Why invest in photovoltaics?

The deployment of solar and photovoltaic technologies (solar panels, but not only!) has experienced considerable growth in recent years. Why? Because solar energy is seen as one of the essential pillars of the transition to cleaner resources. Harnessing the sun's rays encourages consumers to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Investing in photovoltaic projects is therefore a great opportunity to combine attractive financial returns with a commitment to a more sustainable future. Driven by the desire to invent new solutions to the challenges of the energy transition, Enerfip offers you a guide to photovoltaics. Something to brighten up your energy future and help you explore solar potential and production!

Technologies related to the solar industry

As a reminder, technological advances in the solar industry play a central role in the transition to cleaner, renewable resources, which will improve your electricity consumption (reduced cost, financial assistance, total energy resale, etc.). But did you know that there are different technologies related to solar production?

• Photovoltaic.
  • The concept:A photovoltaic system relies on cells capable of converting solar radiation into direct electrical current. As you can see, the solar panels you have on the roof of your house are based on this concept!
  • Lifespan: 30 years on average.
  • The different types of technologies: crystalline silicon, thin films, organic cells, concentrator cells, hybrid perovskite cells.

• Solar thermal.
  • The concept:the technologies associated with this sector aim to convert the sun's radiation into thermal energy.
  • The most common equipment:individual solar water heaters (CESI), combined solar systems (SSC), and the collective solar hot water market.
  • The innovative technology:the hybrid solar panel. It can be a water or air vector. It improves the efficiency of PV cells while harnessing solar heat useful for domestic hot water (toilets, showers, etc.) or heating.

• Thermodynamic solar energy.
  • The concept: the technologies aim to convert radiation into thermal energy by concentrating the sun to heat a heat transfer fluid to high temperatures. Subsequently, the stored heat is used directly for industrial applications or to produce electricity via a steam turbine.
  • The objective:The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that thermodynamic solar power will contribute 11.3% of global electricity production by 2050.
  • The different types of technologies: parabolic trough solar power plants, linear Fresnel reflectors, tower solar power plants, and Dish-Stirling solar dishes.

Key figures

• The French photovoltaic fleet reached a capacity of 6.5 GW at the end of 2015, including 6.2 GW in mainland France.
• Photovoltaics represented, at the end of 2016, 7.1 GW in France.
• In 2018, France produced 10.5 TWh of electricity from solar photovoltaic sources, or 2% of national electricity production.
• The Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) sets a power target for the French photovoltaic fleet at 35.1 GW in 2028.

You are interested in this topic, find out more information here.

What about the law on the acceleration of renewable energy?

The law on the acceleration of renewable energy, what is it? Published on March 10, 2023, its objectives are to:

1. preserve the purchasing power of the French and the competitiveness of businesses;
2. defend France's industrial, energy, and political independence;
3. fight against climate change.

Aiming to facilitate the construction of renewable energy production facilities, this law is structured around four axes. Which ones?

1. Planning with local authorities for the deployment of energy in their territories: each municipality identifies suitable areas to host renewable energy projects.
2. Simplification of urban planning and environmental authorization procedures: the presumption of recognition of the imperative reason of major public interest (RIIPM) can be recognized (under certain conditions) in order to avoid appeals that could delay the deployment of the project.
3. The mobilization of already artificial spaces to accommodate renewable energy installations: some already artificial spaces, such as parking lots, must be equipped with renewable energy production devices. In addition, the law provides clarifications related to agrivoltaics.
4. Sharing the value of renewable energy projects with communities: Two methods of territorial sharing of the value of renewable energy are planned to increase the development of so-called renewable energy projects.

What is the S21 tariff order?

Does the S21 tariff order mean anything to you? Dated October 6, 2021 and in force in mainland France and the French overseas territories, it establishes the eligibility criteria for benefiting from the purchase obligation in the context of photovoltaic installations.

Here are the main eligibility criteria:

• “sale with injection of all or the surplus (individual or collective self-consumption)
• power ≤ 500 kWp
• installation on a building, shed or shade structure
• obligation of qualification or professional certification of the installer
• carbon footprint less than 550 kg eqCO2/kWp for installations above 100 kWp”

Data from the page, “Target Order in Force” of Photovoltaïque.info of Ademe (Ecological Transition Agency).

Invest in solar energy with Enerfip

Enerfip, as a crowdfunding platform dedicated to the energy transition, stands out through its commitment and vision of tomorrow's world through projects that are as sustainable as they are committed. Investing in photovoltaic panels using our solution offers you a real opportunity to combine decarbonization of the investment and financial profitability. By contributing to the development of photovoltaic projects, you are participating in the transition to cleaner energy. In conclusion, trusting Enerfip means supporting sustainable approaches while enhancing your financial portfolio and the sustainable economy.