French startup Jane Energie is launching an innovative software platform to address a significant challenge in the renewable energy sector: the waste of surplus solar power. With nearly a quarter of solar-generated electricity in France going unconsumed, the company's solution aims to transform this inefficiency into an opportunity for local communities. The platform, developed by a team including co-founders Simon Heurtebise and Nathan Bouldoires, facilitates collective self-consumption to ensure locally produced energy is shared and utilized effectively.
A New Model for Local Energy
Jane Energie's platform operates on a principle its founder likens to a community-supported agriculture model for energy, connecting local producers and consumers in a shared ecosystem. This approach empowers businesses, farmers, and local authorities to organize and maximize the value of their solar installations. The goal is to make collective self-consumption more accessible and efficient, fostering energy independence at the territorial level rather than relying on a centralized national grid.
The company strategically targets projects with an installed capacity between 100 kWp and 500 kWp, a segment that is transitioning away from traditional feed-in tariffs. According to co-founder Nathan Bouldoires, this size is ideal as the energy produced can be fully absorbed by consumers in the immediate vicinity. This focus allows Jane Energie to serve a market that is ripe for alternative models like collective self-consumption, providing a scalable solution for mid-sized solar operations.
An Integrated Software Solution
The subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform is an all-in-one tool designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a local energy project. It features three primary modules: simulation, creation, and operational management. The simulation tool provides detailed economic analysis, while the creation module assists with project structuring and contract execution, and the management module automates energy allocation, invoicing, and performance monitoring for all participants.
Access to the platform involves an initial setup investment of approximately €1,500, followed by an annual subscription fee based on the project's size. For example, the company has cited a pricing model of around €5 per kWp per year, making it a competitive option as public subsidies for electricity resale decline. This transparent pricing structure is designed to provide a clear return on investment for participants through optimized energy use and cost savings.
Proven Benefits and Future Ambitions
Early adopters are already demonstrating the platform's significant financial and environmental benefits. In one notable case, a farmer in Seine-et-Marne saved an estimated €10,000 in a single year by using the software to redistribute surplus energy from his solar installation. With approximately ten clients currently utilizing the platform, Jane Energie is building a strong portfolio of successful case studies that validate its business model and impact.
Following a comprehensive development and testing phase in 2025, the company is now focused on scaling its operations. Jane Energie aims to host around 50 collective self-consumption projects by the end of the year, a milestone it considers crucial for achieving financial equilibrium. Supported by collaborations with the École Polytechnique incubator and French grid operator Enedis, the startup is well-positioned to drive the widespread adoption of its local energy model.
In conclusion, Jane Energie offers a timely and practical solution to the growing challenge of solar energy waste, empowering local communities to take control of their energy consumption. By providing a sophisticated yet accessible tool, the company is not only creating economic value but also advancing a more sustainable and decentralized energy future. As the world transitions toward renewables, such innovative platforms will be essential in ensuring that no kilowatt goes to waste.