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Photovoltaic panels
What are they ?
Produce your own electricity
and save money
Installing photovoltaic solar panels offers many advantages. It is a sustainable way of producing electricity, reducing both your carbon footprint and energy costs. Solar energy will give you greater independence when the price of electricity is rising. What’s more, grants and guaranteed purchase contracts make such an investment even more attractive. Although the initial investment may appear considerable, the cost of the panels has come down and there are grants rendering this technology more affordable.
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How do photovoltaic solar panels work?
Photovoltaic panel transform solar energy into electricity. They are made of silicium photovoltaic cells which, when exposed to sunlight, generate direct electric current.
This current is converted into alternative current by an inverter, so it can now power your home.
How do solar storage batteries work?
The solar storage battery enables you to delay buying electricity in the evening, by using up the excess energy produced during the day instead of buying it.
Its second function, depending on the brand, is to supply emergency electricity in the case of a network failure (Back-Up option), to keep necessary items such as the fridge, freezer, alarm, etc. running.
What is self-sufficiency?
Self-sufficiency means that you can directly use the electricity produced by your own solar panels. You have the choice, when the system is put into service, of self-sufficiency and resell the excess or not.
The use of locally generated solar energy is maximised, as is your energy consumption, and you are less dependent on traditional electricity suppliers.
Your bespoke study in 6 steps
Step 1: Choose a certified solar installer
Choosing the right professional to install your solar panels is crucial. We recommend you pick an RGE-certified solar panel installer. This will guarantee the quality of the installation and ensure that it meets the standards. This professional fitter will be responsible for deciding upon the dimensions of the installation, according to your energy needs and the characteristics of your dwelling, and he will carry out the installation.
To avoid scams, it's important to choose the right photovoltaic company for your project.
If the installation meets the standards, you will be sure the system will last and provide optimal performance. Choose wisely, and you will obtain a system that suits your budget and your needs.
Ekwipt Solar is RGE and QualiPV certified !
Step 2: Carry out a feasibility study
Despite what is commonly thought, photovoltaic solar panels are profitable everywhere in France. You will need to have a feasibility study done to evaluate:
- Sizing in kWc based on your consumption and geographical situation.
- How to use your production (total self-sufficiency, partial self-sufficiency, selling your whole production to the grid).
- Positioning the modules on your roof.
- Annual savings.
- Duration of return on investment.
Step 3: Managing administrative procedures
To have solar panels installed, you will need to obtain an urbanisation authorisation by filing a Prior Declaration (déclaration préalable DP) at your local town hall, which will need to include :
- A cadastral plan.
- A floor plan.
- A plan of the PV system.
- An overview of the PV system.
- A view of the house from the street.
Once the authorization has been obtained, a connection request must be submitted to Enedis, asking to have the solar panels connected to the grid :
- Connection option (partial or total injection).
- Maximum electrical power required.
- The urbanisation authorization.
- Project layout plan.
Reduce your electricity bills by choosing for a clean, renewable energy source, while increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
Ekwipt Solar takes care of everything for its customers, free of charge!
Step 4: Install solar panels
Installation of the equipment can now begin. This stage consists of :
- Install the solar panels according to the plan (mainly on the roof).
- Installing the inverter or micro-inverters.
- Connect the solar panels to the building's electrical system.
Retrofitting is recommended for electrical safety and watertightness.
To maximize solar electricity production, photovoltaic solar panels should ideally face south and be tilted at 30°.
Step 5: Connect to the power supply
The Consuel, the official organism that checks electrical installations, issues a certificate of conformity guaranteeing the safety of the installation. You need this to be able to connect the panels to the grid. The request for a connection also serves as a contract of purchase with EDF OA (mandatory buying) for the sale of the surplus electricity.
Once this request has been approved, Enedis notifies EDF OA and starts the contract from the date of the completed request for connection. A contract of access and utilisation will be issued to you, which you will include with the request for the starting up of the installation.
Step 6: Start up
If you have a Linky meter, this operation can be done remotely via the platform connect-racco.enedis.fr After the connection, you will be able to start up your photovoltaic system. If you have a Linky meter, this can be done remotely via the platform connect-racco.enedis.fr.
Follow these stages, and you will be able to take full advantage of clean and sustainable solar energy, reduce your electricity bills and increase your home’s energy efficiency.
The advantages of solar energy
Renewable energy
Photovoltaic solar panels use solar energy, an abundant renewable energy, which reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy savings
Once you have installed photovoltaic solar panels you can make money selling electricity to the grid, reducing or even eliminating your electricity bills.
Environmental impact
The use of solar energy reduces CO2 emissions and contributes to the fight against climate change, whilst preserving natural resources for future generations.
Added value
Houses equipped with solar panels tend to sell for a greater sum on the property market because they present a source of sustainable energy and lower energy costs for the future owners.
Energy self-sufficiency
By producing your own electricity from the sun, you become less dependent on traditional energy suppliers, which gives you greater self-sufficiency and stability when energy prices fluctuate.
