This project in photos!
Why is the DualSun hybrid panel ideal for camping?
Because in the life of a campsite, energy needs correspond to the times of energy production. Overall, daytime energy requirements are high, due to the activities associated with camping life. What’s more, energy requirements are higher in summer, precisely when our panels are producing at their peak.
So, on this project, the Pommiers municipal campsite was able to rely on the SIEL (Syndicat Intercommunal des Énergies du département de la Loire) to accomplish its renovation. Since 2014, 24 DualSun hybrid solar panels and 12 standard photovoltaic panels have been producing hot water and electricity for the showers.
All the solar panels are integrated into the roof of the sanitary building. It can be seen that the DualSun panels are visually identical to the photovoltaic solar panels next to them. This is a guarantee of high-quality visual harmony. Especially when compared with photovoltaic and thermal solar panels placed side by side.
In this camping solar project, all the electricity produced by the 36 solar panels is sold to the grid.
The solar panels are sized to suit the campsite’s capacity. During the day, DualSun hybrid panels can fill a 1,500-liter hot water tank. More when hot water is consumed. In fact, it allows 30 people to take showers at the same time.
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Interview with the campsite manager
Who are you and what are the features of Camping des Pommiers?
Hello, I’m Mr THOUIN, part of the new team that has been managing the campsite since 2011. Our campsite has 2 stars, a capacity of 84 places and an activity that starts in April and ends at the beginning of October, even if tourists in mobile homes can be accommodated for a longer period. Holidaymakers come here in search of peace and quiet, and the nearby fishing zone is one of our flagship activities. The campsite is not far from the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela. And close to a listed priory that attracts 10,000 visitors every year.
Can you tell us about the installation of solar panels at the campsite?
Camping des Pommiers is 40 years old, an old municipal campsite whose energy equipment was outdated and expensive. The project was monitored and carried out by SIEL, and the installation of the solar panels went very smoothly.
The DualSun hybrid panels and photovoltaic panels replaced an old gas-fired boiler, and with them we really wanted to save money and preserve the environment. The panels are used not only for electricity, but also for hot water for the 4 shower compartments and toilets, the laundry and the bin room for cleaning fishing gear.
What do you think of solar energy?
I’m all for solar power because it’s part of the future!
