More and more individuals are choosing to install solar panels in their garden. Whether it’s for economic reasons, ecological considerations or simply a desire for energy independence, this solution offers numerous advantages. Wondering how to proceed and what rules need to be followed? Let’s look into what you need to know.
Why install solar panels in your garden?
Investing in solar panels in your garden not only contributes to environmental preservation but also reduces your electricity bill. In France, solar radiation allows for good energy production, and even in the least sunny regions, the return on investment is significant.
- Reduction of the energy bill: Solar panels capture the energy provided for free by the sun, thus reducing your electricity costs.
- Eco-responsibility: Using renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Increase in real estate value: A house equipped with solar panels is often better rated in the real estate market.
Different configurations for a garden
Two major installations are possible: directly on the ground or on mounted structures. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, each of which can be adapted according to your specific needs and the configuration of your land.
Ground-mounted solar panels: This installation involves fixing the panels directly to the ground using suitable supports. The advantage is being able to optimally orient the panels throughout the year, thereby maximizing their production.
Pre-assembled Structures: To increase performance, ready-to-install kits with inclined structures can be chosen. These structures facilitate maintenance and optimization of the solar incidence angle.
The French regulation
The installation of solar panels in your garden is subject to certain French regulations to ensure safety and aesthetic impact. Thus, it is imperative to comply with these rules to avoid any disappointment.
As soon as the installation exceeds 3 kWc, a preliminary declaration of works at the town hall is necessary. This includes information about the precise location of the panels, their height, and their power. From 250 m² of covered area, a building permit may also be required.
Estimate of the installation cost
The cost of solar panels depends on several factors such as the technology used (monocrystalline or polycrystalline), the installed power, and additional costs such as labor and extra accessories.
On average, the price of a complete photovoltaic kit for a garden is estimated to be between €3,000 and €10,000. This price usually includes the panels themselves, the inverters, suitable mounting systems, and sometimes the installation carried out by a qualified professional.
[bzkshopping keyword=”photovoltaic kit”]
Power and Efficiency: Choosing the Right Equipment
Evaluating the necessary power of your solar panels is crucial. Generally speaking, for an annual consumption of an average French household, a 3 kWp installation might be enough, but this of course depends on your specific consumption and the region where you live. Keep in mind that on average, 1 kWp produces about 1000 kWh per year under the hexagonal climate.
To optimize the performance of your installation, make sure to choose quality equipment. A high yield allows for partially offsetting the initial higher cost as the electricity produced will be maximal. Don’t forget to also check the efficiency and reliability of the inverters, since they play a crucial role in the transformation of the captured energy.
How to visually integrate panels into the garden?
The solar self-consumption kits provide diversified solutions that blend seamlessly into your outdoor environment without spoiling the landscape. More and more manufacturers are now offering innovative designs, combining practicality and aesthetics.
Consider playing with the surrounding vegetation to hide the less attractive parts of the installation, while ensuring not to create any shadows on the panels that would harm their efficiency.
Technical and logistical considerations
The installation of panels should take into account several technical aspects to ensure their proper functioning. The orientation towards the south is recommended to capture the maximum amount of solar radiation. The optimal inclination is around 30° in most French regions.
It may also be wise to equip your panels with a solar tracking device, although these systems are still costly, they offer excellent efficiency. Providing a protected technical area is essential for housing storage equipment such as batteries in the case of a complete standalone installation.
Financing your solar panel project
Several aids and subsidies exist to facilitate investment in photovoltaics. Among them, the self-consumption bonus paid by EDF Obligation d’Achat, encourages to produce and consume one’s own solar energy. Some local authorities also provide financial support.
Tax credits and zero-interest eco-loans also constitute good alternatives for lightening the initial financial burden. Do not hesitate to consult each opportunity to determine which one will best suit your situation.
Maintenance and Durability of Solar Panels
Once installed, the panels require regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance. Clean them periodically to remove dust and other debris that could decrease their efficiency.
The durability of solar panels often exceeds 20 years. Make sure to choose high-quality materials and take advantage if possible of extended warranties offered by some recognized manufacturers. Keep in mind that the inverters will probably need to be replaced after a decade of service.