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What power should I choose for the installation of solar panels?
Determine the ideal photovoltaic power according to your consumption
The power necessary for a photovoltaic solar panel installation depends on several factors, mainly your real consumption of electricity. To determine your average annual energy consumption, you can :
- Find your annual consumption (in kWh) on your electricity bill.
- Measure the instant consumption of each of your electrical appliances in your home, using a wattmeter or a connected plug.
Don’t forget that solar panels only produce electricity when the sun is shining, so the production will vary over a day or a year.
It is crucial you keep a check on your major daytime consumption. You can easily measure your real-time consumption by looking at the power that is being used on your Linky meter.
What you need to know
Professionals, farmers and large infrastructures can also install solar panels, including photovoltaic buildings and agricultural sheds. Installations with a capacity of between 100 and 500 kWp are now eligible for the open counter (guichet ouvert). In addition, large roofs (100 m², 200 m², 500 m², 1,000 m²) can be leased for photovoltaic modules.
Annual production in kWh/kWc
by region in France
In the South and South-East of France, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur, there are considerable advantages to installing solar panels. In these areas, thanks to good sun exposure, annual production is higher and therefore offers a better return on investment .
Installed solar production by region
at December 31, 2021
As for annual production, the PACA region is not the most covered by solar installations.
Choose the power according to your solar energy needs
With a photovoltaic solar panel installation, you can choose to sell your production (partially or totally) or consume it on spot (and store the surplus if necessary).
Apart from the savings on your bills, self-sufficiency solar panels enable you to generate income. How do you do this? By selling surplus electricity! This system makes EDF OA (Obligation d'achat) to buy back the surplus electricity produced by your solar panels.
Self-sufficiency with sale
de surplus : comment ça marche ?
- Your solar panels generate more electricity than you need;
- Surplus electricity is immediately sent into the public grid;
- Your meter automatically records the amount of electricity transferred;
- At the end of the year, you bill EDF OA (Obligation d'achat) and receive a payment !
Orientation and profitability of a solar installation
Roof orientation and pitch
In the northern hemisphere, your solar panels will capture the most radiation if they face south. However, it's quite possible to install modules facing east, southeast, southwest or west. On the other hand, north-west, north-east and, of course, north are not recommended.
Roof and shade
Installing rooftop solar panels requires careful attention to the characteristics and strength of your roof. Photovoltaic panels are imposing and require a minimum of space to be profitable. If the roof is not robust enough, your home will be in danger. Finally, the level of shading on your roof is another parameter to consider.
How profitable is a photovoltaic system?
In France, it generally takes between 8 and 12 years before your initial investment has paid for itself. After this, you can start to make a profit, either by selling your electricity to the grid, or by using it yourself.
Make your system profitable in 7 years
A recent study shows that, in the context of rising electricity prices (15% for 3 years, then 3% per year) a typical house of 100 m² totally powered by electricity and equipped with a photovoltaic installation of 6 kWc, can become profitable in only 7 years!
What factors influence the return on investment of a PV project?
The amortisation of solar panels varies according to a number of factors, each of which has an impact on profitability and return on investment:
- Housing characteristics, such as electricity consumption, living space (100 m², 150 m² or 200 m², for example) and insulation, vary.
- The local climate has a major effect on energy needs.
- The quantity of solar production depends on several factors, in particular the average sunshine in that area, and the maximum power of the solar panels in optimum conditions.
- The cost of solar panels also plays a role.
In the south of France, where there is more sunshine, the return on investment is faster, generally between 8 and 12 years.
Reduce the cost of my future installation
In many countries, tax incentives, grants, and government support schemes encourage the installation of solar panels, and can reduce the initial investment costs :
- Tax incentives : 10% VAT for installations of less than 3 kWc
- Grants : MaPrimeRénov', selling back to the grid the surplus to EDF, self-sufficiency bonus
- Government support programs : MaPrimeRénov' Sérénité, Eco-PTZ
Our panels come with a 30-year product warranty
Most panel makers offer a minimum 25-year product warranty. All our suppliers offer a 30-year product warranty, and a performance warranty of at least 87% after 30 years.
Our high-performance
system study software
Our software takes everything into account, including azimuth, roof pitch, cable/heating losses and yield.
It also estimates annual production according to summer or winter solstice, the rate of self-sufficiency, and the rate of excess export to the grid.
Finally, this study is validated by a technical inspection on site at the customer's premises to guarantee an optimum solution..
Maintenance of your solar panels
For example, we can help with :
- Replacing a damaged panel
- Sealing problems
- Inverter failure
- Recurring power failures
- Administrative procedures and information exchange
Seeing that there are many malfunctions, badly installed panels and installation that don't meet the standards, individuals, professionals, and insurance company are now calling on certified installers rather than simple electricians.
Our skills range from expertise to the total repair and the compliance upgrade of your installation whilst keeping your costs to a minimum.
Cleaning your solar panels
Contrary to popular opinion, rainwater is not enough to clean your photovoltaic system of pollution, pollen, bird droppings and dust, which can accumulate over time.
