TSE
TSE is a French solar energy producer developing ground-mounted photovoltaic and agrivoltaic power plants across France, selling renewable electricity to industrial customers via 15–20 year PPAs and providing climate-resilient agrivoltaic systems to farmers through 40-year land leases.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersValbonne, France
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What TSE does
TSE is a French solar energy producer and Independent Power Producer (IPP) founded in 2016, headquartered in Sophia Antipolis (Valbonne) with an R&D center in Bourgoin-Jallieu. The company develops, builds, finances, and operates ground-based photovoltaic power plants and agrivoltaic installations across France, employing 270 staff across 15 regional offices and operating an installed/under-construction fleet of roughly 500 MWc with 2.5 GWc in active development toward a stated 5 GWc goal by 2027. Its operational fleet currently generates electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 241,000 inhabitants. TSE positions itself as the lowest-cost producer of carbon-free electricity in France and as the reference French player in agrivoltaics, having inaugurated what it describes as the world's first agricultural canopy at Amance in 2022 and operating the world's largest agrivoltaic demonstrator program (six pilot sites, 70+ hectares, 800+ sensors).
The company's core technology platform is a system of dynamic, tracking solar panels deployed at 5m height with patented French and European designs inspired by cable technology used in chair lifts and suspension bridges. The platform spans five agrivoltaic product variants (Agricultural Canopy, Crop Shading System, Livestock Shading System, Ley Farming Shade, Solar Fallow), two ground-mount photovoltaic products (Solar Power Plant, Biodivenergy Power Plant), and four Corporate PPA variants (Classic, Optimiz, Flex, Local), all built around shared IP in panel tracking, intelligent irrigation, and the FlexEnergy energy management system. Empirical results disclosed include 35% reduction in evapotranspiration, 18% yield improvement, up to 7°C temperature reduction under canopies during heat peaks, and 30% water savings from intelligent irrigation.
TSE's business model combines long-duration contracted cash flows with capital-intensive project development. Revenue is generated through (1) 15–20 year Corporate PPAs selling electricity to industrial offtakers (STMicroelectronics, Biomérieux, Les Mousquetaires, Agrial, Albéa, FLORETTE, Aluminium Dunkerque), (2) annual rent payments and revenue-share arrangements from landowners and farmers hosting installations under 40-year emphyteutic leases, and (3) managed services around agrivoltaic project co-development with agricultural cooperatives such as Noriap, Cérèsia, and Océalia. Pricing is project-specific and quote-based. Capital is sourced through a mix of equity (€160M raised in 2023), project bonds (€65M Eiffel Investment Group in 2024), project finance (€106M for 15 farms in December 2025), and EU grants (€2.7M EU Innovation Fund for Brouchy). The company holds B Corp certification (2026), has been named to French Tech 120 in 2025 and 2026, and is a founding member of the Holosolis photovoltaic gigafactory consortium.
TSE firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TSE
- Legal name
- TSE
- Website
- https://tse.energy
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- TSE is a French solar energy producer developing ground-mounted photovoltaic and agrivoltaic power plants across France, selling renewable electricity to industrial customers via 15–20 year PPAs and providing climate-resilient agrivoltaic systems to farmers through 40-year land leases.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TSE industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Photovoltaic and Agrivoltaic Solar Energy Production
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation (22111)
- SIC
- Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar Project Development & IPP (Utility-Scale & Rooftop) (EUAMABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB), Operations, Maintenance & Asset Management (O&M, Vegetation, Spares, SCADA) (EUACAGAH), Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)
Keywords
Where TSE is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Valbonne
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices15 records
Markets served
TSE business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Solar Energy Production and Sale: TSE develops, builds, and operates solar photovoltaic and agrivoltaic power plants. Revenue is generated by selling electricity produced from solar farms to industrial companies via Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs), and to the grid. Long-term PPAs (15-20 years) provide stable recurring revenue. The company also earns rent from landowners for hosting solar installations.
