How does self-consumption work?

Self-consumption consists of consuming the electricity that you produce yourself using photovoltaic panels set up on the roof of a building, on car park shelters, or on the ground.

Residential customers equipped with solar panels without a storage solution produce 30% of their electricity needs on average*. Beyond that, they rely on the traditional electricity grid. Because solar production varies throughout the day and the seasons, it does not cover the consumption needs of a site at all times. When production exceeds requirements, at the sunniest times of day, the surplus energy is injected into the grid, and used.

It can also be stored in a hot water heater or a battery – however, self-consumption solutions with a storage battery are still underdeveloped for the time being, for reasons of profitability. At other times, for example at nightfall, consumption exceeds production capacity. The grid is then called upon.

3 good reasons to go solar with the EDF Group

  • A quick solution

    For a residential customer*, three months go by between the decision to set up solar panels and the production of electricity, just enough time to complete the administrative procedures and the installation works.

  • An economical solution

    Self-consumption allows them to save an average of 30% on their electricity bill*. It also secures the price of solar kWh in the long term – solar panels have an average lifespan of 30 years.

  • An ecological solution

    Self-consumption means doing something for the environment by opting for renewable, low-carbon and local energy.

What aid are you entitled to?

Several forms of state aid exist in France to reduce the cost of a solar installation. For a residential customer, the most interesting solution is generally self-consumption with surplus sale. In this case, you will benefit from:

  • a reduced VAT rate of 10% on the purchase and installation of the equipment for an installation with a capacity of 3 kWp or less;
  • a self-consumption premium of approximately 10% of the investment amount;
  • the power purchase agreement at a rate set by law: electricity produced but not consumed is sold to EDF Obligation d'Achat.
Our advantages

Solutions throughout your photovoltaic project

As an expert in the development of photovoltaic installations, EDF ENR, a subsidiary of the EDF Group, will support you right from the beginning of your project. An EDF ENR solar advisor will come to your home to carry out a free, no-obligation solar assessment in order to properly size your installation. EDF ENR will help you with all the administrative procedures, including applications for aid or funding.

The installation will be carried out by certified technicians and the performance of the photovoltaic panels is guaranteed for 25 years. The choice of company is crucial for a long-term project. The durability of the EDF Group will offer you peace of mind throughout the lifespan of your installation.

Self-consumption with EDF ENR (in French)

* According to EDF ENR, an EDF subsidiary, at the end of 2022, the average savings made and the average time taken for the 48,000 customers who have subscribed to the "Mon soleil et moi" offer in France.