Everything you need to know about collective self-consumption

Did you know that 63% of photovoltaic installations are used for individual self-consumption? However, given recent news, residential photovoltaics could face certain challenges. Find out what the new government announcements imply and the possible prospects thanks to the collective self-consumption model.

👀 Enjoy reading!

What is collective self-consumption?

A disguised moratorium on rooftop solar?

The Ministry of Industry and Energy has just presented a new regulatory framework that shows a considerable reduction in the PPE (Multiannual Energy Programming) target, set at 65 GW by 2035.

“This sudden change is unacceptable. It calls into question the coherence of our energy policy and compromises our climate objectives.” Daniel Bour, President of ENERPLAN.

This decision, applied retroactively from February 1, 2025, raises questions. What happens to projects if there is no volume? How can the sector develop sustainably in France?

“A retroactive policy is a disruptive policy. It is imperative to offer the sector the stability it needs to continue its development.” Jules Nyssen, President of the SER.

The retroactive reduction in aid and the drop in purchase prices, in addition to shattering the dynamism of the solar sector, have a direct impact on employment, agriculture (the need to diversify farmers' incomes through solar installations), and ongoing industrial projects.

Does this reform, seen as a repudiation of France's commitments to the development of renewable energies, put an end to the trust established between project leaders, the State, and investors?

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A license for collective self-consumption?

While Minister Ferracci claims to be promoting self-consumption with his proposed moratorium on the S21, another piece of news has just been released... You will now need a license to share your electricity with your neighbors!

Seen as an additional administrative constraint, around fifty renewable energy players are taking action. They are requesting a license exemption to avoid complicating an already highly regulated model. Why impose an unnecessary bureaucratic straitjacket when Europe, via the RED II directive, is actually encouraging the sharing of local energy? This inconsistency continues to raise questions, especially since the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has recommended an exemption!

✍🏻 Sign the platform to defend collective self-consumption!

📍Things are happening in Occitanie!

Collective self-consumption in Gruissan

Have you heard of Gruis’Sun? Led by the City of Gruissan, the company Watteos and SEM ELO (Local Energies of Occitanie), this project aims to build photovoltaic equipment in the town and produce local solar electricity. The town aims to be independent within the next 3 years thanks to collective self-consumption of the electricity produced. Their goal is to produce the equivalent of local consumption (excluding heating), i.e. a necessary power of approximately 5 MWp, which requires 7 million euros of public and private investment.

“We have drawn up an indicative list of potential sites to be equipped with photovoltaic panels. Our goal is to provide direct benefits to businesses and residents while preserving biodiversity. We will, as a first step, meet our obligations regarding the creation of shade structures in parking lots.” André Bedos, Deputy Mayor in charge of sustainable regional planning.

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Do you believe that we can achieve local energy independence in 3 years?

👀 Want to learn more about this topic? Also check out our blog post on this topic: Collective self-consumption: the energy model of tomorrow?

Enerfip's fundraising campaign

☀️ Focus on Ensol

Did you know that Ensol is launching a €1 million financing round to democratize access to residential solar energy? It is announcing the launch of an innovative initiative aimed at installing rooftop photovoltaic power plants using a subscription model with no initial deposit. This turnkey approach allows individuals to access solar energy without financial constraints, thus accelerating the energy transition.

To support this deployment, Ensol is opening an initial fundraising round of €1 million in the form of simple bonds, with a maturity of 30 months and an interest rate of 8%. This amount is part of an overall financing plan that could reach €5 million.

The funds will finance the construction of 600 photovoltaic installations for a total capacity of 3 MWp, thus reinforcing Ensol's commitment to clean energy that is accessible to all.

And you, what is your opinion on collective self-consumption?