The Complete Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Installation: Everything You Need to Know
- Bertrand Duthe
- Oct 11
- 6 min read
Installing solar panels is now an essential solution for reducing your electricity bill and contributing to the energy transition. However, faced with the multitude of information available, it's easy to get lost: panel types, power, costs, financial assistance, installation... so many questions that come up again and again.
At BER Électricité , we have been supporting our customers in the PACA region with their photovoltaic projects for several years. We are familiar with common mistakes (choosing the wrong power, ignoring standards, neglecting financial aid) and know how to avoid them. This guide aims to answer all your questions about photovoltaic solar energy , to help you take action with confidence.
👉 Ready to discover the world of solar energy and understand how to get the most out of your photovoltaic installation? Follow the guide!
Table of Contents
Why is photovoltaics so important?
Solar electricity production is experiencing record growth in France, especially in the PACA region, one of the sunniest areas of the country. Since the 2000s, photovoltaic panels have become more widely available thanks to falling costs and government support.
Yet many are still hesitant to take the plunge, fearing a hefty investment or complicated administrative procedures. This is a mistake: with the right information, photovoltaics is accessible, profitable, and sustainable.
👉 By reading this guide, you will discover how easy it is to switch to solar energy, and why it is today an essential choice for your home.
Everything you need to know about solar photovoltaics?
In this section, we will detail everything in a clear and practical way, so that you know exactly how to make your photovoltaic project a success .
The different types of solar panels:
1. Monocrystalline panels
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal of silicon.
High efficiency : typically between 18% and 22%, which means you produce more electricity per m².
Aesthetics : Uniform black color, ideal for modern residential roofs.
Limited surface area : perfect for homes with limited roof space.
💡 Tip: This type of panel is recommended if you want to maximize electricity production while maintaining an aesthetic roof.
2. Polycrystalline panels
Slightly lower yield : 15% to 18%.
More affordable cost : good compromise for larger installations.
Blue color and slightly grainy texture.
💡 Tip: Suitable for larger roofs where the available surface area can compensate for the lower yield.
3. Hybrid panels
Combine electricity production and heat production .
Optimize roof utilization and overall system efficiency.
Allows you to simultaneously reduce your electricity and heating bills.
💡 Tip: Particularly interesting for individual houses or buildings requiring hot water and electricity.
Power, efficiency and lifespan
Average power of a panel
Residential panels generally produce between 350 and 450 Wp .
The higher the power, the more you can cover your electrical needs with fewer panels.
Yield
Defines the panel's ability to convert sunlight into electricity.
15% to 22% depending on the technology : the higher the efficiency, the less surface area you will need to produce the same energy.
Lifetime
25 to 30 years with manufacturer's warranty.
Performance decreases slightly each year (about 0.5% per year).
💡 Tip: Investing in quality panels helps ensure long-term production and durability.
Steps to a successful installation
1. Personalized study
Before any installation, a study of your roof is essential (with a roofing expert):
Optimal orientation and inclination to capture maximum sunlight.
Check the shade cast by nearby trees or buildings.
2. Choice of material
Panels : monocrystalline, polycrystalline or hybrid according to your needs.
Inverters : convert direct current into alternating current.
Fixing systems : adapted to the type of roof and local standards.
3. Administrative procedures
Prior declaration to the town hall.
Control by Consuel (which is the state body that will control and validate the installation).
Connection to the Enedis network to inject the surplus or sell the electricity.
Establishment of the contract between Enedis and you (future electricity producer).
4. Installation by a QUALIPV certified professional
Guarantees safety, performance and compliance with standards .
An experienced installer like BER Électricité ensures clean and efficient installation. They also come with ten-year insurance for photovoltaic installations.
5. Commissioning & monitoring
Checking connections and performance.
Use a connected application to track your production and consumption in real time.
💡 Tip: Connected monitoring allows you to quickly identify any performance declines and optimize your production. Your administrative procedures are supported by BER Electricité's expert partners.
