Solar canopies at Wissembourg Hospital

With the sun shining down, Wissembourg Hospital celebrated the opening of its new solar power plant with car park canopies. Conducted in collaboration with Idex, the project is an important step in the hospital's energy transition.  

What are the challenges of this ambitious project? How does it benefit Wissembourg Hospital? Who were the key players? What makes this project particularly interesting?

To find out, let’s look back at the history of the Wissembourg Hospital project, from its beginnings to its implementation by Idex!

Behind every major project is a clearly stated ambition. For Wissembourg Hospital, the ambition was to reduce energy consumption and increase energy self-sufficiency for a smaller carbon footprint. The project is also a response to France’s ENR Act, also known as the APER Act, which requires large healthcare establishments to install solar canopies over at least half of their parking area by 2026. The idea of building a photovoltaic power plant to address these three main goals was first put forward in 2021, by the technical management of Wissembourg Hospital. 

In 2023, the idea became a reality with the decision to design and finance a photovoltaic power plant in collaboration with Idex. The purpose of the project was not only to meet legal requirements, but also to turn this constraint into an opportunity for the hospital. The objective was to produce green, sustainable electricity capable of covering a significant proportion of the hospital's energy needs, while saving on energy bills.

This ambitious project required a thorough, methodical approach. It was essential to meet the highest standards in the design, implementation and maintenance of the installation. Wissembourg Hospital needed a reliable partner able to manage all aspects of the project, from initial design to operational risk management. Idex signed a 19-year turnkey contract for the design, installation, financing and operation of solar canopies in the car park of Wissembourg Hospital. With its expertise and commitment to sustainable photovoltaic solutions , Idex was clearly the ideal partner.

Work began at Wissembourg Hospital in October 2023, with commissioning scheduled for June 2024. This ambitious project required the collaboration of several key partners, each contributing their expertise to the overall success of the initiative. For the structural package, Idex worked with Heliowatt, a partner with the know-how to integrate complex photovoltaic structures. Another key partner in the project was Spie Photovoltaïque, which managed the electrical package, demonstrating its expertise in electrical installations. 

The added value of the Idex proposal lies in the quality of the photovoltaic panels installed. Designed to reduce the reflection of sunlight, the panels meet high levels of efficiency while satisfying the specific aesthetic and environmental requirements of the hospital site. Taking account of the hospital’s specific constraints, Idex was able to avoid any impact on patient care and comfort. It was vital to avoid any disruption to the running of the hospital or the car park. Management of parking areas is frequently a sensitive issue and, in this case, it had to be exemplary as there could be clearly no question of cancelling or postponing medical procedures. The success of this complex project demonstrated the importance of working with an expert in hospital project management. 

With its extensive experience in this field, Idex was able to meet the stringent requirements of Wissembourg Hospital, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. During the works, access to the parking area was temporarily modified and signposted by Idex to keep traffic moving smoothly and safely around the site. The internal players at Wissembourg Hospital played a key role in the project's success. Their day-to-day involvement provided the basis for effective coordination between the various stakeholders, including Idex project managers. This close collaboration made it possible to overcome the logistical challenges inherent in this type of project.

At Idex, we believe a well managed project depends on smooth communication and continuously renewed expertise. The Wissembourg Hospital project is a good example of this. 

This project involves a number of strategic challenges. First, the goal is to provide a stable supply of competitively-priced electricity for a period of 19 years, thereby giving the hospital financial security. Another main objective is to develop the land owned by the hospital by producing local, low-carbon green energy. This initiative turns parking spaces into sources of sustainable energy production, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly image for the hospital.

Improving the comfort of car park users is also a priority. The solar canopies provide protection from the elements and the sun, making the parking experience more pleasant for both patients and staff. Last, Idex supports operational risk management in full, allowing the hospital to concentrate on its core mission while taking advantage of an efficient photovoltaic installation.

Further, the project has delivered huge benefits. Idex designed, financed and installed a solar power plant with canopies covering an area of 2,524 m² in the hospital car park, the equivalent of 175 parking spaces. With a capacity of 524 kWp, these solar canopies produce around 550 MWh per year (equivalent to the annual consumption of 100 households), covering 24% of Wissembourg Hospital's energy needs. All the electricity generated will be consumed entirely by the hospital, reducing its dependence on external energy sources. 

How do you open a photovoltaic power plant in a hospital? Spotlight on Wednesday 26 June! 

Wissembourg Hospital hosted the opening ceremony for its new photovoltaic power plant on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Marking a milestone in the energy transition of Wissembourg Hospital, the event brought together users, employees, partners and elected representatives.

The event started at 5:00 pm and was attended by Mr Rocher, Managing Director of  Hospital Cooperation for Northern Alsace, Mr Houël, Assistant Director, Mr Roblot, Idex Director for Low-Carbon Buildings, and Mrs Fischer-Junck, Mayor of Wissembourg, who unveiled the electronic display showing energy production in real time.

Speakers at the event underlined the strategic advantages of this installation, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency, cost stability, and greater self-sufficiency for the hospital. They highlighted the success of the project from a technological, ecological and economic standpoint, and the way in which it is contributing to greater well-being for everybody. The event was a great success, underlining the achievement of the Wissembourg Hospital project, and illustrating the vision shared by all present for a greener future. With this new installation, Wissembourg Hospital becomes a pioneer in Alsace, a region with high levels of sunshine, while serving as an example for other healthcare establishments looking for sustainable energy solutions. 

Immortalised by a photographer, the opening ceremony ended with a reception where guests were able to continue their discussions over a variety of snacks and refreshments. Clearly enjoyed by all those present, the event was a resounding success  illustrating our strong commitment to the environment and the energy transition. 

Planning to develop a solar car park?