How is photovoltaic solar energy progressing in France?
John Crowley: France is well-endowed, but has significant room for improvement, compared to, for example, European leaders Germany. Total capacities are increasing at about 5% per year, with a current trend in favor of moderately sized facilities. This is related, among other things, to the limitations of the land, hence the very active role of farmers, including through innovations such as agrophotovoltaics. On the other hand, the sector is under pressure with rising component prices and tighter supply chains. Delivery times are getting longer for all operators and SoleilPourTous is no exception. We have chosen to source all of our components from France, or possibly from nearby Europe, which we assemble in Burgundy. This strategic choice reduces our life cycle carbon footprint; it imposes operational restrictions on us. But the strengthening of local productive capacities is essential if we want to get the full potential of photovoltaics in France.
What about the individual side?
Jean-François Faus: The initial start-up, about ten years ago, benefited from support systems, both fiscal and via resale fees to the network. Today, with the maturity of the sector, development occurs on different bases, where the evolution of the electrical system and the desire to control production itself tend to prevail. People have understood that once equipped with solar capacity (which comes at a cost), the energy itself is free. No tank to fill, no gas bill to pay. And with current tensions driving up energy prices, producing at home is increasingly looking like a winning option. However, it is the deck equipment that constitutes the majority offer for individuals, in pavilions. It has advantages, but also many disadvantages, including administrative restrictions (permits and network resale contracts) and roofing work that can be relatively extensive. For 5 KW installations, budgets usually exceed 20,000 euros.
What is the alternative?
JC: SoleilPourTous invented the first “Plug & Play” photovoltaic solution in 2016. Therefore, we offer a solar module delivered to the individual, connected and immediately functional, thus offering everyone the possibility of accessing solar energy without the hassle of the component administrative and ceiling installation. It includes the panels, the microinverters (electronic equipment that normalizes the current), the electrical protections and the necessary cables to ensure the connection. Once connected, the module will produce electricity that will feed the home’s private network without any configuration or control. This simplicity of access to social energy is our plus.
For what earnings on the bill?
JFF: With solar modules of this type we produce approximately 1,500 KWh per year for 1 KW installed. For an average home, a 660 W Plug & Play module thus covers approximately 30% of its consumption, excluding heating and domestic hot water. Households that are able to equip themselves with our Trio solution (3 660 W modules) will thus be able to produce 3000 KWh/year and erase almost all of their electricity purchases, excluding heating and domestic hot water. Depending on the consumption profiles –for example, depending on whether you have a swimming pool or a heat pump– it is possible to add several Plug & Play modules to adapt to all needs. And always with the same efficiency and an immediate impact on the electricity bill. At last year’s price, the installation paid for itself in six years. But with today’s rising energy costs, the payback time is getting shorter. Also, a sure sign, we achieved as many sales in the first quarter of 2022 alone as in all of 2021.
Do you have international ambitions?
JC: Absolutely. In addition, it is potential partners who come looking for us today. Among the affected territories are Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Benin, Cameroon and Senegal.
This content was produced with SCRIBEO. The BFM BUSINESS editorial team was not involved in the production of this content.
Source: BFM TV
