Cythelia Energy

What Cythelia Energy does

Cythelia Energy is a France-based renewable energy and photovoltaic consulting firm founded in 1994 and headquartered in La Motte Servolex (Savoie). The company delivers independent advisory, engineering, and project management services across the full lifecycle of photovoltaic installations—from feasibility studies and solar potential mapping through engineering supervision, audits, and performance monitoring—for French municipalities, regional governments, industrial enterprises, and international development agencies. Its core offerings combine a proprietary software suite (Archelios PRO, CALC, MAP, and RAY for sizing, electrical design, mapping, and glare assessment; ABATIA for thermal calculations) with the Cadastre Solaire, a nationwide solar mapping product built on 3D LiDAR data at 25 cm precision, and patented hardware including AEDOMIA (PV/heat pump/storage smart-grid system) and CAPTHEL (hybrid PV-thermal module), supported by an internally developed drone inspection system.

The firm operates multiple revenue streams including project-based professional services (consulting, engineering/master contractor services, carbon footprint assessments, energy audits, and training), software licensing for the Archelios suite through Trace Software International, and R&D services eligible for the French Research Tax Credit (CIR) under its Ministry of Education accreditation. It holds RGE-OPQIBI qualification, Bilan Carbone provider status since 2002, Format'EREE training certification, and CIR accreditation, and maintains research alliances with ADEME, CEA-INES, CNRS, CSTB, MINES ParisTech, and other French public institutions. The company has documented projects totaling more than 100 MW across 15+ countries and serves clients including Danone, bioMérieux, Salomon, Saint-Gobain ISOVER, QBE, Région Centre, Région Bretagne, and Villes de Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Effective January 1, 2026, Cythelia integrated into ACCEO Group, transitioning from independent operation to subsidiary status within a larger infrastructure and engineering services platform.

Name

Cythelia Energy

Legal name

Cythelia Energy

Website

https://cythelia.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cythelia Energy is a French photovoltaic consulting and engineering firm founded in 1994, serving municipalities, industrial enterprises, and international development agencies with independent advisory services, proprietary Archelios software and Cadastre Solaire mapping, patented hardware, and drone-based audits across 15+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Renewable Energy Consulting and Photovoltaic Engineering

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEUAMAJAB

Microgrid Development, EPC & Integration

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro & Geothermal)/Distributed Energy Resources & Community Renewables (Community Solar, Microgrids)

SECONDARYEUAMAJAG

DERMS & Microgrid Control Software (EMS/SCADA/DERMS)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro & Geothermal)/Distributed Energy Resources & Community Renewables (Community Solar, Microgrids)

SECONDARYEUACALAH

Hybrid Microgrids (Solar+Storage+Gen, Multi-Resource)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Electric Power Generation/Distributed & Behind-the-Meter Power Generation (Microgrids, DG)

SECONDARYEUAMAJAD

Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro & Geothermal)/Distributed Energy Resources & Community Renewables (Community Solar, Microgrids)

SECONDARYEUAFAJAI

Microgrid EPC, Integration & Commissioning (Design-Build, Interconnection)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Energy Storage & Grid Flexibility (Batteries, Hydrogen Storage, Demand Response)/Microgrids & Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Storage Solutions

Keywords

• Photovoltaic consulting
• Solar cadastre mapping
• Energy yield studies
• Renewable energy engineering
• Carbon footprint assessment

Headquarters

HQ city

Montagnole

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Consulting Services: Cythelia provides independent consulting services covering the entire project lifecycle for energy projects, from decision support through implementation and performance monitoring. Services include feasibility studies, technical expertise, market and technology consulting, and energy yield assessments.
2. Engineering and Project Management: Master contractor engineering services (Maîtrise d'œuvre) for photovoltaic installations, including design, construction supervision, and project management.
3. Training Services: Custom photovoltaic training programs for businesses and local authorities, delivered since 2002 as an approved training organization meeting Format'EREE quality standards.
4. Software Licensing: Revenue from Archelios software suite licensing (PRO, CALC, MAP, RAY) for photovoltaic project design, sizing, and analysis.
5. Research & Development Services: R&D services eligible for French Research Tax Credit (CIR) for third-party research projects, conducted under Ministry of Education accreditation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cythelia Energy is an independent consulting and engineering firm that supports clients across the entire lifecycle of photovoltaic and renewable energy projects, from feasibility studies and solar potential mapping through engineering, project management, audits, and performance monitoring. It complements these consulting services with a suite of proprietary software tools (Archelios PRO, CALC, MAP, RAY) and patented hardware innovations (AEDOMIA smart-grid system, CAPTHEL hybrid module) plus carbon footprint assessment and tailored training programs.

