📊 Dataset v2026-03

Residential Solar Installation Guide

The 7 steps to install solar panels at your home in France — 2026

From feasibility study to commissioning, discover the complete process with financial aid, administrative procedures, and interactive checklist.

The 7 steps of your solar project

Key points to verify:

  • ✓ Roof orientation & inclination: south or south-east preferred (30-35° optimal)
  • ✓ Shading: verify absence of shadows (trees, adjacent buildings)
  • ✓ Available surface: ~8 m² per kWc (standard 400W panels)
  • ✓ Annual consumption: collect your last 3-12 EDF/Enedis meter readings (in kWh)
  • ✓ Local Urban Planning (PLU): check with your town hall (road distance, etc.)
  • ✓ French Building Heritage Authority (ABF): if in protected sector/heritage area
  • ✓ Co-ownership: syndic/co-owner approval required

Recommended tool: Self-consumption simulator to estimate your production

Power recommendations:

3 kWc

Studio, couple, consumption < 3,500 kWh/year

6 kWc

Family, house, 3,500-7,500 kWh/year

9 kWc

Large house, electric vehicle, > 7,500 kWh/year

Installation type:

  • → Self-consumption with surplus: (RECOMMENDED) you consume directly, surplus fed to EDF grid. 2026 purchase price: €0.04/kWh (≤9 kWc)
  • → Total sale: 100% fed to grid (20-year contract). Simpler but lower ROI.
  • 🔋 Battery (expensive): LFP 10 kWh = €6,000-8,000 + installation. ROI > 12-15 years. Rarely profitable before 2027.

Tool: Technology comparison to explore panels & inverters

Steps to request quotes:

  • 1. Verify that the installer holds valid RGE QualiPV certification on qualit-enr.org
  • 2. Request a detailed quote with: power in kWc, panel & inverter brands, roof type, warranties, after-sales service
  • 3. Compare at least 3 quotes (timelines, prices, after-sales service, brands)
  • 4. Verify that panel warranties cover 25-30 years & inverter 10-15 years

Indicative 2026 prices (turnkey):

3 kWc

€6,000 - €7,500

~€2,000/kWc

6 kWc

€11,000 - €13,500

~€1,900/kWc

9 kWc

€16,500 - €20,000

~€1,850/kWc

Main grants in France 2026:

MaPrimeRénov' (French Renovation Grant)

Government aid based on income: up to €4,000 for solar panels

Apply at: maprimerenov.gouv.fr

EDF OA (Obligation d'Achat)

Guaranteed purchase of self-consumption surplus for 20 years (€0.04/kWh in 2026)

Contract signed by your installer

Regional/Local Subsidies

Many regions offer additional subsidies (variable by department). Check with your regional council.

Average boost: €500-1,500

Important: Most subsidies require the installer to hold RGE certification. Always verify eligibility before signing.

Required administrative steps:

  • ✓

    Building Permit (≤3 kWc = Declaration)

    For installations <3 kWc: file "Déclaration préalable de travaux" with town hall (3 weeks processing)

    For ≥3 kWc: "Permis de construire" (8+ weeks processing)

  • ✓

    Grid Connection (SOREN/Enedis)

    Your installer files for connection with Enedis (network operator). Approval: 4-8 weeks. No connection cost for residential ≤36 kWc.

  • ✓

    Meter Installation (if self-consumption)

    Linky meter replacement to track surplus sent to grid. Arranged by Enedis (free for all).

Installation checklist:

  • → Day 1-2: Electrical work, mounting structure, panel installation, wiring, inverter
  • → Final tests: Electrical continuity, ground resistance, polarity, DC voltage
  • → Documentation: Receipt warranties, Linky meter photo, installer's test report
  • → Safety module: AC disconnect switch, main breaker, earth leakage protection

Expect: 1-2 day downtime, noise during mounting, access to electrical panel

Final steps:

  • ✓ Enedis approval: Final inspection, meter activation (1-2 weeks after declaration)
  • ✓ System activation: First electricity production = start of 20-year EDF OA contract
  • ✓ Invoice & subsidies: Submit invoices to MaPrimeRénov' for reimbursement (1-3 months)
  • ✓ Yearly monitoring: Annual production reports, warranty support from installer

Complete timeline

Week 1-2
Feasibility study, installer research
Week 3-6
Get quotes, apply for subsidies
Week 7-14
Administrative procedures, permits
Week 15
Installation & testing
Week 16+
Commissioning, subsidy claims

Total: 4-6 months from concept to first watt

Pre-installation checklist

Frequently asked questions

South or south-east is optimal (true south = 180°). West is acceptable but less efficient. North is not suitable. Inclination should be 30-35° (matches your roof slope). Even off-optimal orientations work but with 10-30% lower output.
DIY installation is technically possible but not recommended for residential grid-tied systems. You lose RGE certification benefits, subsidies, and warranty support. Electrical work must comply with NFC 15-100 and NFC 13-200 standards. Professional installation is required to claim MaPrimeRénov' aid.
2026 rate: €0.04/kWh (≤9 kWc). For a 6 kWc system producing ~7,500 kWh/year with 50% self-consumption, you'd inject ~3,750 kWh = €150/year. Not significant income, but offsets 25-30% of system cost over 20 years. Main benefit is reduced bills from self-consumption (~€300-400/year).
East or west-facing roofs produce 10-20% less than south. If only north is available, expect 50-60% lower output. The project is still viable but requires larger system size for same output. Request production estimates in your feasibility study. Many hybrid homes use multiple orientations.
LFP batteries (10 kWh) cost €6,000-8,000 + installation. ROI: 12-15+ years. With current feed-in rates (€0.04/kWh), economics are marginal. Worth considering if: high self-consumption already, blackout risk, islanding capability needed, electricity rates expected to rise sharply. Otherwise, wait until battery costs drop 30-50% (2027-2028 forecast).
Modern panels have 25-30 year warranties covering defects. Inverters have 10-15 year warranties (often extendable). Degradation: ~0.5%/year (normal). If a panel fails: replaced free within warranty period. Ask installer about warranty claim process and insurance. Check if they use Tier-1 manufacturers (Enphase, SMA, Huawei).
Yes. ≤3 kWc: "Déclaration préalable de travaux" (3 weeks). ≥3 kWc: "Permis de construire" (8+ weeks). In heritage zones or near monuments: may need ABF (Bâtiments de France) approval (add 2-4 weeks). Your installer should guide you. Failure to declare = fines €300-€1,500. Plan 3-8 weeks total for approvals.
Typical 6 kWc system: €12,000 installed, minus subsidies (€1,000-4,000) = €8,000-11,000 net cost. Annual savings: €400-500 (self-consumption) + €100-150 (surplus) = €500-650/year. Payback: 12-20 years depending on subsidies. After 20 years: €10,000-13,000 total savings. Best ROI in high-consumption households, regions with high electricity rates, and with maximum subsidies.

Ready to start your solar journey?

Use our simulation tools to estimate production, savings, and ROI for your specific situation.

Residential Solar Calculator Technology Comparison