Solar panels: For a more radiant home!

More and more houses are shining in the sunlight. And for good reason, many photovoltaic panels are reflected on the roofs of our homes. At the end of June 2021, the Ministry of Energy Transition counted 530,261 solar installations connected to the grid nationwide, compared to 501,012 six months earlier. That is to say, an increase of nearly 6% in the number of solar panels that reflects the growing interest of individuals and professionals to convert to renewable energy. Indeed, this solar production bringsenvironmentally friendly solutions to save money and generate profits. Especially since the context of shortage and price tension in terms of fossil resources encourages us to take effective measures to reduce our energy dependence. In this burning context, we can only be guided by the lights that make the solar panels glow.

1st advantage
Trust a beautiful technology

Before falling into the panel, it is advisable to choose the device best suited to your needs. Indeed, we distinguish between solar and photovoltaic. The technical solution depends on your expectations.
Solar energy uses radiation to produce domestic hot water or to supply the heating system. The energy recovery is made thanks to a heat transfer fluid that passes through tubes to end its journey in an exchanger.
Photovoltaic systems, on the other hand, use collectors to transform the sun's rays into electric current, a resource that can be used immediately or completely redirected. Thus, the surplus or the totality of energy can be sold to EDF. Also, it is advisable to ask for a technical study to define the surface of panels and the expected income.

• Lighting!
• A standard house can receive on average 12 panels, which represents a surface of 19 to 20 m².

2nd advantage
Generate significant savings

In addition to technical considerations, the solar panel obeys power levels that must be well understood when installing them. Indeed, its production is defined in Watt peak (Wp) and corresponds to the maximum capacity that a solar panel can generate in standard conditions of use.
Each panel has values ranging from 275 to 350 Wp. Knowing that a house can receive an average of 12 panels, this represents an installation that provides an average of 3 kWp. If the energy is used for the operation of the house, it is "self-consumption". As for the surplus of electricity, it can be resold and corresponds to the "surplus".
In order to optimize the operation of the panels, it is necessary to favor a southern exposure and to have a roof inclined at approximately 30°.
It is important to monitor the performance of your installation according to 2 criteria:
- the self-consumption rate, which indicates the share of photovoltaic production used by the dwelling;
- the production rate, which gives the level of electrical consumption provided by the solar panels.
In general, the self-consumption rate is between 20% and 30% because the needs are not always synchronized with the production. The occupants draw on the electrical installation in the morning and evening, while production takes place during the day. Thus, about 70% of the production, the "surplus", can be re-injected into the network and thus resold.

• Lighting!
• The panels can reduce the electricity bill of a 110 m2 house occupied by 4 people by about 40%.

3rd advantage
Capture a nice profit

Since the panels produce more energy than the household needs, the resale of electricity should be considered. However, it is necessary to respect the regulation which imposes to refer to the tariffs in force and to be connected to the electricity distribution network. It can be an electricity supplier or EDF. The latter must buy the energy produced at the rate provided by law.

• Lighting !
• The resale of about 70% of the electricity produced to EDF represents an average annual income of 700 €.

4th advantage
Enhance your living environment

Not only do solar panels reduce your energy bill, but they also add value to your home.
Of course, it is a substantial investment, but it allows you to be part of an energy transition logic. Indeed, the Climate Law of August 22, 2021 reinforces, from July 2023, the obligation to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of certain buildings for professional use. This measure could soon concern individual buildings...
Individuals already benefit from a premium for installing panels with resale of surplus. The amount depends on the power:

- 380€/kWc for a power <= 3 kWc

- 280€/kWp between 3 and 9 kWp

- 160€/kWp between 9 and 36 kWp

-80€/kWp between 36 and 100 kWp

• Lighting !
• For a photovoltaic installation between 3 and 9 kWp, the investment is between 8 000 and 23 000 €.

Good to know

The installation of photovoltaic solar panels with a power of 3 kWp or less is subject to a reduced VAT rate of 10%, instead of the traditional 20%.

Christophe RAFFAILLAC