Solar panels: a good investment?

According to RTE, the French photovoltaic park produced 8.3 TWh in 2016, i.e. 1.6% of national electricity production for the year. Solar electricity could represent between 20 and 25% of global electricity production by 2050 according to the International Energy Agency. It is therefore a sector of the future in which you would do better to invest by installing solar panels…

Solar energy: undeniable advantages

In 2015, photovoltaics and solar thermal represented respectively 2.7 and 0.4% of primary production of renewable energies in France, even though solar energy presents several undeniable advantages for the energy transition, all sectors combined.

Renewable energy, available free of charge, and in colossal quantities (even inexhaustible on a human scale), solar energy has no or very little impact on the environment, over its entire life cycle. Pollution is reduced and controlled during the manufacturing phase, non-existent during the operating phase, and all components can be recycled.

The facilities and technologies are simple, mature, innovative and guarantees of safety: they present a low risk of accident. They are also modular (size, environment), which makes electricity and solar heat suitable for decentralized off-road energy production, and this sustainably, since the installations have a lifespan of 20 to more than 30 years. .

A continuing decline in production costs

Solar energy confirms its competitive energy status, with an accentuated advantage in the future thanks to lower investment costs.

• with an estimated drop in LCOE of 25 to -30% for photovoltaics between 2015 and 2023 depending on the segments considered. The production cost of large solar power plants could thus fall from €68/MWh in 2015 to €50/MWh by 2025.
• with a drop in LCOE which could exceed 30% for solar thermal between 2015 and 2023.

Financial aid for individuals

Tax credit for the energy transition, zero-rate eco-loan, Anah “Living Better” program, energy savings certificates, reduced rate VAT, local aid, etc. As part of a home renovation project, individuals may be eligible for financial assistance. Accumulation of aid is sometimes possible.

Financial support for solar thermal

For individuals, a solar thermal installation, such as an individual solar water heater, is mainly supported by the energy transition tax credit. This was simplified on January 1, 2015, with the establishment of a single rate of 30%, without resource conditions and without a bouquet of works.

Local aid

To develop solar energy, many regional councils, but also general councils, municipalities, ANAH, etc., offer aid to individuals complementary to the tax credit.

ADEME and the Regions financially support collective solar hot water operations, in new or existing buildings, at the different stages of the project (study, investment).

Call an RGE installer!

Are you embarking on a construction or renovation project? Be sure to contact an RGE company to take care of your solar thermal or photovoltaic installation.

What is an RGE installer?

The mention the reference Recognized Guarantor of the Environment (Or RGE), certifies the quality of energy renovations by engaging professionals on the effectiveness of their service. This notice was put in place by the public authorities to provide you with transparency and allows you to carry out your energy renovation project with complete peace of mind.

In order to obtain this certification, companies must meet general (insurance, material, financial and human resources) and technical (training, references, audits) criteria, while being objective and transparent.

Why find an RGE installer?

By using a RGE certified company, you ensure the quality of installation. In fact, if you do not call on a RGE craftsmanthe consequences can be considerable:

• Work not in compliance with regulations (malfunction of the installed system)

• Not benefiting from financial help public authorities (MaPrimeRénov’, CEE, Eco-PTZ, reduced rate VAT, etc.)

Doing call to an RGE companyyou are sure that the company:

• is assured
• is reliable
• is competent
• supports you throughout your project
• is recognized by the public authorities
• allows you to have a reliable installation, quickly making your investment profitable

In summary

If the North is a slightly more interesting region than the others for installing solar panels, it can still be worth it. Don’t hesitate to get information from experts!

Solar panels are becoming more popular

The accumulated delay in solar energy is due to a technical choice by the French State. The latter preferred to ensure the protection of the French market, compared to the European one. In addition, the integration of panels into the roof, instead of tiles, was imposed. However, this does not allow optimal ventilation and sealing, which has created a lot of problems.

It was this flop that stopped everything. The sector collapsed but has been picking up for 2 years. From now on, individuals and professionals have the right to self-consume, which was not the case before. In short, you produced electricity, which was sold and which you had to buy back… Not very logical, nor incentive.

Long-term profitability

As the solar sector becomes interesting again, it will be democratized. This responds in particular to the desire of citizens to consume the electricity they produce. And yes, the energy transition also involves this (and it’s better for the wallet). Indeed, professionals in the field realize that what matters is profitability. Although ecological interest is present, it does not represent the main motivation for households.

If solar panels do not allow you to be independent, they can nevertheless compensate for breakdowns in the electricity network. In addition, with increases in energy prices, solar panels ensure a certain energy independence. Installing panels can cost around €6,500, which constitutes a significant investment. But we must see behind this fixed cost, the long-term benefit provided to individuals and professionals who make this choice.