Solar panels
The energy carried by solar radiation can be harnessed by different technologies depending on the desired end use. Photovoltaic solar technologies transform this radiation directly into electricity, while solar thermal technologies exploit the heat energy that this radiation creates in materials that have absorbed it. They are ecological, economical, and can be installed on all types of buildings. Investing in solar panels is an excellent way to reduce energy costs while making a gesture for the environment.
In the case of photovoltaic solar, part of the solar radiation is captured using a photoconductive cell. The photons composing this radiation set electrons in motion within the cell, producing an electric current. A tiling of mirrors or lenses can concentrate the solar radiation on a small high-performance cell converting a broader part of the light spectrum into electrical energy. This is known as concentrated photovoltaic technology.
In the case of solar thermal, it is the heat resulting from the absorption of radiation by thermal collectors that is harnessed. This heat energy is transferred to a fluid that can, for example, heat a surface (e.g., floor) or sanitary water (in a "water heater"). Solar thermal energy can also be used to cool buildings by absorbing heat.
Note that it is also possible to convert solar thermal energy into electricity through a thermodynamic concentration solar system: the radiation is concentrated using mirrors on a heat transfer fluid that it heats to a high temperature. The high-pressure steam resulting from the fluid's heat drives a turbo alternator to produce electricity.
Your satisfaction is our energy
Customer Testimonials
Customer feedback, reproduced in their original wording.
Marc Delattre
The equipment received perfectly matched what I was looking for. The price was very reasonable, and the order was delivered quickly. No complaints, everything went smoothly.
Orlando Silva
I installed the wind turbine and everything went perfectly. The product is of very good quality, the delivery via Chronopost was impeccable, with well-protected packages. Their advice and documents were a great help for the installation. Since then, my electricity consumption has significantly decreased. Customer service is also very responsive in case of questions. I highly recommend!
Régine Barbier
Perfect. Very professional person. And fast delivery with a perfect product. I recommend
Martial joel
Very fast delivery and equipment received in good condition.
Laurent Bouchet
Very good listening, relevant technical advice. I was well supported throughout my project.
Serge
Very satisfied with the telephone service: very good explanations about the purchased equipment. Satisfied with the products, in line with what I expected.
ArgentEtagère 56
Good communication and very good advice. Fast shipping and well packaged.
Jean-Marie KOCH
Superb listening, good explanations and very good advice, even if the basic equipment did not come from you. Very fast delivery, with the right instructions for starting up.
Thierry Dupuis
Effective communication and quick resolution of a minor issue. Very satisfied with the service provided.
Thierry Fontenelle
Good communication with the site and quick resolution of a problem.
Jean Martel
Very nice telephone support and advice for purchasing my switch!
Client
Attentive listening to the project and search for relevant technical answers.
Jean-Marie Berger
Team very attentive, even if the equipment came from elsewhere. Fast delivery and easy commissioning thanks to their explanations.
Bruno Darbo
Good technical information, clear and useful.
Pierre Trouillet
The wind turbine arrived quickly. I assembled it without difficulty. It is not too noisy despite its 3 blades. For now, it seems very good, it just has a slight misalignment of the hub when it turns, which causes a small vibration. I hope that in the long run it won't damage the bearings.
Messiant Marc
Quality equipment. The assembly instructions and advice could be improved, but despite some mishaps during installation, Le Comptoir Éolien showed great responsiveness. We'll have to see over time to judge profitability: it already takes a good gust of wind to reach the announced 2000 W.
Serge Lambert
Serious phone contact, clear advice. Products received as expected and no unpleasant surprises. I recommend.
Client
Deadlines met and equipment in accordance with the order.
Sparkle Sea
Very nice, good advice, excellent products of very good quality, I recommend 😉👊
Jacky Trolet
I really appreciated the commercial gesture on my inverter, even though it was out of warranty. A competent and attentive team, thank you!
Joël Martinet
Very fast delivery, product received in excellent condition. I am fully satisfied with my purchase.
Eric Arraby
Works very well with a generator installed on a water mill.
Jean-Marie DUMONT
Order of a simple pulley processed and shipped very quickly. Very good responsiveness.
Pascal Filipek
After choosing the suitable wind system, I placed an order. Serious tracking and very good quality of the received equipment (packaging, number of packages, mechanical and electrical components). Upon receipt, I installed the wind turbine and the electrical cabinet. I am currently in the observation phase of the performances. The wind turbine is silent and, installed on a well-exposed terrace, captures the wind well.
Olivier Fernandes
The installation of the wind turbine went smoothly. Very good quality product, well protected upon delivery. Useful advice, responsive customer service. Result: noticeable reduction in my electricity bill.
Pingaud Daniel
Delivery as expected and without issue.
Paco Gorina
Fast and precise service!!!
Roberge Mathilde
Fast shipping, careful packaging: I am delighted.
