Letters: Professionally fitted solar panels are uneconomical in France

To the Editor,

By my calculations professionally fitted solar panels are uneconomical.

Feedback into the grid is also not a good proposition. Inn order to work it needs at least 9Kw of panels and the rate of return is uncertain as it is at the whim of politicians.

I opted to DIY install 3Kw of panels (not plug & play) last September. 

I have a sloping hanger roof (photo) where they are unobtrusive. 

The angle is suboptimal and surrounding trees limit the number of hours of direct sunlight. The roof was not an option on my old mill. 

Total cost was €1,600. I estimated that I would get an average year round saving of a minimum of €30 per month, which is a significantly better return than I was getting from my savings account.

So far they have proved much better than expected. Looking at my Linky meter, my base load in heures pleines is 700 watts, so any solar production above that means I am not consuming power from the EDF. 

As an example of the savings, the February/March bill last year before the panels was €339.39, the same period this year the bill is €162.29. 

Even after allowing for the 15% tariff reduction, that is a saving of €126 or €63 per month. 

Of course things like the washing machine will at times still use EDF power but overall it's good. 

No batteries on my installation - there is no way I would have Li Ion batteries anywhere near the house due to their propensity to explode and catch fire.

Nothing wrong with plug & play, I just preferred a fixed installation. Even a well-placed 800 watt system will produce savings for most people.

Keith H., by email

Have you fitted solar panels in France? Do you agree that professional installations are not worthwhile? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com