If I have a suitable roof surface that is well exposed to the sun, I can install solar panels to generate photovoltaic electricity. Solar electricity is an inexhaustible, clean and free energy source: it allows me to take climate action and reduce my energy costs.
Contributing to the ecological and energy transition
Solar electricity is a renewable energy source associated with low carbon emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, generating photovoltaic energy does not emit any CO2 and therefore does not contribute to global warming.
The energy payback time for the types of panels currently available on the market in our region is generally less than two years. Energy payback time refers to the time necessary for a photovoltaic installation to produce the same amount of energy as was required for its manufacture.
By harnessing the power of the sun to produce electricity, I can contribute to the energy transition towards renewable energies. I actively help decrease greenhouse gases and limit air pollution.
Generating my own electricity from clean energy
Whether for ecological, economic or practical purposes, everyone has their own reasons for installing solar panels. One of these reasons is the decision to install photovoltaic panels in order to generate electricity from a clean and inexhaustible source of energy: the sun.
Photovoltaic panels also represent an opportunity for gaining autonomy. The energy I generate can cover some of my home’s electricity requirements, which allows me to reduce the amount of electricity I purchase from energy suppliers. I can consume some of the electricity I produce myself, for example, to run my electrical household appliances or my heat pump, or to charge my electric car during the day.
I can sell the remainder of my output to my supplier and benefit from the advantageous feed-in tariffs for energy reinjected into the grid.
Earning money by producing electricity
I have two options for using my photovoltaic electricity:
- I can either choose to inject all of the electricity I generate into the grid. Thanks to the feed-in tariffs, I can benefit from an income for the energy I generate over a period of 15 years. In addition, I am entitled to an investment subsidy.
- Or, I can plan to use some of the electricity I generate directly, for example to run my electrical appliances or my heat pump, or to charge my electric car whenever I can generate electricity with the sun. This allows me to avoid buying electricity from the grid. Thanks to the investment subsidy, I have the choice between the same grant as with the first option (and 15 years of entitlement to the regulated feed-in tariff for the surplus electricity that I do not consume myself) or a considerably higher grant (the surplus electricity is then remunerated by my energy supplier based on the market price. The market price fluctuates and may be higher or lower than the guaranteed feed-in tariff).
In both cases, I make a profit that I can use to offset my investment and free myself from the dependence on rising electricity prices.
Before starting my photovoltaic installation project, I estimated the time it would take to recoup my investment by consulting the solar cadastre and running a simulation for my project.
Contributing to the protection of resources
Our resources are limited. Our reserves of coal, oil and natural gas will continue to diminish. The same is true for the water needed to extract them. To help conserve these resources, we need to switch to alternative, clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar energy.
Solar panels are one way to conserve these natural resources. At the same time, local and regional energy production reduces the dependence of our energy system and improves security of supply.
The energy cooperative: a collective solution to solar energy generation
If my building is not suited to the installation of solar panels, I can still get involved in the production of solar energy by organising or participating in an energy cooperative. An energy cooperative is financed jointly by several interested parties.
In this way, I can generate an income by operating a photovoltaic system and collectively generating solar energy.
The energy community
The energy community is a new opportunity to sell or share sell the solar energy I generate and do not want or need to use myself. Conversely, I can also benefit from other electricity producers, for example my neighbour, offering me a share of their electricity.
Members of an energy community are allowed to generate, consume, store and sell electricity if it is produced by photovoltaic systems owned by the community or its members. Energy communities have the added benefit of allowing me to avoid certain electricity taxes and costs associated with the use of the electricity grid.
If you are interested in creating or participating in a cooperative, Klima-Agence provides you with templates of statutes for the creation of a cooperative or civil society, as well as a comparative table of these two legal entities and a template for a roof rental contract.
Make my simulation online
- I fill in the information about my project and I immediately get a simulation of the subsidies I can receive to produce electricity.
- I access the forms to apply for the corresponding grants.
At any time I can get in touch with a Klima-Agence advisor to be supported in my simulation.
Make an appointment with an advisor with a Klima-Agence advisor
