Well, I had a very long and creative meeting with the Architecte des Bâtiments de France for our region – but the conclusion is NO. Somewhat disappointing for several reasons.

However, there is hope! After much stimulating discussion, including a suggestion that we put the panels on the ground – a solution I find aberrant – why occupy good ground when there are useful structures that need roofs. I suggested that our aesthetic changes over time, when we start to understand the meaning of what we see – it didn’t wash – he suggested we build a greenhouse (serre) on the site – one with a photovoltaic roof. Finally a good, win/win solution – his drawing of the suggested position on the site is illustrated above. He does have an incredible aesthetic sensitivity which one can’t help but respect.

The Advantages :

• The photovoltaic panels are disassociated from the old farmhouse
• The view from the Château is not compromised
• A building with a lower profile is less visible as it is hidden behind the hedges
• We have a greenhouse which we need – Olivier is delighted!
• we can position the greenhouse to have exactly the right orientation to optimize solar exposure
• producing green current fits with our sustainable philosophy
• the earnings from the roof might help pay for the greenhouse
• the earnings from th greenhouse might contribute to financing the rest of the project

The Disadvantages :

• We don’t have a means to pay for the roof of the Metairie du Bois
• We have another structure to pay for and to maintain

And….

We were hoping that the photovoltaic roof on our building would encourage other owners of similar buildings to save them by using the roof surface to make money from the current they resell, which finances the roof and therefore guarantees a longer life for the building. Many similar buildings are allowed to fall into ruin for the lack of funds to repair the roof – one of the oldest buildings in Lempaut – on the outskirts of the town – was demolished last week; another absolutely sublime farm building was demolished some years ago – because fixing the roof would have been too expensive. This solution does not encourage others to save their old buildings  – on the contrary, it could well encourage people to continue to build other structures to support photovoltaic panels while letting their historic buildings fall to ruin. What a pity.

And….

How do we pay for the Metairie du Bois’ roof?

Some suggestions are listed under the drawing :
Conseil General – patrimoine historic non protegé
Fondation du Patrimoine
Conseil Régional – tourisme vert / patrimoine
Europe??

Do you have any other suggestions?

Will we be able to get this together in time – before the building totally collapses?

Help!