Terre et Lac Solaire

What Terre et Lac Solaire does

Terre et Lac Solaire is a French independent producer of renewable energy founded in 2009 and headquartered in Lyon, with additional offices in Paris and Bordeaux. The company operates as a general contractor (contractant général) for photovoltaic solar projects, managing the full value chain from feasibility study and engineering through permitting, financing, construction, grid connection, and 30-year operation and maintenance. Its installed and developed base exceeds 850 MWc across more than 850 installations in France, spanning agricultural rooftops, industrial rooftops (>5,000 m²), parking shade structures (ombrières, minimum 200 spaces), ground-mounted solar farms, agrivoltaic systems, floating solar parks, and equestrian facilities.

The company serves three primary customer verticals: agricultural operators (dairy, livestock, crop, and equestrian farms, plus cooperatives such as Oxyane and SICAREV COOP), commercial and industrial enterprises (manufacturing, logistics, large retailers, waste management), and local governments and territorial collectivities. It finances 100% of project costs via long-dated structures — bail emphytéotique (roof rental and roof renovation with asbestos removal), bail à construction (new agricultural building construction), and self-consumption PPA/leasing — eliminating upfront customer capital expenditure and creating 20–30-year recurring revenue streams through EDF OA power purchase agreements and direct electricity sales. Pricing is quote-based per project, with feasibility minimums such as >1 GWh/year consumption for self-consumption and 1,400 m²+ for renovation projects.

Terre et Lac's commercial model relies on direct enterprise field sales, a dense calendar of agricultural and energy trade shows, and structured referrals from agricultural cooperatives. Notable credentials include first-mover AFNOR agrivoltaic certification (July 2022, large-crop development phase), ISO 9001/14001, AQPV certification, and QBE decennial liability insurance. The company has raised over €120M in project and infrastructure financing across 2023–2026 from Infranity, Caisse d'Epargne Rhône-Alpes, Caisse d'Epargne CEPAC, and RGREEN INVEST, and holds a founding shareholder position in CARBON, a French solar panel manufacturer. Leadership comprises founder and President Pierre-Emmanuel Martin and Director General Sébastien Fenet, with a team of 20+ collaborators including in-house installation crews.

Name

Terre et Lac Solaire

Legal name

SAS TERRE ET LAC

Website

https://terreetlac.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Terre et Lac Solaire is a Lyon-based French independent solar energy producer (founded 2009) that finances, builds, and operates photovoltaic installations across agricultural, industrial, commercial, and government sites in France, with 850+ MWc deployed under 20–30-year contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Energy Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation (22111), Nonresidential Building Construction (2362)

SIC

Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar PV Power Plant EPC (Utility-Scale) (EUAEAAAG), Utility-Scale PV EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) (EUACAGAB), Land Acquisition, Site Preparation & Civil Works (Geotech, Grading, Roads, Drainage) (EUACAGAL)

Keywords

• Photovoltaic installations
• Agrivoltaic systems
• Solar general contractor
• Solar energy production
• Renewable energy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Solar energy production and sale: Terre et Lac develops, finances, constructs, and operates solar installations, selling the electricity produced to energy suppliers (EDF OA and others). This forms the core revenue engine of the business model. Income is generated over 20-year power purchase agreements with EDF OA (or equivalent) indexed to tariffs set at contract signing. After 30 years, the solar installation may be retained by the landowner under new terms.
2. Bail emphytéotique (emphyteotic lease) — roof rental: Terre et Lac installs solar panels on existing building rooftops owned by the customer. In exchange for making the roof available, the owner receives an annual rental income (loyer) for 30 years. The solar installation is built, operated, and maintained by Terre et Lac, which sells the electricity produced. At the end of the 30-year term, the owner may keep the installation under a new agreement.
3. Bail emphytéotique (emphyteotic lease) — roof renovation: Terre et Lac funds the renovation or asbestos removal of an existing building roof by installing a solar panel system. The customer receives a renovated roof at no cost, and may additionally receive annual rental income depending on the renovation cost and roof exposure. At the end of the 30-year term, the solar installation transfers to the customer.
4. Bail à construction (construction lease): Terre et Lac finances and constructs a brand-new agricultural building equipped with solar panels on the customer's land. At no cost to the farmer, the new building is built and the solar installation is operated for 30 years. At term, the farmer owns both the building and the solar installation. The farmer must be a landowner, active farmer registered with MSA, have an identified building need, proximity to an electricity grid connection point, and compliant land for urban planning.
5. Self-consumption (autoconsommation) — PPA and Leasing: Terre et Lac designs, develops, finances, builds, and operates an on-site solar plant for a business customer under a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) or leasing model. The customer consumes the electricity produced on-site, protecting against electricity price increases. No upfront capital expenditure is required (tiers-investisseur model). The PPA provides a fixed electricity price over the contract term, and the leasing option offers flexible durations with residual value at end of contract. Minimum consumption threshold: >1 GWh/year.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Terre et Lac Solaire is a French general contractor (contractant général) that develops, finances, constructs, and operates photovoltaic solar installations across agricultural buildings, industrial rooftops, parking shade structures, agrivoltaic systems, ground-mounted solar farms, and floating solar parks. The company manages the complete solar project lifecycle from conception through 30 years of operation and maintenance. Customers access these installations at no upfront capital cost through bail emphytéotique (30-year lease), bail à construction (construction lease), or PPA/leasing arrangements, with the company selling the resulting electricity or providing on-site self-consumption.

