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History

HistoireOur history has fashioned our state of mind

Tenesol was born in Africa in 1983 in response to a genuine humanitarian challenge - access to water in the Sahel region. Solar technology is the only means of generating electricity for water pumping in these desert regions. Solar pumping, then supplying isolated sites were thus Tenesol's original sectors of expertise.


We view sustainable development as a genuine mission, not just a concept

In addition to our involvement in developing countries, we are now proud of developing reliable responses to energy challenges on a daily basis. Our mission is indeed to develop the clean, inexhaustible energy that is solar power throughout the world. Whether you are a private individual, farmer or manager of isolated telecom sites, we can develop solar solutions for you.

 

1983
  • Total Énergie founded in Africa, first installations implemented, steady development of the Total Énergie grid in 20 countrie.
1990
  • Initial investment in French overseas departments and territories.
1995
  • Grid connection business launched.
1996
  • Tenesa founded in Cape Town (South Africa), the first manufacturing facility for solar modules.
1999
  • Initial production of industrial solar panels. Tenesa becomes Tenesa Manufacturing.
  • Temasol program launched (large-scale solar franchises in Morocco).
  • Expansion of European network: Germany, Italy, Spain.
2000
  • The head office of Total Énergie is set up in La Tour de Salvagny, close to Lyon (France).
2003
  • ISO 9001 V2000 certification obtained.
2004
  • Launch of business in Latin America.
2005
  • EDF becomes an equal shareholder with Total – the company is renamed Tenesol . Tenesa Manufacturing is also renamed Tenesol Manufacturing.
2008
  • Tenesol’s production capacity reaches 90 MWp, translating into an effective output of 65 MWp.
  • Regional delegations set up in France: Midi-Pyrénées, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Alsace-Lorraine, Grand Ouest, Grand Est and Île-de-France.
2009
  • Rhône-Alpes regional delegation established.
  • Production capacity reaches 105 MWp, translating into an effective output of 85 MWp.
  • ISO 9001 V2008 certification obtained for head office, logistical center, and production sites (Tenesol Technologies and Tenesol Manufacturing).
2010
  • Increase of 60% in the group's production capacity to 170 MWp (i.e. 800,000 panels)
  • TENESOL becomes the only French manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels to achieve triple certification - ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
  • TENESOL renews its certifications and its ISO 9001 certification is expanded to the installation and more importantly operation of photovoltaic plants.
  • Joint venture set up between Tenesol and AGC for the production of tailor-made, dual-glass photovoltaic modules.
2011
  • Tenesol subsidiaries created in Belgium, Greece and the United Kingdom.
  • Tenesol activity and subsidiary created in Australia.