How much does a photovoltaic installation cost?
The cost of a photovoltaic installation depends mainly on the installed power (expressed in kWp) and the type of panels chosen . The higher the power, the greater the initial investment. Thus, a 3 kWp, 6 kWp or 9 kWp installation will not have the same cost, nor the same level of energy production.
Each project is unique, so the price may vary depending on your energy needs, the configuration of your roof and the equipment installed.
Profitability
Energy savings can pay for the installation on average in 7 years .
Selling surplus electricity increases the return on investment.
The installations in the PACA region benefit from significant sunshine, optimizing annual production.
💡 Tip: Compare several quotes and check that the equipment and installation are QUALIPV certified to guarantee performance and durability.
Financial aid in 2025
The amount of aid for a photovoltaic installation can vary depending on the installed power, the configuration and the equipment used. The amounts announced are therefore given for information purposes only and may change. In the majority of cases, the savings made through self -production of solar energy allow the installation to be self-financed over several years, making the project even more attractive.
The following aids are included:
Self-consumption bonus:
Amount: from €80 to €370/kWp installed, depending on the power and type of installation.
Conditions: panels connected for self-consumption with or without sale of surplus.
More information: Public Service – Self-consumption Bonus
EDF OA Solar Purchase Obligation:
Sale of surplus guaranteed for 20 years , price fixed according to installed power.
More info:EDF OA Solaire
VAT reduced to 10%:
Applicable for installations ≤ 3 kWc.
Directly reduces the overall cost of installation.
Regional aid in PACA:
Additional subsidies depending on the department.
More information: South Region – Aid and Calls for Projects
Rexel Partnership:
In addition to these measures, BER Électricité relies on its partner Rexel, a leader in the distribution of electrical equipment, which also offers financing solutions.
More info: Rexel
💡 Tip: Combining these grants can reduce the cost of your installation by 30 to 50% , which makes photovoltaics very profitable quickly.
What are the differences and advantages of photovoltaics and solar panels?
The photovoltaic panel directly transforms sunlight into electricity using silicon cells.
The solar thermal panel captures the sun's heat to heat water (hot water tank, heating).
👉 We often talk about "solar panels" to refer to both, but photovoltaic panels produce electricity while thermal panels produce heat.
The advantages of photovoltaics
✅ Energy autonomy : you produce your own electricity.
✅ Reduction in bills : up to -60% depending on the size of the installation and your consumption.
✅ Resale of surplus : thanks to the EDF OA system, you can resell unused electricity.
✅ Long lifespan : between 25 and 30 years, with little maintenance.
✅ Eco-friendly : renewable energy, reduction of CO₂ emissions.
The advantages of the solar thermal panel
✅ Free hot water production : ideal for the bathroom, kitchen or swimming pool.
✅ Simple and efficient system : very high efficiency (70 to 80% of solar energy transformed into heat).
✅ Energy saving : reduces electricity or gas consumption for hot water.
✅ More affordable investment : generally less expensive than a photovoltaic installation.
What to choose between photovoltaic solar panels and thermal solar panels?
It all depends on your needs:
If you want to produce your own electricity and reduce your overall bills , photovoltaics is the best choice.
If you are only looking to heat water in an economical and ecological way , the solar thermal panel is more suitable.
The two technologies can be complementary in a house: photovoltaic panels for electricity + solar thermal panels for hot water.
Conclusion
Are you undecided between photovoltaic, thermal, or hybrid panels ? The term "solar panel" encompasses two technologies: photovoltaic (electricity) and thermal (hot water). Each offers advantages depending on your needs.
Consulting an expert will help you determine the solution best suited to your home, your budget and your goals.
👉 In the PACA region, thanks to exceptional sunshine, both solutions are particularly cost-effective. At BER Électricité , we advise and support you in finding the solar installation best suited to your home.
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