops, façades, ground-mounted structures or carports. The solutions cover the design, construction, operation and, when required, financing of photovoltaic installations.
ONE SINGLE SOLAR PANEL TO DRIVE 2,000 KM
"Just one photovoltaic panel generates enough energy in a year to drive 2,000 km. This energy can be self-consumed at a cost that is two to three times lower than grid electricity, while the installation typically pays for itself within six to seven years, after which the energy becomes essentially free. Energy is becoming the cornerstone of Europe's competitiveness," explains François Neu, Manager of Enerdeal Luxembourg.
"It makes you wonder why every company is not already doing it. The situation is urgent and action is needed. Electricity is the only energy source that can truly be decarbonised, and installing a large-scale photovoltaic system is one of the easiest and fastest solutions to implement. Furthermore, the technology has been around for 40 years; it is mature, bankable and reliable because sunlight is guaranteed. There is no longer any doubt about whether it works. What entrepreneur would not be interested in an investment that is profitable and directly linked to their core business?" he continues.
AFTER THE CARROT COMES THE STICK
Beyond economic profitability, another factor to consider is that subsidy schemes are gradually coming to an end, while European legislation is becoming increasingly stringent in order to meet the objectives of the Green Deal.
"The installation of solar panels on all commercial buildings will become mandatory across Europe by 2026. In France, photovoltaic panels will be required on at least 50% of the surface area of outdoor parking canopies exceeding 1,500 m² from 2026 onwards. In the Flemish Region, all buildings consuming more than 1,000 MWh per year must have renewable energy production facilities in operation by 30 June 2025 or face substantial fines. Switzerland has also recently approved an obligation for all new buildings, while Germany is implementing similar requirements in an increasing number of federal states (Länder)," says François Neu.
"In addition, mandatory carbon accounting for large companies is encouraging them to move in this direction, while both their customers and financial institutions are increasingly demanding products and solutions with verified green sourcing."
PROJECTS THAT REFLECT ITS VALUES
Among the projects completed, Enerdeal's Brussels headquarters perfectly embodies these values, with 300 solar panels, 12 charging stations and 130 kWh of battery storage capacity, resulting in net-zero emissions, 100% electric mobility and 80% annual energy autonomy.
"The integration of solar power with electric mobility makes perfect sense. Producing electricity that is then used to charge employees' or customers' vehicles creates a virtuous cycle. Many retail chains are currently in discussions with major e-mobility players that are willing to invest in photovoltaic installations on parking facilities combined with EV charging stations. It is also an effective way for retailers to attract and retain customers, who appreciate making productive use of their shopping time by charging their vehicles," he notes.
Another project involved the installation of photovoltaic panels on a carport accommodating 500 vehicles through a third-party financing model. The project supports Ceratizit's strategy, at its Mamer site, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Annual electricity generation is estimated at 1.3 GWh, with an installed capacity of 1,320 kWp.
At Streff in Windhof, all available surfaces were utilised to deploy a photovoltaic installation with an installed capacity of 700 kWp through direct investment.
At Tontarelli in Bascharage, 20,000 m² of flat roof space were covered with solar panels, resulting in an installed capacity of 2,740 kWp.
At Luxlait in Bissen, the company self-consumes the entire output of the 1,360 kWp photovoltaic installation installed on the roof of its production facility.
The rooftop solar installation at the Biohealth car park in Esch/Alzette generates 250 MWh per year – enough energy to power an electric vehicle for 1.2 million km per year.
Installation of Luxembourg’s largest rooftop solar array is currently underway at Guardian in Bascharage, comprising more than 11,000 panels, with all the electricity generated to be used on-site.
Enerdeal has also carried out other projects abroad, notably for Delhaize in Belgium, as well as for the town of Manono in the Congo in 2015 – a logistical challenge that enabled it to develop expertise in off-grid solar and battery systems.