Product overview

Terre et Lac Solaire is a French independent producer of renewable energy specializing in photovoltaic solar solutions. The company operates as a comprehensive solutions provider offering end-to-end services from design and development to construction and maintenance of solar installations. Their portfolio includes seven main product categories: (1) Agricultural and Industrial Buildings with photovoltaic rooftops, (2) Large Industrial Roofs exceeding 5,000 m², (3) Parking Solar Shelters (ombrières), (4) Agrivoltaics combining agriculture with solar production, (5) Ground-Mounted Solar Farms, (6) Equestrian Center solutions, and (7) Floating Solar Parks. The company also offers specialized financing models including bail à construction (construction lease), bail emphytéotique (emphytéotic lease for location or renovation), and self-consumption solutions. All offerings are provided through long-term partnership contracts typically spanning 30 years, with the company acting as general contractor and solar energy producer throughout the project lifecycle.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Agricultural and Industrial Photovoltaic Buildings (Bâtiments agricoles et industriels) Turnkey photovoltaic building solutions for agricultural and industrial use, including construction and renovation of rooftops with solar panel installations, offered through bail à construction (construction lease) or bail emphytéotique (emphyteotic lease) financing models. Designed for farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and industrial property owners seeking new buildings or roof renovation without upfront capital.
• Large Industrial Rooftops (Grandes toitures) Large-scale photovoltaic installations on industrial rooftops exceeding 5,000 m², targeting enterprises and industrial groups, with the company acting as general contractor and long-term energy producer. Includes combined roof renovation or asbestos removal services at no upfront cost to the property owner under a 30-year bail emphytéotique contract.
• Parking Solar Shelters (Ombrières de parking) Photovoltaic solar shading structures for parking areas starting from 200 spaces, integrating solar power generation with optional features such as EV charging stations, parking lighting, and energy storage solutions. Helps sites comply with Loi APER parking shade obligations for parking surfaces exceeding 1,500 m².
• Agrivoltaics (Agrivoltaïsme) Dual-use solar installations on agricultural land that maintain or improve agricultural production while generating solar electricity, designed to help farms adapt to climate change and protect livestock. Includes services for climate adaptation of crops and livestock, protection against weather hazards (heat, hail, water stress), and animal welfare improvement. AFNOR-certified for large crop development (July 2022).
• Ground-Mounted Solar Farms (Centrales au sol) Ground-based photovoltaic power plants on available land, developed on constructible land, agricultural land (agrivoltaic focus), natural terrain, or degraded/polluted sites including former landfills and industrial wastelands. Designed for territorial collectivities and developers seeking utility-scale renewable generation on repurposed land.
• Equestrian Centers (Centres équestres) Photovoltaic solutions specifically designed for equestrian facilities and riding arenas, providing building renovation and solar installation services. Includes manège (riding arena) and stable roof solar retrofits, typically financed via bail emphytéotique with no upfront cost.
• Floating Solar Parks (Parcs flottants) Floating photovoltaic installations on water surfaces, designed to harness solar energy while utilizing water bodies for power generation without consuming land. Used on reservoirs, retention ponds, and industrial water bodies.
• Self-Consumption Solutions (Autoconsommation) Solar energy self-consumption solutions for businesses, including on-site PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) and leasing options with flexible durations, enabling companies to reduce electricity costs and carbon footprint. Minimum consumption threshold: >1 GWh/year. Includes individual and collective self-consumption configurations.
• Bail Emphytéotique — Location (Roof Rental Lease) 30-year contract allowing property owners to rent their rooftops for photovoltaic installations in exchange for annual rental income (loyer), with the solar panels owned and operated by Terre et Lac during the contract period. At term, the installation may transfer to the owner under new terms. Targets farmers, industrialists, and businesses with suitable existing rooftops.
• Bail Emphytéotique — Rénovation (Roof Renovation Lease) 30-year contract that finances roof renovation or asbestos removal in exchange for rooftop space for solar installations, providing free building renovation for property owners. Minimum roof surface: 1,400 m². The customer may additionally receive annual rental income depending on renovation cost and roof exposure.
