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 part of Schneider Electric’s ongoing efforts to lead the way in shaping tomorrow’s transition to renewable energy and electric mobility, businesses are seeking 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 of installed solar capacity, six 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 that generates clean solar energy and efficiently integrates it with the site’s DC-based infrastructure with minimal conversion losses, thanks to six semi-fast chargers that use DC to charge electric vehicles.
The Challenge: Sustainable and Efficient Electric Vehicle Charging
Schneider Electric sought an advanced solution to demonstrate energy-efficient and sustainable EV charging, with the aim of:
- Reduce reliance on the power grid
- Incorporate on-site renewable energy generation
- Ensure a scalable and future-proof EV charging infrastructure
- Achieve corporate sustainability and carbon reduction goals
Innoventum’s Solar Carport was strategically selected to meet these objectives.
Innoventum’s Solar Carport Solution
Innoventum delivered a custom-designed 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 on-site in DC, which directly supplies clean, renewable energy to the EV chargers and the energy storage system (ESS). This approach minimizes conversion losses and significantly improves overall energy efficiency.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Construction
Constructed using carefully selected building materials, such as sustainably sourced glulam from FSC-certified forests and Grounds screws made from recycled metal. Its minimal environmental footprint helps accelerate the achievement of net-zero carbon goals, making it one of the most sustainable solutions available on the market.
Flexible & Scalable Design
- A modular structure that allows for 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 the result of a collaborative effort among industry leaders:
- Schneider Electric: Project lead; developed and managed the DC microgrid infrastructure.
- DC Systems: Provided innovative DC-to-DC microgrid technology for efficient energy management.
- Elektro Internationaal B.V.: Supplied 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 with the professional installation of the solar carport structure.
Results & Impact
Since its installation, the Solar Carport has provided significant benefits, including:
- Significant reduction in grid dependency through on-site renewable solar power generation
- Enhanced energy efficiency through direct DC integration, significantly reducing energy conversion losses
- Alignment with Schneider Electric’s sustainability goals, 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 key component of Schneider Electric’s innovative DC microgrid project. By effectively integrating renewable energy with EV infrastructure, this solution sets a new standard for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in energy management.
Interested in renewable EV charging solutions?
Discover how Innoventum’s Solar Carport can help your organization transition to sustainable energy independence. Contact us to explore customized solar-powered solutions for your EV charging needs.