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What are the advantages of photovoltaic panels?
Photovoltaic panels are often mistakenly referred to as "solar panels". In reality, they are two different devices.
The former are made up of a multitude of photovoltaic cells, which absorb the sun's rays and convert them into electrical energy to power the home's general circuit.
Solar panels, or thermal panels, also capture the sun's energy, but transform it into heat used to heat the home and produce domestic hot water.
For technical and economic reasons, it is generally difficult to combine these two types of panel. However, if your heating and domestic hot water system is powered by an electrical energy source, it's much more cost-effective to opt for photovoltaic panels. You'll be able to manage your own energy production and enjoy the full benefits of self-consumption.
A still high cost
The cost of photovoltaic panels has fallen significantly. In 2024, the average price of a 1 kW photovoltaic panel is around €500 to €700, depending on the technology chosen. For a 150 m² home, the total investment (including panels, inverter and installation) is usually between €6,000 and €10,000. Installation always involves connecting the panels to an inverter, which converts the direct current produced into alternating current usable in the domestic circuit. However, inverter technologies have improved, offering greater efficiency and advanced features.
However, the principle of self-consumption can drastically reduce your electricity bill. Solar energy converted into electrical energy can power all your appliances: TV, washing machine, smartphone... and even the battery of your electric car!
What's more, you'll be able to reduce your dependence on electricity suppliers, so you'll be less affected by market-indexed tariff changes that are impossible to anticipate. But that's not all: you'll also be able to resell some of the electricity you don't use.
The purchase obligation: a boon for generating income
Over the long term, installing photovoltaic panels can generate an attractive additional income. In fact, if you don't consume all the electricity generated by solar power, you can resell the surplus thanks to the "obligation d'achat" (compulsory purchase obligation). This legislation, in force since February 10, 2000, obliges electricity suppliers and distributors to buy back energy not consumed by private individuals. Tariffs are regulated and set by government decree. In 2024, tariffs are set by quarterly decrees, with specific values for each type of installation. For the second quarter of 2024, for example, installations ≤ 3kWp benefit from a tariff of €0.1430/kWh for total sales. The contract between the supplier and the individual is for 20 years. By opting to sell your electricity, you can be sure of a fixed income for several years.
National installation aids
Photovoltaic panels make a major contribution to the development and sustainability of the energy transition. With a carbon footprint close to zero, this energy source reduces greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, new production technologies and the use of 100% recyclable materials further limit ecological impact. With this in mind, the government has introduced a number of measures designed to make photovoltaic panels more accessible, even to low-income households. Individuals and professionals wishing to opt for this source of energy can take advantage of investment bonuses, zero-rate eco-loans, reduced VAT and various means-tested energy bonuses.
Investment bonus for the installation of photovoltaic panels
As of January 1, 2014, the installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels is no longer eligible for tax credits. However, installations intended for self-consumption and resale (and not for pure sale) can give rise to an investment bonus or self-consumption bonus. This varies from €80/kWp to €380/kWp, depending on the power of the installation.
For the third quarter of 2024, the amounts are as follows:
| System power | Amount of premium for an installation |
|---|---|
|
Less than 3 kWp |
260 €/kWp |
|
Between 3 and 36 kWp |
190 €/kWp |
|
Between 36 and 100 kWp |
100 €/kWp |
Rates valid from August 1ᵉʳ to October 31, 2024
Source: Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
Good to know: you can also benefit from a VAT rate of less than 10% for the installation of photovoltaic panels with an output of 3 kWp or less.
The zero-rate eco-loan (éco-PTZ)
Please note that photovoltaic panels are no longer eligible for the zero-rate eco-loan (éco-PTZ). This loan is now reserved for work aimed at directly improving the energy performance of homes, such as thermal insulation, heating or domestic hot water production using renewable systems (solar thermal, for example).
MaPrimeRénov'
Are you planning to install photovoltaic panels to reduce your energy costs?
In France, several specific grants are available to support your photovoltaic panel installation project. Although MaPrimeRénov' does not directly finance the installation of photovoltaic panels designed to produce electricity, you can benefit from other schemes adapted to this type of project.
The self-consumption bonus is intended for installations that consume part of the electricity produced while selling the surplus to the grid. This bonus is paid by EDF OA and its amount decreases according to the power of your installation. You also benefit from guaranteed feed-in tariffs for the resale of your surplus electricity.
These rates are regularly reviewed by the government to ensure a stable return on your investment.
What's more, for photovoltaic installations of 3 kWp or less, you can benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 10%, which reduces the total cost of your project.
