In our blog, we want to highlight future-relevant topics in the areas of pv monitoring and control systems, solar and renewable energies. This platform is intended to give an idea of new possibilities and developments and to offer the opportunity for stimulation and discussion.

Get an insight-perspective into our daily work and get to know the people working at meteocontrol. We also want to provide a platform for experts from different fields to present their views and use the blog as a forum for an exchange on relevant topics. Enjoy reading and browsing through our blog offer that will grow continuously. We are happy about your interest and participation.
June 25, 2021

A solar-powered bike adventure

Adrien Acres sitting in his recumbent solar bike on a beach
© Etienne Ramousse - Sun Trip

Who among us doesn’t dream of an adventure every now and then? Adrien Acres, a Frenchman living in Nantes, is one of those who enjoy taking on new challenges. Between 2011 and 2016, he was in charge of setting up the meteocontrol subsidiary in Lyon, which he describes as one of the most exciting adventures of his professional life. Once meteocontrol France was staffed and operations began to run smoothly, Adrien decided to embark on a new journey and started a master’s degree in cyber security, another of his interests in addition to renewable energy. To the present day he keeps following with great interest the rapid developments in the PV sector in his spare time. As he also enjoys cycling, he combined his passions and bought a recumbent bike at the beginning of 2020 along with a second one to continuously work on it. His goal is to convert the bike into a self-sufficient electric bike using PV modules.

A combination of solar energy, bikes and encounters

The idea of the Sun Trip is based on the sailing race of the “Vendée globe” – just an adventurous land regatta by bike instead.  The requirement and challenge for the participants of this bike race consists in powering their bikes exclusively with solar energy. Supported by meteocontrol, Adrien participates in the regional version of the Sun Trip, which takes place from 27 June to 7 July. It covers a distance of 1000 km around Brittany, as the Breton name "Breizh" indicates. This will not be the 41-years-old’s first solar bike race experience – he already rebuilt his bike within a few weeks by creating a roof of PV modules over his recumbent bike and rode along a section of the Sun Trip for three days in July 2020. Having spent every summer since his childhood in the French region on the Atlantic coast, Adrien has a strong connection to the area and is already looking forward to the various stages through the diverse landscapes. It is not only the contact with nature that fascinates him, but the atmosphere, encounters with the locals and sharing thoughts about their experience. Last year, Adrien was even invited by strangers to spend the night with them when he wasn’t able to reach the end of the stage.

Map of Breizh Sun Trip indicating the route through the french region Bretagne
(Image source: Breizh Sun Trip 2021)

More than just a bike

As solar bikes are not usual vehicles you see every day, the participants have mostly built their bikes themselves and discuss the different technical elaboration of their various models with a great level of sophistication and knowledge. Adrien’s ambitions were boosted by last year’s experience and he seized the recent months to upgrade and optimize his bike. He uses two flexible PV modules, mounted just 10 centimeters above his head to power a 500-watt motor. The modules measure each about 114 by 85 centimeters and cover a total area of almost two square meters. The roof built by the PV units protects him from sun and rain, however the rough winds on the Atlantic coast will challenge the stability of the bike in stormy conditions. On flat tracks, the bike can reach a speed of up to 45 km/h and even a little more on steeper descents, but as the solar bike weighs 80 kg including Adrien’s tent, sleeping bag, clothes and food, he is planning to enjoy the race at reasonable speeds instead to avoid and prevent accidents. This way he can also seize and optimize the solar power production by tilting the solar modules to the left or right.

Big adventures ahead

Currently, Adrien is in the process of finalizing his preparations and packing his bags. After all, the participants must be self-sufficient and able to help themselves in the case of any kind of unforeseen problem such as technical defects. In the long run, Adrien plans to tackle the Sun Trip through Europe or the original Sun Trip Edition that leads all the way to China – both of these versions cover a total distance of 10,000 km!

For now, we wish him all the best for the Breizh Sun Trip 2021 and are looking forward to accompanying him on his journey and report on his experiences via LinkedIn.

Back to overview