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95 MWc Production
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65 000* inhabitants Supplied with electricity
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Around 45 000 tons of CO2 Avoided annually
Technical data
- Site technologySolar
- Panel technologyGround-mounted solar
Project overview
Since 2018, Boralex has been developing a solar farm in a location known as "Domaine de Mazagran" near the towns of Vins-sur-Caramy and Cabasse, southern France, on a tire test site formerly operated by the Michelin company. This solar farm will produce around 180 GWh of energy per year, enough to cover the annual electricity needs of almost 65 000 inhabitants* (including heating).
The future solar energy production site will be composed of 4 solar panel arrays supported by fixed metal structures. The solar panels will have a parallel position to each other, on east-west axis, with a maximum height of 2.4m.
*Consumption per inhabitant: Sources for France : ADEME, CRE, and RTE_Average consumption across all uses
Site selection
The site was not chosen randomly. It offers a number of advantages for hosting a solar park, making it unique in the Var department where it is located :
- A wide site already modified by man ;
- Suitable topography, with no environmental zoning ;
- Non-consumption of agricultural land and a suitable distance from homes ;
- A discreet landscape (on a plateau, invisible from the main roads and surroundings).
Benefits to local residents
Boralex is working to make the solar farm benefits to local residents. Find out more below.
To enhance the value of the local historical heritage, Boralex plans to reopen the hiking trail linking the towns of Vins-sur-Caramy and Cabasse. Various equipments might be installed, such as street furnitures, educational panels on renewable energies, sports and health equipments.
During the construction phase in France, Boralex gives priority to local businesses in order to support economic development and employment in the local community and surrounding areas.
In addition, we are actively working to integrate integration clauses into our contracts in order to promote access to employment. These initiatives will also help in training local talent towards positions in the energy transition sector, reinforcing the positive and lasting impact of this project on the local area.
In addition to our actions to promote employment and local economy, Boralex is committed to support local associations. Each year, a donation and sponsorship initiative help finance local associations' projects near our operating sites. Through this we aim to play an active part in the region's vitality.
As part of the solar project, Boralex is planning to offer local residents an opportunity to invest in the project and thus to participate actively in the energy transition in their area.
Beyond renewable energy
A better control of fire risks thanks to the solar farm
In addition to producing a local, low-carbon electricity, the development of the solar park will significantly reduce the risk of fire on the site, which is currently covered by a dense vegetation making it difficult for emergency services to intervene if needed. The creation and maintenance of new access roads will allow local fire department teams to intervene quickly if needed.
The clearing strips planned in compliance with legal obligations, laid out in honeycomb form to avoid clear-cutting, will offer more sustainable vegetation management. These measures will improve site maintenance and reduce the risk of fire, while preserving local ecosystems.
Solar panels and soil quality
The installation of the solar farm has been designed to preserve soil quality and the natural water cycle. The solar panels are fixed to the ground using lightweight structures to favor natural waterto infiltrate the ground and recharge the water table. A herbaceous layer will be maintained accross the entire site to diffuse rainwater, limit soil erosion and reduce water flows downstream. Thanks to these features, the projet guarantees minimal environmental impact while contributing to the energy transition.
A question on the project ?
Contact our team : mazagran@boralex.com
