Complete guide to choosing your solar panels and producing green energy
As the energy transition accelerates, more and more households are considering switching to solar energy to reduce their bills and their ecological footprint. Choosing and installing photovoltaic panels can seem complex, but by understanding the key technical criteria and administrative procedures, this project becomes an accessible reality. By 2025, major players such as TotalEnergies, EDF Renewables, Engie, and Voltalia are innovating and offering high-performance solutions adapted to a wide range of needs. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the existing types of solar panels, their performance, and the essential steps for a successful installation. From selecting recognized brands like Photowatt, Solis, or SMA Solar Technology to working with reliable distributors and installers such as Leroy Merlín or GreenYellow, every decision counts to maximize your green energy production without compromising on safety or aesthetics.
Understand the different types of solar panels to make an informed choice.
To ensure your solar project is profitable, it’s essential to clearly distinguish between the panel technologies available based on your needs and location. The two main photovoltaic categories are monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, each with its own unique characteristics. The former, made from very pure silicon, offer a higher efficiency of around 20%, ideal for limited surfaces and less sunny regions. Polycrystalline panels, which are more affordable, offer efficiencies of around 15 to 17%, making them suitable for tight budgets or areas with more regular sunshine. Monocrystalline panels:
- More efficient, higher cost, optimal longevity Polycrystalline panels:
- More affordable, satisfactory efficiency in direct sunlight Thermal panels:
- To produce heat for domestic hot water Hybrid panels:
- Combine electric and thermal but with modulated efficiency Some households are also opting for thermal or hybrid solutions, offered by companies like Ciel et Terre, which prioritize heat production while harnessing solar energy. However, for electricity production and self-consumption at home, photovoltaic panels remain the most common choice. Panel Type
Advantages
| Disadvantages | Primary Use | Monocrystalline | High efficiency, good in low light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher price | Self-consumption, small surface area | Polycrystalline | Controlled cost |
| Less efficient in low light | Very sunny areas | Thermal | Efficient heat production |
| Does not produce electricity | Hot water, heating | Hybrid | Dual production |
| Lower efficiency than specialized systems | Constricted spaces | Before committing, consider the available space, the climate, and your budget, while also considering options from respected manufacturers such as Photowatt, Solis, or SMA Solar Technology. The market now features a new generation of full-black panels, which, beyond their elegance, sometimes offer better thermal integration. | Choosing the Right Panel Based on Power and Quality |
A panel’s efficiency is measured by its nominal power in peak watts (Wp). The higher this power, the greater the energy production, but don’t neglect the overall quality and robustness of the materials. Opt for certified panels like those offered by GreenYellow, which guarantee rigorous monitoring and extended warranties of up to 25 years. Choosing a recognized brand, such as TotalEnergies or EDF Renewables, ensures greater resistance to climatic hazards and good technical support if needed. Nominal power:
Adjust according to annual consumption
Energy efficiency:
- Take climate and orientation into account Material quality:
- Choose ISO and TUV certified panels Reputable brands:
- For reliability and long warranties Warranties and reliability of photovoltaic panels: A secure investment
- Before making your final decision, it’s essential to examine the warranties offered. These are divided into two types: the product warranty, covering defects and breakdowns, generally between 10 and 25 years, and the performance warranty, which guarantees a minimum level of performance after several years. Companies like Voltalia and Engie offer services with these protections, ensuring that your installation will remain efficient over the long term. Warranty type
Average duration
Coverage
| Examples of offers | Product warranty | 10 to 25 years | Manufacturing defects, breakdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engie, Photowatt | Performance warranty | 20 to 25 years | Maintaining >80% efficiency |
| Voltalia, EDF Renewables | Be careful, a very long warranty does not always guarantee the best reliability. A top-quality manufacturer, even with a shorter warranty, can offer a lifespan well over 30 years with proper maintenance. Make sure the company has the financial strength to meet its commitments. Thanks to the services offered by SMA Solar Technology or Leroy Merlin, you also benefit from efficient customer support and better maintenance. | How to select the best installer for your solar panels | Choosing a competent installer is as crucial as choosing the panels themselves. To guarantee safety, performance, and regulatory compliance, the professional must hold RGE (Recognized Environmental Guarantor) certification. This also allows you to access public financial aid. Check RGE certification |
Prioritize proven experience with similar buildings
Request a detailed and transparent quote
Consult customer reviews and recommendations
- Beware of overly attractive offers and sales pressure. Don’t sign any contract without verifying that the installer follows through with essential administrative procedures, such as obtaining city hall permits or the connection declaration. Major retailers like Leroy Merlin or GreenYellow work with carefully selected installers to protect their customers.
- Criteria
- Importance
- Why?
RGE certification
| Essential | Access to aid, compliance | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| High | Reliability and quality of installation | Detailed quote |
| Crucial | Avoid unpleasant financial surprises | Customer reviews |
| Important | Reputation and satisfaction | Installation and commissioning: the key steps to producing green energy |
| Solar panel installation involves several essential phases, all of which ensure optimal performance and safety for your system. | Consumption analysis: | Understand and reduce energy-intensive uses |
Purchase and acceptance of equipment:
Verify component compatibility and integrity
- Site preparation: Study exposure, pruning if necessary, and select a location
- Panel installation: Professional mounting, orientation, and cabling
- Connection: Connection to the inverter and the electrical grid
- Testing and commissioning: Performance monitoring, data recording
- Each step must be carefully planned to ensure that the required surface area and optimal orientation are maintained. Thanks to the expertise of EDF Renewables or TotalEnergies, you benefit from personalized advice and solutions, ensuring sustainable performance. Don’t forget the essential regulatory procedures: prior declaration to the town hall and application for connection to the public grid. Step Description
- Practical Advice Consumption Analysis
Study Equipment and Needs
| Identify Uses to Optimize | Equipment Purchase | Choose Suitable Kits |
|---|---|---|
| Check Warranties and Compatibility | Site Preparation | Plan for an Ideal Location |
| Limit Shading and Obstructions | Installation | Secure and Orient Panels |
| Comply with Safety Standards | Connection | Connect to the Inverter |
| Test Continuity and Connections | Commissioning | Check Performance |
| Systematically Note Production | FAQ – Key Answers on Choosing and Installing Solar Panels | What are the main criteria for choosing a solar panel? |
| Nominal power, energy efficiency, material quality, warranties, and manufacturer reputation are essential. | Why choose an RGE-certified installer? | Certification guarantees work that complies with standards and provides access to public financial assistance. |
What is the average cost of a solar installation in 2025?
- It varies depending on the surface area and technology, but an average residential installation costs between €6,000 and €15,000, after subsidies.
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance? - Maintenance is relatively low: annual cleaning and regular inspections are sufficient to ensure good performance.
Is it possible to resell excess electricity produced? - Yes, most systems are connected to the public grid, allowing the resale of surplus electricity through regulated contracts.
To learn more and compare the best current offers, the platform https://panneau-solaire.site/ provides a wide range of detailed and regularly updated information, facilitating your transition to green energy.
