Solar panels in France : how to become energy self sufficient
For the past decade and considering global warming and other worrying matters, alternative and renewable energies have become more and more popular. In France, one of the most popular solution is the solar panel. It enables home owners to produce either heat or electricity, or both. In most cases, they also resell the energy produced to energy providers to get an additional income, much needed in these times ! Another important thing to know is that the installation of solar panels in France is tax deductible (the rate changes every year) so as to boost home owners.
Here is our latest guide on solar panels in France so that you can become energy self sufficient, and earn a few quid as well !
First of all, the cost of a solar panel (or photovoltaic) system depends on the gear needed to cover your needs, the distance between your property and the solar panels site.
If you pay the right price for it which is around €12,000 for a 3 kilowatt-peak (unit of power for photovoltaic systems) unit, the photovoltaic solution can be very profitable. This particular amount is estimated for an average house but bear in mind that 2 conditions have to be there too : the installer must be skilled (ask for certifications) and you must have the possibility to hook-up your photovoltaic system to the existing electric network.
In the beginning of 2013, the approximate cost of a solar panel system connected to the existing network varies between €10,000 and €14,000 and is divided as follows :
- 60% for the solar panels
- 15% for the inverter
- 25% for the fittings and putting up
Good to know : 1sqm of well-positioned solar panels produces in average 100 kWh (kilowatt-hour) a year. According to the French agency for the environment and the energy management, 5sqm of solar panels can produce the equivalent of the yearly electrical consumption of a 4-person family without heating. The production varies from one department to another depending on how sunny it is. For instance, a 24sqm solar panel system in the Nord Pas de Calais will produce 2,400 kWh a year whereas the same installation will produce 3,750 kWh in the Var (south-east of France).
Today, the photovoltaic energy represents an important part of the solution regarding the crisis of the fossil energy. Additionally, the technology is well-managed and from now on, the production costs have improved for the more you produce, the cheaper your production is. However, the French government has reduced the tax deduction over the years but don’t worry, solar panels still are a good deal ; often, a better one than traditional savings products !