Although photovoltaic panels are not eligible for MaPrimeRénov', self-consumption with resale of the surplus remains a profitable option thanks to these schemes. They enable you to make your installation profitable while contributing to the energy transition.
For more details, visit the official France Renov' website.
Local grants for financing photovoltaic panels
The Solar Plan implemented by the French government in 2018 to promote self-consumption aims to achieve an energy mix comprising of 32% solar energy by 2030. To achieve this, many efforts have already been made. Local subsidies are part of this approach.
If you live in certain regions or départements, you can combine these additional subsidies with the financing schemes mentioned above. Here is the list of subsidies renewed in 2024.
Support for Essonne photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaic panel help from Bourg-en-Bresse department
In Bourg-en-Bresse, energy transition assistance is called "Mon Cap Energie. It is financed by the CA3B (Communauté d'Agglomération du Bassin de Bourg-en-Bresse) Renewable Energy Fund.
For the installation of photovoltaic panels, assistance can reach a minimum of 10% of the cost of eligible work, up to a maximum of €15,000, and up to 25% depending on the applicant's situation.
Eligibility conditions relate to the status of owner-occupier or lessor, as well as the nature of the equipment installed. One point to note is that, for certain types of older housing, roof insulation must have been carried out in line with the requirements of the 2015 Energy Transition Tax Credit. The equipment must be installed by an RGE-certified professional (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement).
To apply for a grant, simply visit the operation's website, managed in partnership with the Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat de l'Ain, or the Mon Cap Énergie website, which offers comprehensive support for energy renovation.
Photovoltaic panel support for the Grand-Est region
- This photovoltaic support scheme in the Grand-Est region aims to encourage self-consumption. Support is available for :
- professionals, associations,
- SCI,
- social landlords,
- condominiums,
- companies.
with a contribution of 50% for large companies and up to 70% for SMEs.
Projects must aim for a self-consumption rate of over 70%. Bonuses are available for participatory projects, up to a maximum of 40%. Applications must be submitted via the regional platform before work begins.
Support for photovoltaic panels from La Cali
La Cali, better known as the Communauté d'Agglomération du Libournais (on Bordeaux's right bank), is offering residents and new arrivals access to a tool for solar energy transition project simulation tool to measure the energy potential of their roof. After running a simulation, users are invited to discover different options for finalizing their project (contact with professionals, advice and estimates). This service is free of charge. Residents can also apply for financial assistance, up to a maximum of 20% of the total cost of the work (capped at €2,000 for self-consumption panels). The panels must be installed in homes over two years old by an RGE professional.
Anor photovoltaic panel assistance
The town of Anor intends to promote the deployment of clean energies through a subsidy program for its residents. The scheme, which aims to finance part of the cost of installing photovoltaic panels, amounts to €2,700. The solar cadastre tool enables users to reliably assess the energy potential of their roof. They will then be invited to download a grant application form which can be submitted directly to the town hall.
Toulouse Métropole photovoltaic panel grant
Highly involved in reducing its energy footprint at local level, the city of Toulouse has deployed schemes to support the energy transition on both an individual and global scale. Since 2020, specific assistance has been available to help homeowners green their installations, particularly in terms of electricity production. This grant can cover up to 25% of the cost of the work, depending on the nature of the project, with a ceiling of €15,000 per project.
Installations must be carried out by an RGE QualiPV-certified professional, and assistance is available to individuals, businesses and associations whose projects concern buildings more than two years old, located within the Toulouse Métropole territory. The amount of the grant is calculated on the basis of the national average cost of installations, according to ADEME. Projects can involve injection or self-consumption installations on roofs, shades or on the ground.
Support for photovoltaic panels in Provence
Residents of the Bouches-du-Rhône department wishing to install solar systems to heat their homes are entitled to a local subsidy of up to €6,000, subject to a means test. The household's reference tax income must be less than €55,000 for a couple, or €30,000 for a single person. In certain specific cases, this ceiling can rise to €60,000.
Please note: this grant does not cover work carried out on the common areas of condominiums.
What's more, photovoltaic panels intended for electricity production are not eligible for this aid, which focuses mainly on solar heating systems and solar water heaters.
In the Drôme region, the Valence Romans conurbation is offering a €750 grant in the form of the Rénov' Habitat Durable bonus. To qualify, homeowners must carry out a package of two works, including optimizing thermal insulation and switching to a renewable energy source.
Solar thermal systems offer a forward-looking solution for heating homes more responsibly. For end-users, the stakes are also economic, with local and national subsidies making it easier to finance these installations.
