Energy Transition Glossary

On-site consumption of electricity produced by one’s own solar panels (as opposed to purchasing electricity from an energy supplier).
Good to know: Self-consumption with resale refers to cases where unused electricity is injected into the grid, while self-consumption with storage refers to situations where electricity is stored in a physical or virtual battery for later use. In all cases, self-consumption helps reduce electricity bills and improve energy autonomy.

Storage unit for electricity produced by a solar installation for later use, especially in the evening or in the event of a power outage.
Good to know: Physical batteries offer real energy independence, but their cost and environmental impact must be considered (notably due to the use of lithium or lead).

Dematerialized storage solution that allows the solar energy you produce to be retained in the form of electricity credits.
Good to know: Unused energy is injected into the grid and can then be “recovered” later. This solution, without any physical storage device, is ideal for maximizing the use of solar energy, particularly in very sunny regions such as the Var or the Alpes-Maritimes.

Basic component of a solar panel that transforms sunlight into electricity thanks to the photovoltaic effect.
Good to know: Photovoltaic cells are generally made from silicon, a semiconductor material.

Smart meter installed by Enedis, used to measure electricity consumption, production and injection into the grid.
Good to know: The Linky meter is essential for monitoring in real time the performance of a photovoltaic installation and selling back its surplus energy.

Two types of electricity used in electrical systems.
Direct current (DC) is naturally produced by photovoltaic panels. Alternating current (AC), on the other hand, is used by the electrical grid and everyday appliances.
Good to know: An inverter is required to convert direct current into alternating current.

Physical phenomenon that allows a solar cell to transform sunlight into electricity.
Good to know: Discovered by physicist Edmond Becquerel in 1839, this effect is at the core of how photovoltaic panels operate.

Angle of solar panels relative to the ground or mounting surface (generally between 15° and 30°).
Along with orientation, tilt is one of the key parameters to maximize solar electricity production.
Good to know: In the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, proper adjustment allows full benefit from the strong local sunlight.

Photovoltaic system installed on supports directly on the ground, rather than on a roof.
Good to know: This type of installation is preferred for large ground surfaces, agricultural sites, or buildings with poorly oriented or unsuitable roofs.

Photovoltaic system integrated directly into the roof structure, replacing part of the roof covering materials.
Good to know: This type of installation is preferred for new constructions and roof renovation projects subject to architectural regulations.

Photovoltaic system installed on top of the existing roof using a mounting system.
Good to know: This is the most common type of installation, simpler and more economical.

Maximum theoretical power output a panel can produce under ideal conditions according to standard test conditions (STC).

Actual amount of electricity produced or consumed.

Maximum electrical power capacity of the meter.

Small inverter installed directly under each solar panel, converting DC to AC locally.
Good to know: Micro-inverters allow for better individual performance of each panel.

A set of photovoltaic cells assembled within a rigid, waterproof frame, commonly called a solar panel.
Good to know: Multiple modules (or panels) can be connected together to form a solar array adapted to the building’s consumption.

Bon à savoir : Plusieurs modules (ou panneaux) peuvent être connectés entre eux pour former un champ solaire adapté à la consommation du bâtiment.

Device that converts direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) usable by household appliances.
Good to know: The inverter also ensures safety and optimizes the overall performance of the photovoltaic system.

Direction of solar panels (ideally south-facing).
Along with tilt, orientation is one of the key parameters to maximize solar electricity production.
Good to know: In the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, proper orientation allows full benefit from the strong local sunlight.

Type of solar panel made from a single block of silicon.
Good to know: Monocrystalline panels are preferred for residential homes due to their aesthetics and average efficiency above 20%.

Type of solar panel made from multiple silicon crystals.
Good to know: Polycrystalline panels are less expensive than monocrystalline panels. Their average efficiency ranges from 12% to 16%.

Type of solar panel made from amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon.
Good to know: Amorphous panels are ideal for specific uses such as motorhomes or boats due to their flexibility and light weight. Their average efficiency ranges from 6% to 9%.

Maximum power a solar panel can produce under optimal sunlight conditions, expressed in kilowatt-peak (kWp).
Good to know: This value is used to size a system and estimate its annual production.

Method of selling unused solar energy: excess electricity is injected into the public grid and purchased by EDF OA.
Good to know: This system provides additional income while prioritizing self-consumption.

Configuration where all electricity produced by the solar panels is sold to the grid, with no direct on-site consumption.
Good to know: This solution is often preferred for buildings that are rarely or never occupied.

Model where several consumers (businesses, communities, condominiums…) share locally produced solar electricity from one or more photovoltaic installations.
Good to know: This setup optimizes local energy use, shares investment costs, and reduces collective electricity bills.

Solar installation not connected to the public grid, often used for remote homes, shelters, or cabins.
Good to know: It generally requires physical battery systems to store energy and ensure electricity supply at all times.

See Simplified building integration (SBI).

Percentage of total electricity consumed on-site that comes from local solar production.
Good to know: A higher rate means less dependence on the grid and better control over energy costs.

Percentage of solar electricity produced that is used immediately on-site (without injecting into the grid).
Good to know: A high self-consumption rate means higher profitability and lower exposure to fluctuations in electricity prices.