The inventor of a solar oven, winner of several awards, condemns the Tarnais Alain Bivas a countless taxation compared to less ecological solutions.
In his veranda workshop, Alain Bivas, the inventor of the Sunplicity solar oven, describes his flagship model. Around him, the metallic crowns of the ovens clutter the floor and a pile of papers waits on the table.
At his side, Simon Eibner, master assistant at the Albi Mines School, brings a scientific deposit. Both will defend this innovation with Philippe Bonnecarrère, centrist MP for the 1st district of Tarn. The goal: Drawing the contours of a public policy for solar energy, a solution that is still unknown but holds promise for the energy transition.
Economical, ecological, less harmful to the environment…
Far from being a device, the solar oven by Alain Bivas, awarded with the Lépine competition (2010) and the Solar Impulse Eefficient solution (2019), is as economical as it is ecological.
It was closed several times during its long lifespan, argues its inventor. “The sun is free!” He says and emphasized that the stove is an alternative to the rise in energy prices. Simon Eibner even argues that “the solar oven should give citizens the opportunity to act against the crisis and climate change.”
Solar ovens would be much more beneficial than the ovens with photovoltaic panels, more polluted by their manufacture and their difficulty to be recycled. But here’s the catch: unlike panels (5.5%), solar ovens are taxed at 20% VAT and do not benefit from such bonuses for photovoltaic self-consumption.
Towards sunscreen?
It is therefore intended to develop the legislation that Alain Bivas invited Philippe Bonnecarrère. The elected official, attentive, studied the documentation and asked questions about the interest of supporting such a niche sector despite its wealth. “It’s so nice that you wonder where the wolf is,” comments the MP, who also bases that it would be good to unite the sector before bringing this fight to the Assembly.
“Our biggest handicap is communication,” admits Alain Bivas. The inventor therefore hopes that this meeting will attract the attention of institutions to the benefits of sun cooking.
Philippe Bonnecarrère, sensitive to these arguments, promises that he will “reflect on his contribution”. He even says he “may have agreed to a reduction in VAT.” For Alain Bivas, this first step could open the way to essential institutional support for the democratization of solar ovens.