- Agrivoltaic Solutions Development: TSE develops bespoke agrivoltaic projects on agricultural land through long-term (40-year) emphyteutic leases with landowners and farmers. Revenue includes annual rent paid by landowners and farmers, with variable rent based on a percentage of electricity revenue shared with operators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Custom CPPA contracts (Classic, Optimiz, Flex, Local) |
| Other | Annual | Agrivoltaic project rent model |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
TSE product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TSE designs, builds, finances and operates ground-based solar photovoltaic power plants and dynamic agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power generation with agricultural production on the same land. Its portfolio includes five agrivoltaic shading solutions (agricultural canopy, cultivation shade, livestock shade, ley farming shade, solar fallow), two ground-mounted PV solutions (standard and Biodivenergy), and four CPPA variants (Classic, Optimiz, Flex, Local) for industrial off-takers. Revenue comes from selling carbon-free electricity via 15–20-year Corporate PPAs and from rent paid by landowners under 40-year emphyteutic leases.
Product overview
TSE offers a portfolio of agrivoltaic and photovoltaic solutions organized around three main categories: (1) Agrivoltaic Solutions — five dynamic shading systems (Agricultural Canopy, Crop Shading System, Livestock Shading System, Ley Farming Shading System, and Solar Fallow) that combine solar energy production with agricultural activities through rotating panels and intelligent controls; (2) Photovoltaic Solutions — ground-based Solar Power Plants on degraded land and Biodivenergy Power Plants that restore biodiversity on natural land; and (3) Corporate PPA Services — four CPPA variants (Classic, Optimiz, Flex, Local) enabling industrial companies to source long-term renewable electricity directly from TSE's solar farms. The company also operates the world's largest agrivoltaic experimentation program (70+ hectares, 6 pilot sites) for scientific R&D. All solutions share a common technology platform of dynamic/tracking solar panels with partial and rotating shade, remote sensor-based monitoring, and intelligent irrigation systems. TSE's agrivoltaic and photovoltaic installations are sold through CPPA contracts to industrial customers and communities across France.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Agricultural Canopy World-first dynamic agrivoltaic shading system with rotating solar panels installed above agricultural land at 5m height, generating partial and rotating shade that protects crops against climatic hazards; includes a built-in intelligent irrigation system that can save up to 30% in water use. The structure covers only 0.5% of land area and is compatible with standard agricultural machinery. Patented in France and Europe.
- Crop Shading System (Cultivation Shade) Dynamic agrivoltaic solution with smart-technology solar panels that generate partial and rotating shade adapted to field crops. Panels automatically adjust to crop type, growth stage and agro-climatic needs; built-in intelligent irrigation saves up to 30% water use. Compatible with agricultural machinery up to 15 meters high and crops under 1m60.
- Livestock Shading System Dynamic agrivoltaic shading solution designed for cattle, sheep, and goat farming under rotational grazing. Panels generate partial and rotating shade across the entire grassland surface, improving animal welfare and protecting livestock from heat stress. Compatible with agricultural machinery up to 15 meters high.
- Shading System for Ley Farming (Temporary Meadow Shade) Dynamic agrivoltaic solution adapted to temporary meadows or leys, designed to accommodate alternating uses of plots (pasture, fodder crops, cereal crops). Features dynamic panels with partial and rotating shade and an optional built-in irrigation system. Suitable for low and medium crops under 1m60 in height.
- Solar Fallow System Agrivoltaic solution for fallow land that provides partial and rotating shade meeting the ecological needs of natural species while limiting water stress. Uses tracker technology with minimal ground footprint, leaving space for ecological management and biodiversity development. Includes environmental land development such as hedgerow planting and seeding of soil-enriching plant species.
- Solar Power Plant Ground-based solar photovoltaic power plants installed on degraded or abandoned land. Includes engineering, construction, grid connection (HTA, HTB, 225kV substation) and long-term operation. Land owners receive annual rent per hectare, with projects typically taking 3–5 years from design to commissioning.
- Biodivenergy Power Plant Solar photovoltaic power plants designed for natural land that restore and preserve biodiversity. Features ecological building blocks including ecological corridors, differentiated vegetation management, reptile cottages, hedgerows, ponds, local plants, and permeable wildlife fencing. Applies IQE (Indicator of Ecological Quality), GBS (Global Biodiversity Score), and Effinature certification methodologies.
- Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) Direct renewable electricity purchasing contract between TSE and industrial consumers, with four variants: Classic (full volume consumption), Optimiz (optimized injection for peak value), Flex (partial consumption with storage), and Local (direct connection to source station). Contracts run 15–20 years and provide long-term energy price stability. Current portfolio supplies 160 MWc for 171 GWh annual consumption. Named customers include STMicroelectronics (780 GWh), Les Mousquetaires Group (95 MWp), Agrial (31 MWc), BioMérieux, Albéa, FLORETTE and Aluminium Dunkerque.
- Industrial Wasteland Revitalization Multi-energy territorial projects that redevelop former industrial sites into green energy hubs, combining solar PV with green hydrogen production, lithium battery storage, bio-methanol production, and EV charging infrastructure. The Fonderies du Poitou project exemplifies this offering, developed in partnership with Lhyfe.
- Agrivoltaic Experimentation Program The world's largest agrivoltaic demonstrator program, spanning over 70 hectares across six pilot sites in France (Amance, Brouchy, Chadeleuf, Saint-Palais-de-Phiolin, Souleuvre-en-Bocage, Verdonnet). Scientifically tests plant species, crop varieties, and livestock farming types over 3–9 years using over 800 sensors for agronomic data collection, generating the empirical proof of concept underlying TSE's agrivoltaic claims.
Quantifiable outcome
- 241,000 inhabitants — equivalent annual electricity consumption served by TSE's operational solar fleet
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use TSE
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
TSE technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
TSE partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, major and minor.
- CérèsiacoreTSE and Cérèsia entered a partnership to develop agrivoltaic projects for the benefit of farmers. Cérèsia is an agricultural cooperative, and the partnership aims to support farmers in transitioning to agrivoltaic practices.
- Siloé InfrastructurescoreTSE acquired 108 MW of operational and ready-to-build solar capacity across four projects in France from Siloé Infrastructures. This acquisition supports TSE's strategy to consolidate the French photovoltaic sector and expand its operational fleet.
- OcéaliacoreTSE and Océalia joined forces to develop 500 MWp of agrivoltaic projects within the cooperative's territory, combining agricultural expertise with solar energy development.
- STMicroelectronicscoreSTMicroelectronics and TSE signed a 15-year physical PPA starting in 2027, under which TSE will supply approximately 780 GWh of renewable electricity from three solar parks (43 MW total) to STMicroelectronics' sites in France. The contract is STMicroelectronics' second PPA in France and supports ST's goal of carbon neutrality by 2027.
- Equans Solar & Storage and GagneparkcorePartnership with Equans Solar & Storage and Gagnepark for the construction of an exceptional solar parking shade (ombrière) at Aluminium Dunkerque's facility.
- NoriapcoreTSE and Noriap entered a win-win partnership to develop agrivoltaic projects, leveraging Noriap's agricultural cooperative network and TSE's solar expertise.
- French State (Solar Pact)strategicTSE was one of the first signatories of the Solar Pact between the State and the solar industry in France, supporting national solar energy objectives and policy alignment.
- National Museum of Natural HistorystrategicTSE and the National Museum of Natural History signed a concrete agreement in favor of biodiversity, supporting TSE's commitment to integrating and preserving biodiversity in its solar projects.
- LhyfemajorA French consortium composed of Lhyfe and TSE created a green energy hub, with multi-energy projects combining green hydrogen production, battery storage, and renewable energy to support industrial decarbonization.
- Holosolis ConsortiumcoreTSE is a founding member of the HoloSolis consortium, a photovoltaic gigafactory project in Sarreguemines-Hambach, Moselle, France. The factory will produce 10 million photovoltaic panels annually (5 GW capacity) using TOPCon technology, contributing to Europe's energy independence from China. HoloSolis secured over €220 million in funding. TSE's role as founding member supports access to French-made photovoltaic panels and contributes to the broader solar ecosystem.
- INRAEstrategicTSE is a member of INRAE's national center for research, innovation, and education on agrivoltaics. INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) is France's leading agricultural research institute.
- PurpanminorAgricultural school and partner in TSE's agrivoltaic experimentation program, contributing expertise in agricultural sciences and practices.
- Alliance BFCminorAgricultural cooperative and partner in TSE's agrivoltaic demonstrator program, notably at the Amance pilot site with encouraging results.
- Idele (Institut de l'Elevage)minorLivestock research institute partnering with TSE on agrivoltaic solutions for cattle, sheep, and goat farming within the experimentation program.
