Installation and Operation of Solar Panels
How does a photovoltaic solar panel work?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, which generate an electric current when exposed to light. Learn more about how solar panels work…
What are the benefits of solar energy?
Investing in solar energy offers many advantages, including:
- Reducing your electricity bills (by 50% to 70% on average).
- Increasing the value of your home or business premises.
- Generating extra income by selling surplus energy.
- Reducing your carbon footprint.
Learn more about the benefits of solar energy…
What are the best photovoltaic panels?
The best photovoltaic panels depend primarily on your needs and budget. There are three main types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline panels: high efficiency (20% or more) and sleek design, ideal for residential rooftops.
- Polycrystalline panels: affordable and durable, suited for larger installations.
- Thin-film panels: flexible and lightweight, perfect for specific uses such as vehicles or off-grid sites.
Learn more about panel types and their performance…
What is the lifespan of photovoltaic panels?
Solar panels typically last around 25 to 30 years, or even longer.
Solar panels installed by Edmond Solutions are backed by manufacturer warranties of up to 40 years.
Do solar panels work the same way in winter as in summer?
Solar panels may be less productive in winter due to reduced sunlight. To optimize their performance year-round, your installer can adjust their tilt and orientation.
The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes, where we operate, are among the top 4 sunniest areas in France. This prime location is a clear advantage for both homeowners and businesses who install solar panels. They produce electricity and help reduce reliance on the traditional power grid in every season.
What roof space is required to install solar panels?
The required roof area depends on several factors: your usual electricity consumption, the available roof space, building orientation, local sunlight levels, and even anticipated changes in energy use.
At Edmond Solutions, we always carry out a detailed analysis of your project before recommending the best solution. Simulate your solar project…
How can I calculate how many solar panels I need?
To determine your solar panel needs, you must consider: your annual electricity consumption, available roof space, sunlight exposure, and future energy needs where possible.
A detailed project analysis is essential to identify the best solution for your needs. Simulate your solar project…
How do you calculate the power of a solar panel?
The power of a solar panel is expressed in watts-peak (Wp). It represents its maximum production capacity under ideal conditions. In practice, the formula is:
panel surface in m² × efficiency in % (typically 15% to 22%) × 1,000 W/m² (standard sunlight intensity in optimal conditions) = power in Wp.
However, in real conditions, a panel produces about 75% of this rated power.
What solar panel power should I choose?
The power you need depends closely on your annual electricity consumption (found on your energy bills). As a guideline, a single-family home with self-consumption usually requires between 3 and 6 kWp. Other factors to consider: available roof space (allow 7–10 m² per kWp), location, orientation, tilt, and your goals (total self-consumption or selling surplus).
At Edmond Solutions, we carefully analyze your project to recommend the most suitable solution. Simulate your solar project…
Do I need to modify my electrical meter to install solar panels?
Yes, in some cases it is necessary to modify your electrical meter to install photovoltaic panels. It depends on the setup of your system. For self-consumption with surplus resale, for example, you will need a Linky smart meter to measure both consumed and injected electricity.
Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on different types of roofs, including flat roofs and terraces. In such cases, your installer will use angled mounts to orient the panels toward the sun.
Can I move my solar panels if I relocate?
Yes, solar panels can be relocated when moving, but this requires careful planning and qualified professionals. However, it is often more cost-effective to leave the system in place, which increases the value of your property.
Can solar energy be used to charge my electric vehicle?
Absolutely. The electricity produced by photovoltaic panels can be used to charge an EV in an eco-friendly and cost-efficient way. This use will be considered during the analysis of your solar project.
Can solar panels power my home during a power outage?
If your panels are grid-connected, they cannot supply electricity during an outage. However, if your system includes a physical storage battery, it can provide backup power in case of a blackout.
How do I know if my solar panel is working properly?
To check if your solar panel is functioning correctly, you can monitor your inverter to track electricity production. Also, check your electric meter to see if energy is being injected into the grid or used for self-consumption.
During your project study, our advisors will provide a detailed profitability analysis and an estimate of your savings.
Maintenance and Servicing
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
The surface of solar panels is treated to withstand thermal stress. To maximize their efficiency and extend their lifespan, it is recommended to check their condition regularly and have a full professional cleaning once a year. Learn more about…
What should I do in case of a breakdown or malfunction of my system?
If your solar installation experiences a breakdown or malfunction, start by checking your inverter and make sure no panel is visibly damaged or obstructed. If the issue persists, contact your installer directly. Thanks to remote monitoring systems, they can quickly diagnose the cause of the problem and intervene to carry out the necessary repairs.
Is a maintenance contract mandatory to ensure the performance of my solar panels?
A maintenance contract is not mandatory to guarantee the performance of your solar panels, but it is highly recommended. This type of contract, usually annual, includes panel cleaning and a general inspection of the installation to optimize performance, prevent failures, and extend its lifespan. Please note that professional maintenance certificates are often required to validate manufacturer warranties.
Batteries and Self-Consumption
Is it possible to store the electricity produced by solar panels?
Yes, it is possible to store the electricity produced by solar panels using physical or virtual storage batteries. This allows you to use electricity outside of sunlight hours. Learn more about…
How can I become energy independent with solar power?
To achieve energy independence, the first step is to install solar panels sized according to your annual consumption and your region’s sunlight conditions. Next, you need to add a storage system—physical or virtual batteries—to store the energy produced during the day for use at night or in winter. At the same time, optimizing your consumption with energy-efficient equipment and usage adapted to solar production periods is essential.
Which battery should I choose for my solar panels?
