Renewable Energy Enthusiast? This Cemetery Is Made for You!

A commune in Loire Atlantique, Saint-Joachim, has voted to build photovoltaic canopies in its municipal cemetery.

“It was recharging his Tesla with green electricity!“. Here is an epitaph that could soon be blooming in cemeteries across France. More cynically, while the courageous decision of the city of Saint-Joachim to cover the cemetery with solar panels may raise questions or even shock, there is no reason for controversy.

The approach targets three goals: firstly, to produce enough energy to supply about 20% of the needs of the 4,000-inhabitant city, but also to capture rainwater on this marshy terrain. This water will then be used to irrigate the nearby sports complex grounds. The entire installation is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Up to 300 euros in savings?

This self-consumption project will supply electricity to local residents, shops, and a nursing home: the energy will be injected into the public grid and shared locally across multiple sites. Residents who join the Brier’energie association managing the project, for 5 euros, will receive this energy for free. Electricity bills will thus be reduced, putting more money back into household budgets. “Residents will be able to acquire between 1,500 and 1,800 kilowatt-hours annually, which represents about 300 euros in savings per year.“

The 5,000 m2 canopy will produce approximately 1.3 megawatts (MW) per year, while drying out the soil and providing shade for the graves. This will help extend the lifespan of flowers, in particular. 97% of the town’s residents reportedly supported this project.

The city of Saint-Joachim will finance the entire installation, totaling 3.35 million euros. Finally, opening windows onto a field of solar panels rather than tombstones might be more pleasant for neighbors, right?

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