Karine Delorme
I aim for more energy autonomy, and after solar, it's wind that takes over. Thank you for this great opportunity to reduce my bills!
Roger Recot
Product as per my request.
Jean Pierre ARNAUD
Order well received, equipment as requested! Well packaged, instructions properly made, received within the expected time frame. Works very well, thank you for the professionalism.
Oww Sinon
Good product, easy to assemble. The explanations could be more detailed for connection and anchoring. A small production counter (about ten euros) is also missing, which I will add to confirm that my choice is the right one.
Michel David
Very satisfied with my inverter. Careful delivery, clear technical guide. The phone contact before purchase was very useful and reassuring.
Hubert Hebert
We were very well advised and guided in choosing our purchase, with good follow-up throughout the delivery and installation.
Johan Garry
Enthusiasts, solar, small wind turbines, they know them
Lu Cho
Product meets my expectations.
Gilles Belard
Clear, concise, precise. A simple and efficient service as we like it!
Fasciaux
Great, thank you! Very good contact with the site team, with email follow-up from payment to shipment. Equipment received on time, very well packaged and perfectly protected.
Sydney Chapron
I made a mistake with my order, I called to find out what to do and was told to return the item without any problem. Very good reception. Thank you.
Mollet
I was looking for wind turbine blades for an exceptional transport slideshow. You directly offered the desired length: I found your site quickly on the Internet and placed an order in a few clicks. Perfect.
Stéphane Rincourt
Perfect, good support from customer service. Thank you for your help during the commissioning!
Dp Reno
Order delivered quickly, with good technical advice.
Eric Tuan
I highly recommend. Very good contact and very professional moreover.
Yves B
Equipment as I was looking for, correct price and fast delivery: what more could you ask for?
Julie Avoine
i-Breeze wind turbine well received, relevant advice, quality equipment and fast shipping. Very satisfied.
Joel
Everything went very well, I recommend to everyone.
Jean Philippe Julien
Fast delivery and as ordered
Le Roulley
Good experience.
Hubert Ogier
Quick responses and advice given with courtesy. Impeccable delivery, quality to be confirmed over time but seemingly a very good product.
Client
Very good advice, with fast and efficient shipping.
Sueva Calsou
I highly recommend fast delivery, attentive service, we bought our wind turbine 2 years ago with no issues
Jacques Baudier
Fast delivery, effective installation advice, team always available. Thank you for your availability!
53Whiteeagle8
Very satisfied with the service of this company. Very attentive person, I was well advised.
Marianne Dubost
The wind kit seems to be of very good quality. Fast delivery and easily reachable and competent customer service. Nothing like my bad past experience elsewhere!
Géraldine Martin
Very professional phone exchange. You can sense real expertise behind the advice given. Thank you for your attention!
Sylvain Vainvain
Purchase of a 12v 35a 500w wind turbine to complement our solar installation in a house in Brittany off the EDF grid. The site is easy to use, the information is complete, our order was easy. Delivery time respected. Package very well designed to protect the interior.
Jacques Genty
Clear advice, attentive listening. A competent team that takes the time to answer all questions.
René Lachaize
Small issue with shipping, but resolved in less than 24 hours! Express delivery and serious service. I recommend.
Arnaud Lefort
Very good support, motivating advice, calm and very educational explanations. A real pleasure to be guided like this.
Bernadette C.
A simple and efficient experience. The service is smooth, the products compliant. Everything you expect from a good site!
Gilles Auguste
Fast shipping as announced. Nothing to complain about, everything was respected. Thank you for the responsiveness!
Stéphane Leroy
Equipment well delivered and meets my expectations. Assembly is still ongoing but everything seems to be working properly.
Patrice Rousset
Very satisfied with the service. Fast delivery and clear answers to all my questions. I highly recommend.
Bernard Lemoine
Product well received, compliant with the order. Careful packaging and on-time delivery. It's a shame that the VAT applied does not match that of my country.
Nicolas Perrin
Order delivered in record time. The technical advice provided was precise and very useful. Competent and responsive customer service, I recommend.
Francis
Compliant equipment and relevant advice, with a very good telephone reception.
Andre C
Well received, package very well packaged. I still have to install the nose in February.
Cervesato Fulvio
Serious and attentive equipment and advisors, with respected deadlines. Thank you for your attention and commitment!
David Molinier
I was looking for specific blades for a presentation project on exceptional transport vehicles. I found exactly what I needed in a few minutes. Simple, fast, and perfectly compliant order.
Client
Order processed quickly, careful packaging: very good.
Janik
For the delivery, it's impeccable, but not yet installed, it's for January 2025.
Client
Fast and well-packaged shipment. Compliant with what was indicated: very good.
Antoine Lemoine
Very good contact with the team, which ensured follow-up by email from payment to shipment. The package arrived on time, well packaged. All that's left is to observe the energy production!
