Prior declaration of work, building permit, civil liability insurance… On the ground or on the roof of your house, the law regulates the installation of
solar
panels, also called photovoltaic panels.
It also allows a financial boost to those who embark on solar energy.
What authorization to obtain to install a solar panel on the ground?
Planning permission may be required to install photovoltaic panels, depending on the height of the installation above the ground and the maximum power delivered
(article R421-9 of the Town Planning Code).
This can be a prior declaration of work (DP) or a building permit (PC).
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Height of the solar panel above the ground / Power of the installation in kilowatt-peak (kWp) | < 3 kWp | Between 3 and 250 kWp | > 250 kWp |
Up to 1.80m | No planning permission | DP | computer |
Over 1.80m | DP | DP | computer |
Planning permission required for the installation of photovoltaic panels on the ground
Our advice
before installing solar panels in your home, always check with your town hall.
Additional constraints may be imposed on you by the PLU (color, material, etc.).
What authorization to obtain to install a solar panel on the roof?
The roof is a particularly suitable location for installing solar panels.
The natural inclination and the difficulties of accessibility make it a favorable place for the capture of solar energy and safety.
Installation of photovoltaic panels on an existing building
A prior declaration of work (DP) is required if you decide to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of an existing building.
And this, whatever the surface of these panels.
This obligation is explained by the change in external appearance achieved by the installation of solar panels
(article R421-17 of the Town Planning Code)
.
Read alsoHouse extension: what permissions?
Installation of photovoltaic panels on a new construction
For new buildings, a building permit must be requested from the town hall.
The sunroof must be integrated into the backrest.
Good to know
If you live in a condominium and want to install solar panels on the roof of the building, you must also obtain the agreement of the other co-owners before starting the work.
What authorization to obtain to install a solar panel in a protected area?
Planning permission is required to install solar panels on the perimeter of remarkable heritage sites, near historical monuments and classified sites or those awaiting classification,
Depending on the power of the installation, the type of authorization to obtain is not the same:
Solar panels with a power greater than 3 kWp: a building permit is required.
Solar panels with a power of less than 3 kWp: a prior declaration of work is mandatory.
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Are there any connection steps to take?
Procedures for connection to the electricity network must be carried out if the owner of the solar panels decides to resell his energy, in whole or in part.
They are to be carried out with Enedis.
What are the insurance obligations to operate a solar panel?
2 types of insurance cover you in the event of damage during the operation of your solar panels:
Civil liability insurance
covers you in the event of an
electrical incident on your installation which would affect the network to which you are connected.
It is compulsory.
Property
damage insurance
including your photovoltaic installation covers you in the event of an accident on your installation.
A fire for example.
This insurance, although optional, is strongly recommended.
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Can I install solar panels in my garden?
You are perfectly allowed to install solar panels in your garden.
The law does not prohibit it.
You will simply have to follow the regulations associated with the installation of solar panels on the ground.
Read alsoWhat are you allowed to do or not do in your garden?
Where is it forbidden to install a photovoltaic panel?
According to the law, it is not forbidden but more difficult than elsewhere to install photovoltaic panels in protected areas.
Your request will be studied with the greatest interest by the town hall.
It will be transmitted to the Architect of the buildings of France for expertise and agreement
(article L621-32 of the Heritage Code)
.
Read alsoDig a well in your garden: what steps?
Can I install my solar panel alone?
If the law does not prohibit an individual from installing solar panels alone, this operation still requires solid knowledge of DIY.
Do not neglect the studies and steps necessary to carry out your project.
Read alsoHow to install a kitchen yourself?
Our advice
The use of an RGE approved installer is preferable.
Are there financial aids for the installation of solar panels?
Do you plan to produce your own solar electricity?
Several measures put in place by the State can help you financially:
The photovoltaic self-consumption premium
It makes it possible to finance part of the investment.
The amount of the premium varies according to the power of your installation.
It is spread over the first 5 years of operation.
Tariffs of the self-consumption premium | |
Self-consumption premium in euros per kWp* in force for the 1st quarter of 2022 | |
Plant power | Amount of the premium for an installation |
Less than or equal to 3 kWp | €380/kWp |
Between 3 and 9 kWp | €290/kWp |
Between 9 and 36 kWp | €160/kWp |
Between 36 and 100 kWp | 80 €/kWp |
Rates displayed on the website of the Ministry of the Economy
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The reduced VAT rate
Photovoltaic installations connected to the network with a power less than or equal to 3 kWp can benefit from a VAT rate of 10%.
The sale of all or part of the electricity produced
With a price set by law and the obligation to purchase by the electricity network, all installations above 100 kWp associated with a purchase obligation must be registered in the national register of guarantees of origin.
Read alsoRepurchase of photovoltaic electricity: a new tariff for self-consumption
income tax exemption
Exemption of income from the sale of electricity produced, for installations below 3 kilowatt-peak (kWp).
Good to know
To benefit from public aid, you must use an RGE-qualified company to install your solar panels.
Conclusion
The installation of photovoltaic panels at home is not to be taken lightly and is particularly regulated by law.
Depending on the location of the installation and the maximum power delivered, administrative procedures must be carried out:
Planning permission: prior declaration or building permit
Connection procedure
Subscription of an insurance contract
The State provides financial support for the production of solar energy by individuals and offers various advantageous schemes.
