It's becoming increasingly common to see solar panels installed on the roofs of homes. There are a number of economic and ecological advantages to this project. Whether you're the owner of a house you live in all year round, or of a gîte or vacation home you rent out, installing photovoltaic panels can not only save you money, but also make your daily life and your holidays more environmentally friendly. Here's everything you need to know about installing solar panels at home.
The different stages in installing solar panels at home
As a reminder, a solar panel is a renewable energy production device. A photovoltaic panel consists of a set of interconnected cells. Semi-conductive and charged with electrons, they transform the sun's raw energy into electricity, the kind we need every day at home to turn on the lights and operate our various appliances.
If you're interested in installing solar panels in your home, whether it's a primary residence, a second home or a vacation rental, you need to take the following steps.
First of all, it's advisable to check the necessary planning permissions and make the necessary declarations to the relevant town hall. Then you can call on a qualified expert with the RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) label to install the solar panels. The installer will assess your energy needs and study the specific features of your roof. Once the solar panels have been installed and the connections made by the professional, a visit verifies the conformity of the solar panels and enables the Consuel electrical compliance certificate to be obtained. This attests that the solar installation meets safety standards, and must be sent to Enedis before you can start enjoying the benefits of solar power.
Homeowners will also be able to discuss and receive advice on two crucial points with the RGE installer. Two choices are possible. Either they opt for self-consumption, using their own electricity and storing the surplus in solar batteries for use at other times, particularly in the evening. Or they contact Enedis to integrate the surplus into the grid and resell it to an energy supplier.
What are the advantages of solar panels?
Installing solar panels makes economic sense. Solar energy is free and inexhaustible. It supplies your home with electricity and saves you considerable sums on your bills. It's also a good way of protecting yourself against market price fluctuations and events such as power cuts. By selling surplus electricity to an energy supplier, you can also supplement your budget.
Another advantage of installing photovoltaic panels is that they reduce the environmental impact of your home. Converting solar energy into electricity generates no direct CO2 emissions. The system is ecological and environmentally friendly.
Don't forget to discuss possible subsidies with your RGE installer. Whether it's a self-consumption bonus, reduced VAT rate of 10%, local subsidies or MaPrimeRénov, there are a number of schemes available to help you install solar panels in your home.
