Since Arnaud Crétot, a French engineer based in France, joined the Solar Fire team in 2014 after his studies and the creation of the Energy Vagabonds with a friend. This association is promoting soft and clean energy and the new team uses the Lytefire oven to introduce Concentrated Solar Power to schools.
Arnaud has been at the forefront of innovation. Through many projects with local partners, Arnaud participated in the development of Lytefire’s and analysed our data. He followed closely the implementation of the first ovens and roasters in East Africa with great results (read What they say).
To understand better the needs of the users, Arnaud became... a baker artisan. He took a training in baking and started his own bakery in Normandy, France, and that’s how NeoLoco was created. Arnaud’s bread is baked with locally sourced ingredients, using sour dough for better conversation. He also makes snacks with solar grilled seeds and a local coffee. This approach allows him to have a direct impact in Normandy and to understand very precisely the challenges of Lytefire’s daily users. His feedbacks about baking and using organic yeast have been extremely important to create our educational trainings. and upgrade the technology with CPM-Industries and start the production for the French market.
NeoLoco is now a well established local activity and Arnaud’s example inspires others in France to become "solarpreneurs". Check them on our dedicated Lytefire page !
Right from the beginning, NeoLoco has been featured in several media and gained more and more visibility among the French and international media. Arnaud is a great example for the new generation of "solarpreneurs" !
This video presents his activity (English subtitles) and his model :
(picture (c) E. Prodosci)