Product overview

Cythelia Energy is an energy consulting firm offering a comprehensive portfolio of software solutions, hardware products, and professional services for the renewable energy sector, particularly photovoltaics. The core software offering includes the Archelios suite (PRO, CALC, MAP, RAY) for photovoltaic project design, sizing, solar mapping, and glare assessment, plus ABATIA for thermal calculations. The hardware portfolio features AEDOMIA (patented smart grid system combining PV, heat pump, and storage) and CAPTHEL (hybrid PV-thermal module), along with proprietary inspection drones. A flagship innovation is the Cadastre Solaire—a nationwide solar cadastre mapping solar potential at 25cm precision using LiDAR data. Services span the entire project lifecycle including feasibility studies, engineering, photovoltaic audits, carbon footprint assessments, energy management, smart grid solutions, and professional training. The company integrates its R&D through research projects with academic and industrial partners, with work eligible for France's Research Tax Credit (CIR).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AEDOMIA: An innovative system designed for smart grids that combines photovoltaic production, a heat pump and a storage tank (patented)
• CAPTHEL
• Archelios Suite
• ABATIA
• ZEN Buildings (Zero Energy Net)
• Cadastre Solaire

Products and services

• Archelios PRO Software for sizing and calculating the energy yield of photovoltaic installations, distributed via Trace Software International and used by photovoltaic installers, engineering firms, and project developers.
• Archelios CALC Electrical sizing software for photovoltaic installations that handles cabling and protective device calculations per French and international standards, for installers and engineering offices.
• Archelios MAP Solar mapping software that produces geographic visualizations of solar potential across territories, used by public authorities and developers to identify high-potential sites.
• Archelios RAY Software tool that assesses glare generated by photovoltaic power stations, supporting permitting and impact studies for solar projects.
• ABATIA Thermal calculation software developed under the PACIBA research project for integrated design of building energy projects.
• AEDOMIA (patented) Patented system that couples photovoltaic production, a heat pump and a storage tank for smart-grid applications, originating from the PACairPV research program and showcased in the Petite Maison Z.E.N.
• CAPTHEL (patented) Patented hybrid photovoltaic and thermal solar module combining electricity and heat generation, developed for combined heat-and-power solar installations.
• Cadastre Solaire Nationwide solar potential mapping platform for French rooftops and parking areas at 25 cm precision, offered as a SaaS-style mapping service to municipalities, inter-municipal bodies, and developers via cadastre-solaire.fr.
• Energy Management Services Consulting and project management services for energy-focused construction or renovation projects, covering energy audits, dynamic thermal simulation, and infrared thermography for building and facilities clients.
• Photovoltaic Engineering and Project Management (Maîtrise d'œuvre) Master contractor engineering services for photovoltaic installations covering design, construction supervision and project management for public and private clients.
• Smart Grid and Self-Consumption Consulting Consulting and engineering for smart grids and self-consumption solutions, including hybrid intelligent grids that integrate conventional and renewable electricity production with storage.
• Audit Énergétique (Energy Audit) Energy audits conducted for buildings and facilities under European standard EN 16247, with support for thermal renovation and energy metering systems.
• Prestataire Bilan Carbone (Carbon Footprint Services) ADEME-accredited carbon footprint (Bilan Carbone) and lifecycle assessment services for photovoltaic modules, installations, buildings, events, and industrial sites.
• Evaluation Carbone & ACV (PV module ECS) Carbon evaluation and lifecycle assessment services for photovoltaic modules and complete installations, including Simplified Carbon Assessments (ECS) required by French national tenders, delivered via Certisolis consortium partnership.
• Formation Photovoltaïque (Photovoltaic Training) Custom high-level photovoltaic training programs for businesses and local authorities, delivered since 2002 under Format'EREE quality standards covering solar challenges, energy yield, project development, and technical topics.
• Audit Photovoltaïque (PV Technical Audit) Technical audits of installed or in-progress photovoltaic installations using proprietary drone-mounted HD and infrared cameras, suitable for asset owners, insurers, and investors validating PV performance.
• Feasibility Studies for Photovoltaic Projects Independent feasibility studies for photovoltaic projects covering technical, economic, and regulatory dimensions, delivered to municipalities, industrial enterprises, and international development agencies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Archelios PRO ranked as world's most accurate photovoltaic yield calculation software among professional tools (Photon International and IJEEE studies)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ADEMEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with the French Environment and Energy Management Agency on research programs including PREBAT and HABISOL. ADEME collaborates on building energy efficiency and renewable energy research projects.
