Everything you need to fall for it

Haven't had the chance to fall for the photovoltaic panel yet? It's true that there have been plenty of obstacles to the sector's development in recent months. But in

Puy-de-Dôme, and well beyond, JR Énergie Conseil has managed to position itself, withstand the challenges, and now think big.

“There were four of us in 2019, there are forty of us today, and we are still recruiting to soon bring the workforce to fifty employees,” says Pierre Renard, CEO. He is responsible for the operational management of the company and its sister company, JP2R (specializing in roof asbestos removal and roofing), as well as business development. All under the watchful eye of his father, Jean Renard, who launched the venture in 2016 and has no plans to retire.

“I like to see things move forward and contribute in my own way,” says this hyperactive man, president of JR Énergie, who is in charge of everything related to major projects and development.

The collective self-consumption map

An example of a large-scale project? To see one, just look out from the company's offices in the Bois-Joli area of Cournon at the roofs of the neighboring B&M warehouses. “We covered the first section, 5,000 m² of photovoltaic panels, in three months,” explains Jean Renard. We will tackle the second section in November and install an additional 4,000 m². In total, this 2.2 megawatt peak power plant will enable the owner to consume its own energy and supply other companies or infrastructure within a radius of one kilometer."

Collective self-consumption is the key to JR Énergie's market recovery. “The authorities have closed many doors, but they have opened this one,” says Pierre Renard. This serves as a reminder that our government's decision to drastically reduce the energy buyback price (from 13 cents per kilowatt to 8.6 cents in 2025, a 30% reduction) due to network saturation is forcing professionals in the sector to explore other avenues.

“The profitability of power plants selling directly to EDF is no longer guaranteed,” continues the CEO. “At that rate, it's better to move towards self-consumption.”

This is obviously a more profitable option for large structures, companies, and farms, which today account for more than 90% of the €10 million in combined annual revenue generated by JR Énergie and JP2R. However, this must be feasible, as many older roofs are not suitable for photovoltaic installations.

“We therefore offer a comprehensive solution, ranging from reinforcing the roof structure and roofing to installing panels, including asbestos removal if necessary and re-roofing,” emphasizes Jean Renard. We are one of the only players in the industry to provide such an integrated solution."

Does this mean turning away from private individuals, who until recently accounted for a large proportion of the 1,000 installations already completed? “Not at all,” refutes Jean Renard. "We are not abandoning any market. From private individuals at 3 kWh to large installations, all business is good business. " And all of them are eligible for the add-on that JR Énergie now offers its customers: a storage battery that allows energy to be used even when the panels are no longer producing it.

“We now install them systematically, including in private homes,” emphasizes Jean Renard.

Exporting to Eastern Europe and Africa

Ultimately, these solutions could spread far beyond the Chaîne des Puys. The entrepreneur is now targeting exports, not only in equipment distribution but also in installation, with

two key areas of exploration: Eastern Europe and Africa. Even though China has already made significant inroads into the African continent.

“There are many places where everything remains to be done. We are in the process of creating the company that will operate in this market. We will be ready to start on January 1.”

The leaders of JR Énergie are not embarking on this adventure alone, but with the support of major shareholders, as Pierre Renard points out: "We have gained

credibility to the point of attracting partners who have recently joined us and are giving us the financial foundation to continue our development."

The adventure will therefore continue soon in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, and Djibouti. All while keeping an eye on France and the Auvergne market.

JR Énergie will be present for the second consecutive year at the Sommet de l'élevage livestock show in early October, hoping to achieve the same success as in 2024, and will participate in December in Montpellier at the EnerGaïa trade show, a renewable energy forum and meeting place for major players in the sector.

Jean Renard, left, founder of the company in 2016 and still president, with his son Pierre, now CEO.