• Bail à Construction (Construction Lease) 30-year contract where Terre et Lac finances and constructs a brand-new agricultural building equipped with photovoltaic panels at no cost to the landowner, who becomes owner of both the building and the solar installation at contract end. Customer must be a landowner, active farmer registered with MSA, have an identified building need, proximity to grid connection, and compliant land.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,181.95 kWc installation for Groupe Alainé produces 2,331.2 MWh/year and avoids 554.8 tonnes of CO2 annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Neo Solar (Groupe Néo)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Corfu Solaire (a subsidiary of Terre et Lac) and Neo Solar (a subsidiary of Groupe Néo) are jointly developing a major 12.2 MWc solar parking shade project at the Spirou and Wave Island theme parks in Monteux (84). This joint venture represents one of the largest parking solar shade installations in France for the leisure sector.
• SICAREV COOPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SICAREV COOP is a livestock cooperative (groupement d'éleveurs) with which Terre et Lac partners for joint customer events, game contests, and solar installation projects on member farms. Partnership active since at least 2024, with open farm days and co-branded presence at the Sommet de l'Elevage.
• CARBON (French solar panel manufacturer)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Terre et Lac is a founding shareholder of CARBON, a French manufacturer of photovoltaic panels. This strategic investment secures preferential access to French-made solar panels and positions Terre et Lac within the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.
• Oxyane (agricultural cooperative)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Oxyane is a major agricultural cooperative with which Terre et Lac has a long-standing partnership dating to at least 2009. Multiple solar installations have been completed on cooperative member farms (Beaurepaire 38, Sonnay 01, Chimilin 38). The cooperative refers its members to Terre et Lac and validates the company's seriousness and quality to farmers.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tenergie: Independent French solar and wind IPP headquartered in Nantes with similar regional developer profile, agricultural and industrial customer base, and project-finance-driven growth model.
• Akuo Energy: Independent French renewable energy IPP with comparable geographic focus, diversified solar/wind/storage portfolio and project financing model. Closely comparable in operating model (developer, builder, operator) and customer base (agricultural, industrial, territorial).
• Photosol: Major French solar IPP (FRV/OPDE group). Directly comparable in operating portfolio scale, French geographic footprint, and full-lifecycle solar development for agricultural, industrial and territorial customers.
• Technique Solaire: French independent solar IPP covering rooftop, ground-mounted, agrivoltaic and shade structures. Closely comparable in product mix, French geographic focus, and developer-finance-operate model serving similar agricultural and enterprise customers.
• Urbasolar: French solar EPC and IPP, now a subsidiary of Cap Vert Energie. Comparable as a turnkey solar project developer with rooftop, ground-mounted and agrivoltaic offerings for agricultural and industrial customers in France.
• Reden Solar: European solar IPP with strong French presence (formerly Fonroche Solaire), operating utility-scale and rooftop PV. Directly comparable in long-term IPP ownership model and agricultural/industrial customer focus.

Broad incumbents

• EDF Renewables: French utility-scale renewable energy developer and a sister entity of EDF OA, the primary off-taker for Terre et Lac's PPAs. Comparable product offering (solar EPC + IPP) but with the financial and operational scale of the EDF group.
• Cap Vert Energie (CVE): French renewable energy producer and parent of Urbasolar. Operates a broader portfolio (solar, wind, biogas, storage) at materially larger scale than Terre et Lac, but directly comparable in the distributed/agricultural solar segment.
• Engie GreenYellow: Subsidiary of ENGIE providing decentralized solar, energy efficiency and self-consumption solutions to enterprises. Comparable customer segment (industrial/commercial self-consumption PPA) and French footprint, but as part of a much larger utility group.
• TotalEnergies Renewables: Largest French energy major with a fast-growing solar IPP business competing for utility-scale and rooftop projects. Comparable French footprint and customer base, but at vastly greater scale, capital access and component supply integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Terre et Lac Solaire