Better Solar Energy Production:
For a Brighter Future
At Boralex, we have been harnessing solar power since 2011 to help meet the growing worldwide need for renewable energy. Our solar energy projects are designed to maximize output with a focus on innovation and are adapted to suit various energy demands and market-specific conditions.
Every project is thought out carefully, working closely with our stakeholders, to deliver sustainable results and added value in terms of human development, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Solar energy is renewable and flexible. Solar power plants can be set up onshore or offshore, in areas that are unused or unsuitable for other purposes. In the case of agrivoltaics, where agricultural land and solar farms exist side by side, there are benefits for both, not to mention an extra source of income for farmers.
What are the benefits of solar power?
Our Solar Energy Solutions
A full range of energy solutions, coupled with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
How does solar energy work?
From 150 million kilometres (93 million miles) away, the radiation from the sun is a source of unlimited energy that is available everywhere on the planet. So how exactly are the sun’s rays converted into electricity? There are three main components to any solar farm that work together to harness sunlight to create a useable electrical current:
- Photovoltaic (PV) panels that capture solar energy and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity
- An inverter that transforms this direct current into alternating current (AC) compatible with the power grid
- A transformer that steps up the voltage to meet the demands of transmission and distribution.
PV systems are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are assembled into larger modules. These convert solar energy into electrical energy through a phenomenon known as the photoelectric effect. The resulting power can be used directly, stored or sent to the grid. Technological advancements make this process more efficient with each passing year.
Solar innovation at Boralex
Beyond solar power production, we are committed to developing forward-looking projects to address specific needs in a customized and sustainable way. This innovative mindset is an integral part of who we are as an organization. As a leader in renewable energy, we play a proactive role in bringing together industry stakeholders through partnerships, working groups, conferences and other channels. We leverage innovation to minimize our overall footprint and strike a balance between renewable energy and other economic needs.
- We are also at forefront of floating solar technology, which repurposes underutilized water surfaces, thereby reducing the reliance on vast tracts of land. There are also several other advantages to this combination of sun and water with respect to energy production and environmental impact.
Expanding pratices in Agrivoltaics
We develop and deploy agrivoltaic technology in sites that meet specific criteria. Agrivoltaics combine energy and food production, thereby diversifying farmers’ revenue streams and helping them make their operations more resilient.
- In 2021, Boralex teamed up with Sun’Agri to expand the practice of agrivoltaics in France and elsewhere in Europe in order to build new solar power plants while protecting farmland from increasing climate volatility. We are proud to be putting our expertise at every stage of the energy production life cycle to work for the agricultural industry and to be able to count on the sector-specific knowledge and technological support of Sun’Agri as we go forward.
Photo courtesy of Sun'Agri
Delivering with ever-greater intelligence
Learn all about energy production with Boralex.
Sustainable and Ethical Infrastructure: Our Pledge to You
At Boralex, our commitment to corporate social responsibility underpins everything we do. We work hard to ensure that our entire supply chain meets the strictest ethical and environmental standards. Our sustainable procurement charter clearly sets out our expectations of our suppliers in terms of human rights, labour, environmental performance and business practices.
We incorporate our CSR criteria into every aspect of our procurement processes, so that all materials and modules are consistent with our mission to provide renewable energy and contribute positively to the environment and society as a whole.
Solar and Wind: Powerful Together
Combining solar and wind energy is an excellent way to ensure a stable supply of renewable power all year long.
Using a hybrid solution can help smooth out the peaks and valleys of power generation for a more efficient and resilient electricity infrastructure.
