Obtaining electricity with solar panels (photovoltaic panels) - You use some of your electricity and sell the surplus

You can produce electricity for your own use and sell what you don’t use by settling:

• Psolar rings (photovoltaic). These panels capture solar energy and turn it into electricity. They can be attached to your original roof (non-integrated equipment) or integrated as a replacement for the original roof (built-in equipment).
• One or more uninterruptible power supplies. The UPS is a small box attached to a wall as close as possible to the solar panels. It converts the obtained direct current into alternating current identical to that of the public electricity network.
• Batteries if you want to be able to store the electricity obtained for your consumption

One guide is available to help you complete your project.

It is recommended that you use a recognized environmental professional (EGP) to install your solar panels.

To find out the list of professionals, you can help yourself from a directory:

Search for a company with the quality "Recognized Guarantor of the Environment"

An advisor can help you define and evaluate your project costs and benefits :

Before settling your solar panels, you need to make a preliminary declaration of works to your town hall.

If you are building a house, your solar panel installation must be included on your application for building permit.

Installation costs

The price of the equipment (solar panels and inverter) and its installation varies. It depends in particular on the following:

• Materials used
• Method of installation (integrated or simply installed solar panels)
• Choice of professional who will settle your solar panels

Operating costs

Once the solar panels are settled, you are required to take out civil liability insurance for this equipment. To do this, you can request a change to your home insurance contract. The amount of your contribution will be reassessed.

For the sale of the remaining electricity, you have to pay an annual tax, called Turp.

Revenues from the sale of electricity

You don't pay income tax for the sale of electricity if your equipment meets the following 3 conditions:

• Electricity has a power output of less than 3 kilowatts (kWc)
• Electricity shall be connected to the public network at not more than 2 points
• It shall not be used for the exercise of a professional activity

If one of the 3 conditions is not met, you must pay income tax. This income must be reported on your return as Industrial and Commercial Benefits (BIC).

Investment premium

By deciding to sell your surplus electricity, you can benefit from the investment premium. To do this, your solar panels must have been settled by an EGR installer.

To find out the list of professionals, you can help yourself from a directory:

Search for a company with the quality "Recognized Guarantor of the Environment"

The amount of the premium depends on the power of your equipment. This amount is changed quarterly.

The premium is paid at the same time as your income from selling your surplus. You do not have to take any steps to receive this bonus.

You must make a request for connection to the electricity network manager in your municipality (in general, Enedis) to be connected to the public network.

This connection allows you to inject the surplus of your electricity production and sell it.

Enedis: apply for connection to the public electricity grid

These services are not free. Costs vary depending on your equipment characteristics.

This request can be made by you or by the installer of your solar panels.

The Network Manager sends you a connection proposal (PDR.) and a network access and operation agreement (CAE) number. It will connect and commission your equipment once you have accepted the RDP and signed the EAC.

When you make your connection request, you sign a contract of obligation to purchase with the network manager. This contract obliges the system operator to purchase your electricity.

The contract is for 20 years. It applies from the date of commissioning of your equipment (actual connection to the network).

The purchase price of the electricity produced is fixed by law and cannot therefore be negotiated.

The rate that applies to your contract is the rate in effect on the date of the request for connection of your equipment.

You must send your invoice to your Network Manager on the renewal date of your contract each year.