Photovoltaics: Is it still profitable to install solar panels at home?

Is installing solar panels still a good idea? It must be said that solar energy isn't exactly getting a good rap right now. Between installation scams, lower purchase prices from EDF, and reduced government aid, one might wonder if it's still worth the effort.

On the one hand, the self-consumption bonus has been halved, and the purchase price for surplus electricity has been divided by three. But on the other hand, solar panels and batteries are becoming less and less expensive. There are now, in particular, “plug and play” solutions that work very well: systems that you can connect yourself, to install in your garden, for example.

It costs much less than a rooftop installation; you can get panels starting at €640, for example, from Sunethic, made in France. Ultimately, it's true that it's less attractive to resell your electricity, but it's still very profitable to consume it directly.

It takes around 10 years to pay for your installation: this is an average, there are significant disparities. You must take into account the size of your installation, the inclination of the panels, and the sunlight in your region. To get an idea of ​​how long it will take you to recoup your costs, you can contact a design office to make an estimate. This is the most reliable method, but it's not free. Otherwise, you can find simulators on the internet. However, keep in mind that most are made by solar panel or energy suppliers, and therefore not completely neutral.

It will then be up to you to optimize your installation by adapting your electricity consumption: recharge your car, start a machine or turn on your water heater during production hours or invest in a battery to store part of the energy and be a little less constrained.

The lifespan of a photovoltaic panel is 30 to 40 years on average, with a yield that will decrease very little over the years. Therefore, you will have plenty of time to amortize and make your investment profitable. The advantage of the reduction in government subsidies is that there are fewer installation scams. Despite everything, there are still some, so be wary of canvassers, get several quotes, and give yourself time to think. Never sign anything under pressure from a seller, and don't hesitate to seek help from associations.