Misconceptions about solar energy: how do you find your way around?

A quarter of French people consider the solar sector to be renewable energy that makes it possible to better fight against greenhouse gases.* However, solar energy in France is still the victim of numerous preconceived ideas. Polluting or not? Economical or expensive? To untangle the fake from the real, you've come to the right place.

Myth 1: Solar energy is expensive

Solar energy is not profitable

Initial cost vs long-term profitability

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Although today, the initial cost of installing solar panels remains relatively high, it has fallen significantly in recent years. But when you invest in solar PV, your electricity bill can drop by up to 80%.

Going solar is an excellent initiative, but what is even more beneficial is to optimize your consumption to use the energy produced directly. The cheapest kWh is the one you consume instantly, without going through the network. With the mylight150 virtual battery, the principle is simple: 1 kWh stored equals 1 kWh saved. With a subscription tailored to your needs, of around €26 per kWh, the package quickly pays for itself.

your return on investment is therefore rapid: 8 or 9 years only against 10 years on average on the market.

Grants and subsidies in 2024

Tax credit, zero rate loan... If, however, you need financial support, know that in France, aid exists to get you started. In particular, there is the photovoltaic self-consumption bonus. It is degressive, variable according to the power of your solar installation and subject to certain conditions. Photovoltaic installations also benefit from a VAT rate reduced to 10% (if they have a power less than or equal to 3kWc). Simulate your project and contact one of our partner installers to find out what help you can benefit from.

Self-consumption and resale of surpluses

Is it pretty smart to use and consume the energy you produce using a photovoltaic installation directly? That's what allows you to do theself-consumption.

It can be total, if you use all of what is produced (which is quite rare) or partial.

When it is partial, the idea is to optimize it.. How does that work? Virtual batteries allow users to consume excess power when they need it (at night for example) while offering greater flexibility and scalability than physical batteries. Needs are personalized. There is no deterioration or maintenance of the equipment. To find out more, discover MySmartBattery.

If you want to opt for solar energy as an individual? Be aware that you are entitled to an investment bonus from the State. It aims to encourage the installation of solar panels to produce your own electricity. This premium is degressive and varies according to the power of your installation.

Misconception 2: Solar energy does not work in cloudy weather

Is solar energy effective in all climates?

Solar energy production in various climates

You would think that photovoltaic solar panels only work on sunny days. However, even with cloudy skies, they remain effective. They are even more so. So how does that work?

Solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells that capture and transform solar radiation into direct electrical current. There are then boxes called “inverters” that convert this current so that it becomes alternating and can operate your electrical devices.

Because your skin captures the sun's rays through the clouds, solar panels continue to work despite gray skies. It is only when it is night that the panels stop collecting energy from the sun and therefore stop producing. If you have a storage system for your electricity produced, you can then consume the electricity produced during the day, in the evening.

In rainy weather, rain is the same principle. The latter does not completely block the sun's rays. An advantage of rain falling from time to time: it cleans your panels of dust and residues that could have stuck to them and lower their performance.

What if it starts to snow? You just have to make sure that snow does not accumulate on your panels. With the right orientation of the latter, this is rarely the case, except in case of a storm!

Performance of modern technologies

As you will have understood, the absence of blue skies is not necessarily synonymous with the stopping of electricity production. It is true that the weather can affect the performance of your solar panels. But technological advances now make it possible to improve their efficiency. In particular, our panels use technologies (bi-facial, heterojunction), proven in extreme conditions. Les mylight150 solar panels are sturdy and reliable.

Myth #3: Installing solar panels is complicated and invasive

Is the installation of solar panels really complex?

The installation process from A to Z

The classic installation of solar panels is less complicated than it seems. To install photovoltaic panels, 4 key steps are necessary:

Feasibility study: your roof will be studied (orientation, inclination, sun exposure and ability to support the weight of the installation). A detailed quote will then be offered to you. Same for a ground installation project.