• CEA-INEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) - INES (National Solar Energy Institute) on multiple research projects including photovoltaic market studies, technology benchmarking, and hybrid system analysis.
• CNRScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the French National Center for Scientific Research on energy transition research initiatives.
• CSTBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Scientific and Technical Center for Building on building energy performance and integrated design research projects.
• MINES ParisTechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with Mines ParisTech engineering school for research and development in energy systems.
• ENTPEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the School of Engineering for Public Works, Construction and Environmental Sciences for integrated design research.
• CIATminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CIAT (now Avenir Traitement de l'Air) on thermal systems and building energy research.
• University of LyonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with University of Lyon for energy transition research collaboration.
• University of SavoieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional academic partnership with Savoie University for energy research initiatives.
• ArminesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of Mines-Telecom research laboratories partnership for industrial research.
• NobatekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Nobatek research organization on building energy efficiency projects.
• CERTISOLIScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership as referent for simplified carbon evaluations (ECS) for photovoltaic modules required under national tender criteria. Partnership enables certification services for module manufacturers participating in French public procurement.
• Trace Software InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic technology partnership for Archelios photovoltaic software suite development and distribution. Cythelia's research developed the Archelios tools now distributed by Trace Software.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Akuo Energy: Paris-based independent renewable energy producer and developer active across PV and storage in France and internationally. Comparable in France PV market presence and overlap with Cythelia on municipal solar projects and storage/hybrid integration work.
• SUEZ Consulting / SAFEGE: International environmental engineering and consulting arm covering water, energy and infrastructure — overlaps with Cythelia's energy-audit, carbon and smart-grid mandates for French municipalities and public utilities such as Eau de Paris.
• GreenYellow (ENGIE): ENGIE subsidiary providing energy-efficiency and on-site renewable energy services, including PV feasibility, self-consumption and audits, to industrial and commercial clients in France. Overlaps with Cythelia on enterprise PV advisory, self-consumption, and energy-audit engagements.
• Bureau Veritas: Global testing, inspection and certification group with a substantial sustainability and renewable-energy advisory practice. Competes with Cythelia on energy audits, carbon-footprint verification, ECS/PV module certification, and QBE-style insurance audits of installed PV.
• WSP Global: Major global engineering consultancy with a renewable energy and energy-transition practice serving municipalities, regulators and developers. Overlaps with Cythelia on distributed-PV feasibility and EPC-related engineering mandates across public-sector clients.

Direct peers

• Tecsol: Toulouse-based independent photovoltaic engineering firm providing PV feasibility studies, design, sizing and energy-yield assessment. Direct competitor in the same France-centric distributed-PV consulting niche that Cythelia serves.
• Hespul: French non-profit renewable energy consultancy headquartered in Lyon that advises local authorities and individuals on photovoltaic deployment and self-consumption. Closely comparable to Cythelia in offering independent, mission-driven PV advisory and feasibility studies to French municipalities.
• EcoAct: Paris-based carbon-footprint and climate strategy consulting firm now part of Thomson Reuters. Overlaps directly with Cythelia's Bilan Carbone, LCA, ECS, and corporate carbon-assessment service lines for enterprise clients such as Danone and Saint-Gobain.

Others

• Trace Software International: French software publisher responsible for commercializing and distributing the Archelios PV suite via a Cythelia-R&D partnership. Treated here as an adjacent 'others' because it is also a channel partner rather than a like-for-like consulting competitor.

Emerging players

• PVsyst: Swiss-developed photovoltaic system sizing and yield-simulation software widely used in PV engineering. Comparable to Cythelia's Archelios suite — both compete for adoption among solar-engineering firms; PVsyst is the dominant incumbent while Archelios claims best-in-class accuracy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Cythelia Energy