Self-consumption for Businesses: The guide to optimizing the use of your solar electricity

Introduction to Solar Self-Consumption in Business

Definition and Benefits for Businesses

THEsolar self-consumption in business is the process by which a company produces and uses its own solar energy. Thanks to the installation of photovoltaic panels, companies can generate electricity to cover all or part of their energy needs. This model has many advantages, including a significant reduction in energy costs, greater independence from the traditional electricity grid and a positive contribution to the energy transition. By adopting self-consumption, companies also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, which can strengthen their brand image and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Operation and benefits of self-consumption using solar energy

Role of photovoltaic panels and economic impact

The photovoltaic panels are at the heart of the self-consumption system. They convert solar energy into electricity that can be used directly by the company. The economic impact of this installation is not negligible: by producing their own electricity, companies can significantly reduce their energy bill. The cost of solar electricity is generally lower than that of the grid, and this saving becomes even more important as energy prices increase. In addition, photovoltaic systems have a long lifespan, offering an attractive long-term return on investment.

Environmental contributions and brand image enhancement

Solar self-consumption allows companies to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. This commitment to renewable energy contributes to the fight against climate change and can significantly improve a company's brand image. Indeed, consumers and business partners are increasingly sensitive to sustainable practices and prefer to partner with responsible companies.

How to choose solutions and technologies for self-consumption for professionals ?

Installation options and collective business self-consumption models

Choosing the right self-consumption solution depends on several factors, such as company size, energy consumption and space available for installations. The panels can be installed on roofs, integrated into buildings, or mounted on ground structures. Accurate site analysis and careful planning are necessary to maximize the energy and economic efficiency of the project.

Collective self-consumption, where several entities share the energy produced by a common installation, is an interesting option for business parks, industrial zones or cooperatives. This model promotes energy efficiency on a broader scale and can provide additional economic benefits through optimized management of energy production and consumption.

Collective self-consumption is an innovative approach in the solar energy sector, allowing different companies to benefit together from the solar electricity produced. This shared solution promotes own consumption of electricity while offering the possibility of selling the surplus under financially advantageous conditions.

Advantages of Collective Self-Consumption

• Reduction of energy costs: Participating in a collective self-consumption project allows you to reduce electricity-related expenses by exploiting a renewable energy source and selling surplus production.
• Contribution to the energy transition: By adopting this solution, companies play an active role in the transition to cleaner energy and support the energy independence of local players.
• Financial stability: Independence from the traditional electricity grid and the production of a clean energy source help protect against fluctuations in electricity prices, ensuring better cost predictability.

Implementation and Contract Management

To establish effective collective self-consumption, it is crucial to clearly define the conditions for sharing electricity, the buy-in tariffs, as well as the responsibilities of each participating company. This requires the establishment of a solid contract between the parties involved, ensuring a fair distribution of energy and a clear distribution of economic benefits.

Diversifying sources of self-consumption in business: from roofs to land

Self-consumption for businesses embraces a variety of photovoltaic solutions adapted to different needs and infrastructures. Each option offers unique benefits and is worth considering based on the specific business context.

Installation of solar panels on the roof: The most widespread, this solution allows companies to produce green electricity directly at their place of operation. In addition to reducing the energy bill, it allows surplus electricity to be sold, generating additional income. This option is particularly suitable for businesses with large unused roofs.

Photovoltaic parking: Enhancing car parks by installing solar shades not only produces electricity, but also protects vehicles from the sun and bad weather. By integrating electric charging stations, companies are taking a further step towards sustainable mobility, a considerable asset in a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach.

The solar shed for farmers or industry: A doubly advantageous solution, since it allows the use of agricultural land or industrial wasteland while producing electricity. The proposal for turnkey photovoltaic buildings relieves farmers and industrialists from construction and maintenance constraints, while offering them space that can be used according to their needs.

The photovoltaic farm on the ground: Ideal for developing land that cannot be used for agriculture or industry, the ground-mounted photovoltaic farm is a large-scale self-consumption solution. It is particularly suitable for neglected areas, such as highway margins, transforming unused spaces into renewable energy sources.

These various self-consumption options illustrate the flexibility and adaptability of photovoltaic solutions for professionals. Each company can find a solution corresponding to its specificities, whether in terms of space, environmental objectives or economic strategy. A personalized approach, combined with a detailed analysis of needs and possibilities, is essential to optimize the efficiency and profitability of energy self-consumption.

How to finance your business self-consumption project? The help available to you

Financial Aid and Financing Options for your investment

Financing a self-consumption project can rely on various sources, including government subsidies, tax incentives and financing solutions offered by financial institutions specializing in renewable energy. In France, for example, specific aid for self-consumption can considerably reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It is essential to find out about the aid available at the national, regional and local level to optimize project financing.

The Self-Consumption Bonus in 2024

Are you considering investing in photovoltaic solar panels for your home? The self-consumption bonus, renewed by the State in 2024, has financially supported your project since 2017. 

What are the eligibility conditions for the self-consumption bonus?

• Installation carried out by a qualified RGE (Recognized Environmental Guarantor) professional.
• Connection to the public distribution network.
• Installation on a building (roof, facade, shade, shed, pergola, sunshade).
  • Ground installations (in a garden, courtyard, etc.) are not eligible.
• Compliance with current standards.
• Subscription to a purchase obligation contract for the sale of the surplus.
• Installation power ≤ 100 kWp.

What is the amount of the corporate self-consumption bonus, depending on my installation?

The amount of the premium depends on the power of your installation and is reassessed quarterly by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). Here are the prices applicable for the fourth quarter of 2023, serving as a reference for 2024:

Plant power	Amount of the premium (per kWp)	Maximum amount
Less than 3 kWp	370 €	1 110 €
Between 3 and 9 kWp	280 €	2 520 €
Between 9 and 36 kWp	200 €	7 200 €
More than 36 kWp	100 €	10 000 €

What does the procedure for applying for this bonus consist of?

1. Online connection request to Enedis, indicating your intention to sign a purchase obligation contract.
2. Validation of the file within two weeks, determining the date of your complete connection request (DCR).
3. Automation of premium request when connecting.

What about the payment of the business self-consumption bonus?

• For installations ≤ 9 kWp: full payment on the first anniversary of commissioning.
• For installations > 9 kWp: 80% of the premium paid the first year, then 5%/year for the following four years.

Conclusion: Towards Energy Autonomy in Business

Solar self-consumption offers businesses an exceptional opportunity to reduce their energy expenses, commit to the environment, and enhance their image with their customers and partners. By wisely choosing the solutions and technologies adapted to their needs, and taking advantage of the financial assistance available, businesses can take the step towards energy autonomy. This movement towards self-consumption is not only a wise economic choice; it is also an important step in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable future.

As a professional in the sector, Perma Batteries brings its expertise and tailor-made support to guide you at each stage of your solar self-consumption project, guaranteeing a solution perfectly adapted to your specific needs and thus helping to optimize your transition towards cleaner and more autonomous energy.

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