In the process of creating our country inn, we decided to opt for the use of alternative energies in combination with the latest in construction technologies.
Our objective was to create a house that offers guests comfort that is truly environmentally friendly.

Our thermal system is made up of 42 m2 of solar panels integrated in the roof structure. A special fluid flows through these panels and absorbs the sun’s heat, then flows into one of two circuits in the house where it uses the solar energy to produce either hot water (two 1000-liter hot water tanks) or heat (radiant flooring located on the ground and first floors of the both the Orri and the Refugi). When there is not enough sun to cover the building’s needs, the solar installation is backed up by two propane heaters (chosen because they are extremely efficient and produce practically no air pollution). A small computer links the two energy sources; depending on the temperature readings in a series of strategically located sensors, the program controls pumps, electric valves and the two gas heaters. During summer months, excess energy is used to heat the swimming pool via a heat exchanger. Over the course of the year, the system allows us to cover between two thirds and three fourths of our total hot water and heating needs with the sun’s energy.
A fireplace insert in the dining room completes the heating system. It allows us to raise the temperature during the meal service without raising the thermostat above 19 degrees Celsius.
Less visible but just as important as all of this, the insulation of the building envelope plays a central role in the efficient operation of thermal system. In order to minimize heating needs at the Orri, the insulating materials used in our roof, walls and floors offer twice the thermal resistance of those used in traditional construction in the area.

Our photovoltaic system is composed of 32 m2 of solar panels integrated in our roof structure (theoretical capacity 3600 peak watts). All of the electricity produced is fed directly into the grid. This means that we have two counters: one for incoming current (which we buy) and the other for outgoing current (which we produce and sell). During the year, the system produces enough electricity to cover approximately half of our needs.
Since the beginning of November 2006, our electricity has been sold to and bought fromEnercoop, the only French power company that deals exclusively with renewable sources of electricity. Working with Enercoop, we give support to a national initiative that ties in perfectly with our ecological philosophy and we are assured that 100% of the electricity we consume is truly “green”.
A small part of the electricity that we produce also goes to charge a group of batteries. This backup system allows us to cover our basic electric needs during a power outage for a minimum of 48 hours.
To give coherence to the photovoltaic installation, we have carefully chosen all electrical appliances and lighting fixtures in the house and we make a great effort to minimize our daily electrical needs.

Over the course of the year, our thermal system covers almost three fourths of our total hot water and heating needs and our photovoltaic system produces enough electricity to cover approximately half of our needs.
Thanks to the use of solar energy and to the careful selection of support systems, of insulating materials and of appliances, our consumption of external energy (propane, electricity) is reduced to just one third of the quantity that would be needed by a comparable traditionally built, furnished and managed structure.

The incorporation of solar energy in our inn was possible thanks to the financial support of La Nouvelle Economie Fraternelle (la NEF), a group of French investors with a special interest in rural projects and in the use of environmentally friendly technologies.
The project has also been assigned grant money from both the Agence de l 'Environnement et de la Maitrise de l 'Energie (l'ADEME) and from the Conséil Régional de Languedoc-Roussillon.