Solar Panels: Return on Investment

Solar Self-Consumption: What Are We Talking About?

Photovoltaic self-consumption involves producing electricity through solar panels installed at your home and directly consuming this electricity. It's a way to reduce your electricity bill and carbon footprint. For more on energy in France, explore our complete guides.

Different Models

Total Self-Consumption: You consume all the electricity you produce. Surplus is "lost" or stored in a battery.

Self-Consumption with Surplus Sale: Electricity you don't consume is resold to EDF OA (Purchase Obligation) at a guaranteed rate. This is the most common model in France.

Total Sale: All your production is sold to the grid. This model is declining in favor of self-consumption.

Self-Consumption Rate

This is the percentage of your production you actually consume. Without a battery, this rate is generally 30 to 50% for a typical household. With adaptations (appliance programming, battery), it can reach 70 to 80%.

Installation Profitability

Installation Costs

The price of a self-consumption photovoltaic installation varies according to power and equipment quality. For a 3 kWp installation (about 8 panels), expect between 7,000 and 10,000 EUR including installation.

Savings Achieved

Each kWh you produce and consume is a kWh you don't buy from your supplier. With electricity prices around 25 cents/kWh, savings are substantial.

Example: A 3 kWp installation in southern France produces about 4,000 kWh/year. If you self-consume 50% (2,000 kWh), you save 500 EUR/year. Surplus sold at 13 cents/kWh brings 260 EUR/year. That's 760 EUR/year total.

Return on Investment Time

Depending on region, aid obtained, and your consumption profile, return on investment time is generally 10 to 15 years. Given that panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, profitability is there.

Available Aid

Self-Consumption Bonus

The State pays a bonus for self-consumption installations with surplus sale. Its amount depends on installed power and changes quarterly. For a 3 kWp installation, it's around 350 to 500 EUR/kWp.

Purchase Obligation

EDF OA commits to buying your surplus electricity at a rate fixed for 20 years. This rate is revised quarterly for new contracts but remains guaranteed for your entire contract duration.

Local Aid

Some regions, departments, or municipalities offer complementary aid. Inquire with your local authority or nearest France Renov' office. Also explore MaPrimeRénov' renovation aid.

Reduced VAT

For installations under 3 kWp on homes over 2 years old, the VAT rate is 10% instead of 20%. Above 3 kWp, VAT is 20%.

Steps for Your Project

Step 1: Evaluate Your Roof's Potential

Orientation (ideally south), tilt (about 30 degrees), absence of shade, and available surface are key criteria. Online tools like ADEME's solar potential map can give you an initial estimate.

Step 2: Request Multiple Quotes

Request at least 3 quotes from RGE-qualified installers (Recognized Environmental Guarantor). This qualification is necessary to benefit from aid.

Step 3: Administrative Procedures

Prior work declaration at city hall (mandatory)
Connection request to Enedis
Purchase contract request to EDF OA (if selling surplus)
Electrical compliance certificate (Consuel)

Step 4: Installation

Installation generally takes 1 to 2 days. The installer handles panel installation, inverter, and connection to the electrical panel.

Step 5: Commissioning

After Consuel inspection and Enedis connection, you can start producing and consuming your electricity.

Points of Attention

Equipment Quality

Favor panels from recognized brands with good warranties (25 years on production). The inverter is a key element: choose a reliable brand with a minimum 10-year warranty.

Scams

The photovoltaic sector has unfortunately experienced excesses (aggressive door-to-door sales, excessive prices, unrealistic promises). Never sign under pressure from a salesperson. Take time to compare and verify references.

Maintenance

Solar panels require little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and annual inverter check are generally sufficient.

Conclusion

Solar self-consumption is an increasingly attractive solution for French homeowners. With falling panel costs and rising electricity prices, profitability improves year after year. Take time to properly size your project and choose a reliable installer.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes. Purchase rates and aid change regularly. Consult photovoltaique.info for the latest information.