The choice of a battery for your solar installation depends on your energy needs and your budget. There are three main options:
- Lithium-ion batteries: The most common type. They offer high efficiency, a long lifespan (up to 15 years), and significant storage capacity. While more expensive upfront, they are ideal for maximizing energy independence.
- Lead-acid batteries: A more affordable alternative but with a shorter lifespan and lower capacity.
- Virtual solar batteries: These allow you to store energy in the public grid for later use, without requiring physical equipment. This alternative storage option offers a flexible and innovative solution.
Insurance and Warranties
Do I need specific insurance for my solar panels?
Although it is not mandatory to insure your solar panels, it is highly recommended. Check the conditions of your home insurance policy to see if it covers solar panels, or consider taking out additional photovoltaic insurance.
Edmond Solutions’ photovoltaic installations are covered by a ten-year warranty, offering you extra protection against damage occurring within 10 years after installation.
Is it mandatory to declare my solar panels? How do I proceed?
In some cases, it is indeed mandatory to declare your solar panels to comply with local and national regulations. Declaring solar panels involves several administrative steps. If you choose Edmond Solutions for your photovoltaic project, you won’t have to worry about anything—we handle all these procedures.
This includes filing a prior works declaration with your local town hall if the installation changes the exterior appearance of the building. For ground-mounted panels, this step is required if the installation exceeds 3 kWp. We also handle the connection request with Enedis, which is essential for self-consumption with surplus resale or full resale, as well as the signing of the contract with EDF OA. Our experts also ensure that the Consuel compliance certificate is obtained before your installation is connected to the grid.
What should I do if my panels are damaged by a storm or hail?
If your solar panels are damaged by a storm or hail, here are the steps to follow:
- Visually inspect the panels for cracks or deformation, but do not intervene directly, especially if the installation is live.
- Notify your insurance provider of the damage (home insurance or specific solar insurance, if you have subscribed to one).
- Contact your installer so they can assess the extent of the damage and repair or replace the affected components.
Edmond Solutions Support and Customer Service
How can I contact Edmond Solutions in case of an emergency or breakdown?
In case of an emergency or system failure, you can contact Edmond Solutions:
- By phone at +33 (0)4 22 89 05 25
- Via our online contact form
What is the average response time for an intervention in case of malfunction?
As soon as we receive your report, our remote monitoring team analyzes your installation to quickly identify the source of the malfunction. If an on-site intervention is required, a qualified technician is dispatched as soon as possible. Interventions are generally carried out within one week, Monday to Friday, subject to equipment availability.
Do you service solar panels installed by another company?
Yes, Edmond Solutions can service solar panels installed by another company. We offer maintenance, repair, and optimization services for all types of installations, regardless of their origin. Our qualified technicians perform a complete diagnostic to identify issues and ensure your system is repaired, restored, or improved.
Physical and Virtual Batteries
What is a virtual solar battery?
A virtual battery is an innovative storage solution that allows you to manage your solar electricity surplus digitally, without installing a physical battery at your home or business. Edmond Solutions is a certified installer of MySmartBattery from MyLight Systems, a 100% French solar self-consumption solution.
What is the difference between a virtual battery and a physical solar battery?
A physical battery stores solar energy directly in equipment installed at your home or business. The virtual battery, on the other hand, records your surplus green energy in a virtual space.
Both types of batteries allow you to reuse the energy produced when your solar panels do not generate enough electricity to cover your needs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a physical solar battery?
A physical solar battery allows you to store electricity produced by your photovoltaic panels for use at night or during a power outage. Its power can even combine with your panels to supply energy-hungry appliances.
However, it also has some limitations: the investment cost is higher than for a virtual battery, and its storage capacity and lifespan are more limited.
Why choose a virtual battery for your photovoltaic installation?
A virtual battery offers several advantages. Its main strength compared to a physical storage system is its flexibility, enabling maximum energy autonomy. Virtual storage adapts to variations in production and consumption (day/night, summer/winter). Unlike a physical battery, whose storage capacity is limited by its size, a virtual battery offers almost unlimited storage capacity. Another benefit: its cost is lower than a physical battery.
What are the disadvantages of a virtual solar battery?
Although virtual batteries require a lighter initial investment than physical ones—since they operate on a subscription with a specialized provider—they are not eligible for the self-consumption bonus or the electricity price shield. Also, unlike physical systems, they do not provide electricity during a grid outage.
In which case should you choose a virtual battery?
A virtual battery is ideal for households not eligible for the photovoltaic feed-in obligation (EDF OA) or for those seeking to fully optimize their solar production. It is perfect for families wanting to use their own electricity outside solar production hours, especially in the evenings or during high-consumption periods. It is also highly relevant for second or holiday homes. Thanks to its flexible and scalable storage capacity, a virtual battery helps balance the gap between production and real needs.
Can you combine a virtual and a physical battery?
No, you must choose one or the other, depending on your needs and usage. A physical battery is best suited for remote sites, while a virtual battery is more appropriate for households not eligible for the EDF OA scheme.
Which solar battery solution should you choose: physical or virtual?
If your priority is energy independence (remote sites, frequent outages, securing the Enedis grid), choose a physical battery. If you want to optimize your photovoltaic installation while limiting costs and installation work, the virtual battery is ideal. A detailed analysis of your needs and usage will determine the most suitable solution.
How much does a solar battery cost?
The cost of a solar battery depends on the type of solution chosen.
- For a physical battery, the price usually ranges between 4,000 € and 10,000 €, installation included. This depends on storage capacity, brand, and installation complexity.
- For a virtual battery, the initial cost generally ranges between
