The number of solar panel installations is rising in France with the last year seeing over 200,000 fitted around the country as prices fell.
This includes installations from both professionals and from DIY kits, which allow homeowners to set up the panels by themselves.
Read more: Why record numbers of homeowners in France are installing solar panels
Some 40% of all solar panels are installed using DIY kits as opposed to via a professional electrician.
Whilst self-installation kits may be significantly cheaper, they do come with restrictions.
Note this article reviews photovoltaic solar panels (those that produce electricity from sunlight) which are the most popular panels to be installed, and not solar thermal panels, which produce heat.
Solar thermal panels are usually used in combined solar systems, or to produce hot water for a property.
What are the rules for DIY solar panel kits in France?
Self-installation kits generally follow the same rules as those installed by a professional.
There is usually no need to apply for a building permit (permis de construire), except in certain circumstances.
If you want to put panels on your roof (or on the ground at a height equal or greater to 1.8 metres) you need to notify the local mairie and announce the work through a déclaration préalable de travaux (DP) via CERFA form no. 13703-08, irrespective of their power output.
Since most prefer to install solar panels on the rooftop where they are usually more efficient than those at ground level, this applies in the vast majority of cases.
Ground installations only require a DP if they produce more than 1MWc.
Where this applies, they are also subject to the one-off payment of the tax d'aménagement.
A DP notification can be made either online or via letter sent with recorded delivery (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception).
You should also consult the local urban plan (plan local d'urbanisme or PLU) for your commune to check if there are restrictions on the size or number of panels that can be installed.
Other rules may apply if your property in France is located in certain historic areas.
Read more: Can you have solar panels on homes in historic areas of France?
There are no specific rules which state kits cannot be installed by individuals and not experts, although if you want to install them yourself you should be competent working with electrics.
Also note that only kits installed by a professional with the Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement (RGE) certification are eligible for a number of solar panel grants, including the CEE (Certificats d'économies d'énergie) bonus or through the MaPrimeRénov' scheme.
At any point if you are struggling it is advisable to contact an RGE accredited professional.
If you want to sell your electricity, you will also need to contact Consuel for an Attestation de Conformité to confirm your installation is safe to be connected to the main power grid, which costs between €199 and €230 depending on the setup.
How much do DIY solar panel kits cost in France?
DIY solar panel kits are around the price of purchasing the panels through an official company and having one of their electricians install them.
The average price for a DIY kit including 16 panels is around €6,250.
These are generally capable of producing 64,000Wc (watt crête, or 6.4 kWc), which is about 1.5x the power consumption of an average household in France.
Most of these kits do not require a DP unless they are to be fitted on a roof over 1.8m high.
In comparison, the average installation for panels on the roof of a 100m² property is closer to €12,000 if carried out through a company.
However note that if installing the kit yourself, you should also expect to pay another €1,000 connecting it to the electricity network through your property’s junction box.
You will also be responsible for fixing any problems whereas many companies which install kits will include a warranty to cover any issues that arise within the first few years.
Read more: What aid is available to install home solar panels in France?
Can you sell surplus solar power from a DIY kit back to the grid?
You can sell surplus solar power produced by a DIY kit if it has been checked by an RGE accredited professional and connected to the grid by Enedis, which manages France’s electrical supply.
Read more: France solar panels: How do I connect them to grid and sell my energy?
Enedis make the connection for free unless you are producing electricity professionally.
Similarly, DIY installers cannot sell surplus energy back to EDF through the prime à l’autoconsommation and are not eligible for the installation grant attached to this bonus.
Some companies such as Oscaro Power that sell DIY kits have their own arrangement for users to sell surplus electricity. Around 60% of customers use the service.
This is not guaranteed with all companies so you would need to research this if important to you.
Note that in cases where the panels are professionally installed EDF is obliged to buy surplus electricity from you for 20 years.
However, you need to subscribe to this - it is not automatic.
Finally, be aware of the increasing number of scams related to solar panel installation, which are often related to self-installation kits.