How often you need to clean your solar system depends on its environment.
As part of a maintenance contract, you can do periodic cleaning to keep your solar production at an optimal level.
Specialized in solar system cleaning, we offer an economical and ecological cleaning service. Note that the water used to clean the solar panels will dry without leaving any marks.
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telephone contact with our sales team
Support for investing in photovoltaic panels
Investing in a solar panel installation can be expensive, and whilst the drop in panel prices is good for consumers, prices can still seem high.
Happily, over recent years, concern about the environment has led to the setting up of numerous financial aids, grants, and bonuses to encourage the installation of hybrid, thermal, or photovoltaic solar panels. Concerning the latter, it is important to mention :
Please note, however, that local grants cannot be combined with government grants.
National grants
The self-sufficiency in bonus
Implemented following the decree of May 9, 2017, this bonus aims to encourage the self-sufficiency of electricity by offering financial assistance to individuals who adopt this practice. It is important to note that it does not apply to ground-mounted solar panel installations, such as a DIY solar kit.
A photovoltaic system with a capacity of 3 kWc or less can benefit from reduced VAT of 10% instead of 20%.
Despite its name, the self-sufficiency bonus is paid to electricity suppliers who opt for self-sufficiency with sale of the surplus. Here are the rates applied* for the current period:
|
Power
|
Self-sufficiency bonus
|
VAT
|
|---|---|---|
|
≤ 3 kWc
|
260 €/kWc
|
10%
|
|
> 3 et ≤ 9 kWc
|
190 €/kWc
|
20%
|
|
> 9 et ≤ 36 kWc
|
190 €/kWc
|
20%
|
|
> 36 et ≤ 100 kWc
|
100 €/kWc
|
20%
|
Rates valid from 1ᵉʳ August to 31 October 2024 (11ᵉ quarter of the "S22" tariff order)
Feed-in tariffs
When you become a solar power producer, you can sell all or part of your production to EDF OA (mandatory buying) or to a Local Distribution Company (LDC) via virtual battery offers.
By choosing EDF OA, you can sign a 20-year contract and benefit from a fixed feed-in tariff per kWh for the duration of the contract. Here are the rates applied* for the current period:
|
Power
|
EDF OA feed-in tariffs
Sale of surplus |
EDF OA feed-in tariffs
Total sale |
|---|---|---|
|
≤ 3 kWc
|
0,1276 €/kWh
|
0,1205 €/kWh
|
|
> 3 et ≤ 9 kWc
|
0,1276 €/kWh
|
0,1024 €/kWh
|
|
> 9 et ≤ 36 kWc
|
0,0765 €/kWh
|
0,1318 €/kWh
|
|
> 36 et ≤ 100 kWc
|
0,0765 €/kWh
|
0,1146 €/kWh
|
Rates valid from 1ᵉʳ August to 31 October 2024 (11ᵉ quarter of the "S22" tariff order)
Departmental grants
cannot be combined with national subsidies
GREENDEAL 06
What are the income requirements for this grants ?
This departmental grant is open to Alpes-Maritimes residents and is degressive according to income.
The subsidy for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic panels and batteries is subject to an income limits. These limits are determined by the income tables imposed by the ANAH as part of Maprimerénov.
The grant amounts are therefore as follows:
|
Very modest
|
Modest
|
Intermediate
|
Wealthy
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
5 000 €
|
2 600 €
|
1 600 €
|
1 300 €
|
Table - Resource ceilings for Anah assistance for households outside Île-de-France
|
Household composition
|
Very Modest
|
Modest
|
Intermediate
|
Wealthy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 person
|
17 009 €
|
21 805 €
|
30 549 €
|
more than €30 549
|
|
2 persons
|
24 875 €
|
31 889 €
|
44 907 €
|
more than 44 907 €
|
|
3 persons
|
29 917 €
|
38 349 €
|
54 071 €
|
more than 54 071 €
|
|
4 persons
|
34 948 €
|
44 802 €
|
63 235 €
|
more than 63 235 €
|
|
5 persons
|
40 002 €
|
51 281 €
|
72 400 €
|
more than 72 400 €
|
|
Per additional person
|
+ 5 045 €
|
+ 6 462 €
|
+ 9 165 €
|
+ 9 165 €
|
Do you have a project in mind ?
Please contact us today to discuss your solar panel installation project.
Our dedicated team is here to answer all your questions and help you realize your energy project.
Make an appointment
telephone contact with our sales team
Ekwipt Solar is also
Control your home
wherever and whenever you want
Coupled with solar energy, home automation simplifies your daily life and reinforces the security of your home. Thanks to our application, you can :
- Automate lighting and roller shutters : Control all the lights and shutters in your home remotely.
- Monitoring and securing your home: Our cameras and motion detectors alert you in the event of an intrusion.
- Remote control : Open the gate, close the shutters, turn off the lights, all from your smartphone.
Choose a secure, connected home. Contact us to find out more!