Authorizations and obtaining aid/subsidies: you will have to file a prior declaration of work with the town hall before any installation project. You can also be accompanied by your installer, to obtain possible financial assistance.

Installing solar panels in 5 steps. First, the installation of the fixing rails on the roof. Then, the fixing of brackets to adjust the orientation of the panels. Then, the assembly of the solar panels on the rails. Next is the installation and connection of microinverters to convert the current. And finally, the grounding of the installation to protect it against overvoltages.

The last step, and not the least, is commissioning and connecting to the network. Compliance with the standards is checked as well as the electrical connections and the operation of the equipment before connecting to the electrical network.

Choosing the right installer is decisive in the installation of photovoltaic solar panels. To find out more, go hither.

Impacts on the aesthetics of your home

For your solar panels to blend perfectly into your environment, there are various placement options (on the roof, on the ground) and design options. At myligth150, the choice of aesthetics is made, without compromising on efficiency with the Full Black panel, its sleek black design is at the service of high performance thanks to TOPCon technology.

Maintenance and durability of solar panels

When you choose to invest in photovoltaic panels, it is for the long term. In fact, modern solar panels are guaranteed for up to 30 years for very low maintenance needs. Periodic cleaning (to get rid of dust, leaves, branches, etc.) coupled with preventive annual maintenance will allow you to benefit from solar energy for a long time.

Myth 4: Solar energy is bad for the environment

What is the real environmental impact of solar energy?

Analysis of the life cycle of solar panels

It is common to hear that solar panels are polluting during their manufacture. If they consume energy during their production, they are ecologically profitable in less than a year. When used, they produce clean energy. At the end of their life, 95% of solar panel materials are now recyclable.

Comparison with fossil fuels

Photovoltaic solar energy does not directly emit greenhouse gases or pollutants. Rather, it is its manufacture that increases its carbon footprint (which remains relatively low). In fact, its indirect emissions are between 20 and 80 gCo eq/kWh compared to 350 to 1000 gCo eq/kWh for fossil fuels and energies (oil, coal, natural gas).

Innovations in solar panel recycling

Today, in France, it is legally mandatory to set up the collection and recycling of photovoltaic solar panels. Materials recovery channels are not far removed from conventional channels. While the specificity of photovoltaics is essentially based on modules and inverters, the rest of the electrical components and connections do not require specific recycling.

Myth 5: Solar energy is not a viable solution for individuals

Is solar energy a viable option for everyone?

Why is solar energy suitable for individuals?

As an individual, solar energy can allow you to significantly reduce your electricity bill (-80%) as well as more responsible consumption by offering you green and sustainable energy. Its limited maintenance is also an asset that may seduce you.

Solutions for small areas and complex roofs

Not all solar panels are the same. There are solutions adapted to best fit your needs, such as custom-made panels. For a roof entirely dedicated to renewable energies, you can also opt for solar tiles. The latter function like miniature solar panels and are equipped with photovoltaic cells. There are different sizes (more or less wide), material (slate in particular) and color (black, transparent). While tiles may be more aesthetic, they still represent a much higher cost than conventional solar panels.

Evolution of the solar market in 2024: evolving

The cost of producing photovoltaic electricity should be comparable to the wholesale price of electricity around 2030. The solar energy market is experiencing significant growth and is becoming more and more accessible. The demand for solar panels continues to increase, reflecting the desire to turn to efficient and renewable energies. Governments are supporting this transition by investing in the solar sector (grants, subsidies and regulations). That's why solar has a future.

Why is 2024 the ideal year to switch to solar energy?

As you will have understood, profitable, efficient, simple and sustainable, solar energy has many advantages. The development of new technologies, such as bi-facial solar panels and storage solutions, continues to make solar panels more affordable. If you want to take the plunge, contact our professionals to carry out a personalized study of your project.

*Ademe survey Dec 2022 Ademe