In a study published this October, Hello Watt compares quotes for photovoltaic installations. Depending on the players offering these services, the prices vary extremely, starting at around 12,000 euros and approaching 30,000.
The rise of solar energy is being felt, supported by legislative measures, such as the latest energy planning law under consideration in Parliament. The yields of this resource are constantly praised, backed by a falling cost since 2010.
This is evidenced by the figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), according to which the price of photovoltaic module hardware plunged 69% from 2013 to 2019. According to Hello Watt, the price of solar panels and inverters has fallen by 25% since January 2023.
« Currently, individuals are poorly informed about the real cost of a photovoltaic installation », however notes the renovation and energy efficiency advisor, in a study devoted to the prices of residential photovoltaic installations in France. This is based on the analysis of quotes collected from different types of installers.
Particularly high quotes offered on the ground…
First result noted: “ a surprising price disparity between installers “. For 6 kWp installations – the most widespread size for self-consumption in 2024 – the lowest price starts at 11,600 euros and peaks at 27,000.
The lowest prices and differences are observed among national installers, ranging from the basic 11,600 euros to 16,600 euros. Hello Watt based itself on its own quotes as of October 2024, but also those of other competitors such as Qualiwatt and Nouvel'R Énergie. Generally requested via the Internet, the offers would be more competitive.
« In addition, online, the price is the same for everyone, unlike sales at fairs, exhibitions and door-to-door, where it is more often established at the customer's head. Players using field sales must pay traveling salespeople and are therefore generally more expensive », Says the author of the study. So, photovoltaic installation quotes established in the field range between 20,000 and 27,000 euros.
« At fairs and exhibitions, advisors who have quotes signed the same day necessarily lack precise elements to properly size the installations “, such as the size, the location of the module, its potential shading level, the associated electrical panel, or even the annual electricity bill of individuals, also explains Hello Watt. “ Finally, sales at fairs and exhibitions do not allow customers to benefit from the legal withdrawal period of 14 days. », agrees the energy efficiency expert.
…a considerable price gap among local players
Energy suppliers can count on their brand image and reputation » and offer quotes varying between 16,000 and 26,600 euros. Which amounts to double the amount offered by national installers.
More it is among local players that the quote amounts are more disparate, starting at 12,000 and rising to almost 26,000 euros. « Prices offered vary greatly depending on the local company quoting. Among the local players, there are both reliable craftsmen and less scrupulous ones, and it is often difficult for the individual to distinguish them. », commented Hello Watt.
And to complete: “ Companies which offer competitive offers have also reflected the drop in the price of equipment in their quotes, which is not the case for certain groups which maintain their prices to increase their margins. ».
Proposals to protect household budgets
The energy efficiency expert also proposed solutions to make France a leader in residential photovoltaics. It targets in particular the household budget, notably throughreduction of VAT to 5.5% on all powers, 3 kWp and 6 kWpwhile the latter are respectively subject to rates of 10 and 20%.
Hello Watt also recommends'include photovoltaic solar power in schemes such as the zero-rate eco-loan or MaPrimeRénov', which, however, today subsidize thermal solar power.
Not to mention legislative proposals to avoid abuses, such as the ban on door-to-door sales or credits for amounts that are too high. Hello Watt also calls for extending the legal withdrawal period for sales in exhibitions and fairs, for sanctioning fraudulent VAT recovery practices as well as, of course, for the simplification of procedures.
To read Hello Watt's proposals in more detail, find his study at this link.
Virginia Crown
Photo de Une: Adobe Stock
