Introduction
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and industrial automation. The company is headquartered in France and provides digital solutions to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability. Its offerings include power management, industrial automation, smart home solutions, and software-driven energy solutions. Schneider Electric serves various industries, including data centers, infrastructure, buildings, and manufacturing, helping businesses transition to more efficient and sustainable energy practices. With a strong focus on innovation, the company promotes eco-friendly technologies and smart automation to drive a more sustainable future.
As a part of Schneider Electric’s continued efforts to lead the way in shaping tomorrow’s transition to renewable energy and electric mobility, businesses are looking for integrated solutions that maximize sustainability and efficiency. At Schneider Electric’s site in Grenoble, a state-of-the-art DC microgrid has been implemented to showcase the future of energy distribution and EV charging with Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) consisting of the Solar Carport with 59.84 kWp installed solar capacity, 6 11 kW DC-chargers and batteries for energy storage.
As a key partner in this initiative, Innoventum contributed by designing, supplying, and installing the Solar Carport, a critical component that seamlessly integrates with the on-site microgrid. This carport not only generates clean solar power but also enhances energy efficiency by directly supplying the EV charging infrastructure.
Project Overview: Solar Carport and DC Microgrid Integration
Located at Schneider Electric’s facility in Grenoble, France, this pioneering project involved installing a DC microgrid designed specifically for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Innoventum contributed by providing a Solar Carport, generating clean solar energy, and efficiently integrating it with the site’s DC-based infrastructure with minimal conversion losses thanks to 6 semi-fast chargers using DC to charge Electrical vehicles.
The Challenge: Sustainable and Efficient Electrical Vehicle Charging
Schneider Electric sought an advanced solution to demonstrate energy-efficient and sustainable EV charging, aiming to:
- Reduce dependency on the power grid
- Incorporate onsite renewable energy generation
- Ensure scalable and future-proof EV charging infrastructure
- Achieve corporate sustainability and carbon reduction goals
Innoventum’s Solar Carport was strategically selected to address these objectives.
Innoventum’s Solar Carport Solution
Innoventum delivered a tailored Solar Carport engineered specifically for seamless integration into Schneider Electric’s DC microgrid infrastructure and the existing parking lot. The solution offered several distinct advantages:
Direct Renewable Energy Integration
The Solar Carport generates solar power onsite in DC which is directly supplying clean renewable energy to the EV chargers and the energy storage (ESS). This approach minimizes conversion losses and significantly enhances overall energy efficiency.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Construction
Constructed with carefully selected building materials such as sustainably sourced glue-laminated timber from FSC-certified forests, and Grounds screws made from recycled metal. Its minimal environmental footprint accelerates achieving net-zero carbon goals, making it one of the most sustainable solutions available on the market.
Flexible & Scalable Design
- A modular structure enabling easy expansion with additional solar panels
- Flexible integration with future DC infrastructure developments
- Low maintenance requirements ensure efficient operation and long-term value
Project Collaboration: Key Partners
The success of this groundbreaking installation was a collaborative effort between industry leaders:
- Schneider Electric: Project lead; developed and managed the DC microgrid infrastructure.
- DC Systems: Supplied innovative DC-to-DC microgrid technology for efficient energy management.
- Elektro Internationaal B.V.: Provided custom control panels and distribution boards for seamless power management.
- Innoventum: Designed, supplied, and installed the Solar Carport, delivering renewable energy directly to the microgrid.
- Dimetal: Assisted Innoventum in the professional installation of the Solar Carport structure.
Results & Impact
Since installation, the Solar Carport has delivered significant benefits, including:
- Major reduction in grid dependency through onsite renewable solar generation
- Enhanced energy efficiency via direct DC integration, significantly reducing energy conversion losses
- Alignment with Schneider Electric’s sustainability targets, directly reducing carbon emissions
- A scalable and future-proof infrastructure capable of adapting to evolving energy needs
Conclusion: Leading the Way in Renewable EV Charging
Innoventum’s Solar Carport has emerged as a critical component of Schneider Electric’s innovative DC microgrid project. By effectively integrating renewable energy with EV infrastructure, this solution exemplifies a new benchmark in sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in energy management.
Interested in Renewable EV Charging Solutions?
Discover how Innoventum’s Solar Carport can support your organization’s transition to sustainable energy independence. Contact us to explore tailored solar-powered solutions for your EV charging needs.