Scale indicators17 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
TSE competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sun'Agri: Sun'Agri is a French agrivoltaic specialist developing dynamic solar shading systems for crops, now majority-owned by TotalEnergies. Most direct comparable to TSE on agrivoltaic technology, target farmers, and dynamic panel architecture; main differentiator is TSE's in-house canopy patents vs. Sun'Agri's TotalEnergies backing.
- Photosol: Photosol is one of France's largest photovoltaic developers and producers, now backed by EDF. Directly competes with TSE on ground-mounted solar project development, CPPA structuring for industrial customers, and nationwide French project pipelines.
- Urbasolar: Urbasolar is a French solar PV developer and EPC, majority-owned by Axpo, active in ground-mounted plants, rooftop, and shade structures (ombrières). Comparable to TSE on CPPA-style offerings and the ombrière/parking shade segment TSE is pursuing with Aluminium Dunkerque.
- Voltalia: Voltalia is a French-listed renewable IPP (Euronext) developing wind, solar, and storage projects across multiple geographies with significant French exposure. Comparable on CPPA structuring for industrial customers and project development scale, though broader technology mix and listed status.
- Neoen: Neoen is a leading French-origin renewable IPP (majority-owned by Brookfield) with substantial solar, wind, and storage capacity in France. Comparable on long-term corporate PPAs, GW-scale pipeline, and French energy market positioning, though at a significantly larger scale and globally diversified.
- Amarenco: Amarenco is a European solar IPP headquartered in France, developing ground-mounted PV and agrivoltaic projects across France, Ireland, and other markets. Comparable mid-scale French solar developer with similar project economics and CPPA customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Engie Green: Engie Green is the French renewables subsidiary of Engie, one of the largest renewable energy developers in France across wind, solar, and storage. Overlaps with TSE on French solar project development and corporate PPAs, but operates as part of a much larger utility portfolio.
- EDF Renewables: EDF Renewables is the French renewable energy arm of EDF, a dominant French utility with large-scale solar, wind, and storage operations. Competes with TSE on French ground-mounted solar, corporate PPAs, and agrivoltaic pilots, with substantially greater balance sheet and pipeline resources.
- Lightsource bp: Lightsource bp is a global solar IPP and developer owned by BP, with significant European and French presence. Comparable on utility-scale solar development, CPPA structuring, and project finance expertise; differs as part of a major oil major's energy transition portfolio.
- TotalEnergies Renewables: TotalEnergies is developing large-scale solar, agrivoltaic (via Sun'Agri), and renewable portfolios in France as part of its integrated multi-energy strategy. Comparable on French solar project development and agrivoltaic ambitions, with significantly greater financial firepower and global scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TSE social profiles
Digital presenceTSE financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TSE leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
TSE funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TSE M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TSE
What does TSE do?
TSE designs, builds, finances and operates ground-based solar photovoltaic power plants and dynamic agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power generation with agricultural production on the same land. Its portfolio includes five agrivoltaic shading solutions (agricultural canopy, cultivation shade, livestock shade, ley farming shade, solar fallow), two ground-mounted PV solutions (standard and Biodivenergy), and four CPPA variants (Classic, Optimiz, Flex, Local) for industrial off-takers. Revenue comes from selling carbon-free electricity via 15–20-year Corporate PPAs and from rent paid by landowners under 40-year emphyteutic leases.
Is TSE a public or private company?
TSE is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was TSE founded?
TSE was founded in 2016. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is TSE based?
TSE is headquartered in Valbonne, France, in the Europe region.
How does TSE make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Solar Energy Production and Sale is the primary driver. The others are agrivoltaic Solutions Development.
Who are TSE's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sun'Agri, Photosol, Urbasolar, Voltalia, Neoen and Amarenco. Broad incumbents are Engie Green, EDF Renewables, Lightsource bp and TotalEnergies Renewables.
Does TSE have an API?
No public API is recorded for TSE.
What industry is TSE in?
TSE's product category is Photovoltaic and Agrivoltaic Solar Energy Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAA, Solar Project Development & IPP (Utility-Scale & Rooftop), with a secondary code of EUAMABAB, Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System). Its NAICS code is 221114 and its SIC code is 4991.