Geraldine
Very reliable site. Only point to improve: that the carrier processes orders a little faster.
Michel Meuriot
Fast delivery and compliant with the order. Careful shipment. Perfect.
Jessica Diebold
Positive experience.
Sophie Laurent
The product received was totally in line with my expectations. Nothing to report, everything went very well.
Picard Lucien
Top-notch service: team attentive from the order, with immediate answers to all my questions. I am now waiting to finalize my project.
Victor Antonio
Super fast delivery, excellent value for money of the circuit breaker between inverter and batteries, top advice. I recommend.
Véronique R
Very good professional advice.
Jean Renaud
We were well guided from the start in choosing the equipment. Serious follow-up until installation. Very good service, I recommend without hesitation.
Le dain
Staff always attentive, even in case of difficulty. I highly recommend.
Michel Senn
A real service, a competent professional who knows what he's talking about. Order with confidence, he will help you step by step.
Patrick
Speed and professional advice.
Fabre Bruno
Everything is perfect, thank you very much.
Laurent Boucher
Good product, easy installation. Just missing some details on the connection and securing. I will install a small meter to monitor production. Satisfied overall.
Client
Product as described and fast delivery.
Fabien Baechler
Very good, good contact, fast service, ideal for making a prototype to develop
Pascal Coudurier
Serious and competent company, even if the product purchased does not suit me (probably my fault).
Alain Fournier
The equipment was exactly as I requested. Fast delivery, very good service. No complaints.
JP
Precise and clear exchanges, with a delivery time respected.
Richard Bes
Product as described, regarding delivery contradictory information from Colissimo... but package delivered quickly nonetheless.
Klr
Nothing to report: well-referenced site, clear catalog, fast shipping, and product meets my expectations.
Émilie Legrand
Fast and very well-protected shipping. I am completely satisfied, everything went smoothly.
Gene
Very good experience: wide range of products, reasonable prices, and above all a huge thank you to the phone advisor, patient, kind, and very competent.
Patrick Gilsoul
Equipment as described, attentive staff, quality service, responds quickly, fast shipping, highly recommended.
Dumont Marc
800W wind kit: very well received equipment.
Daniel Vermeulen
Delivery made on time, no issues. Very good service, I recommend.
Bourgue Jean-Claude
Very good equipment, well suited to my mountain cabin.
Olivier Amice
No delivery issues, product matches the description.
Vincent Rorive
Very good service, very good communication. The packaging and products meet expectations
De sousa silva Antonio
Top-notch equipment, it works very well for now. A bit different from the planned order and less simple to visualize what is injected into the network, but overall it's very good.
Pascal Renault
Excellent order tracking, very well packaged equipment. The wind turbine operates silently on my exposed terrace. Eager to follow its production.
Magnan Yann
Quick and efficient communication, warm and attentive reception. Trust given, without disappointment.
ROGER Josian
Precise information by phone contact. Fast delivery. I recommend
Pascal Robert
Very easy to place an order, top-notch.
Éric Marchal
Perfectly compatible with my hydraulic installation. The generator works very well. Thank you for the quality of the equipment.
Bernard
Product compliant and well packaged, I recommend. Before the purchase, the answers to my questions were clear and helpful.
Claude Perrus
Very fast delivery, I received my order in 2 days. Very happy with this company and attentive to its customers. My wind turbine works very well. I recommend this company
R Stephanie
Fast delivery, very correct. I bought a 48V battery charger: overall it works well, but it is not powerful enough. I might have chosen a stronger model. I am not disappointed though, thank you for your attention and professionalism 👍 See you soon.
Jacky Lemaitre
Thank you for the commercial gesture regarding my inverter. A team that is available, serious, and attentive.
Claude Tavernier
Very useful phone information before ordering, delivery within the announced time frame, and compliant equipment. A small point to improve: a separate document dedicated to commissioning would be welcome.
Léo SEGRETAIN
I ordered a 1000w wind turbine with a 220v inverter. The people behind it are serious, shipment on time, perfect packaging, and I was very surprised by the quick response to emails, I got precise answers, even on Saturday and Sunday!
Claire Devaux
Respect for deadlines, perfectly compliant equipment. Quality service, I recommend without hesitation.
Richard Wallner
A big thank you for the technical answers by email or phone allowing us to choose the wind turbine, regulator, and type of cable suited to our needs, and for the follow-up upon receipt.
Marc Bellanger
Top-notch equipment, responsive customer service. The manuals could be a bit clearer but the rest is impeccable.
Florent Meluc
Good product. I haven't assembled it yet
Bruno Castel
The technical advice was really helpful. Competent and responsive team, I am satisfied with my choice.
René Lachaize
Perfect: delivery in 24 hours.
Mathieu Georges
Order as described, fast shipping. Impeccable service, I will return without hesitation.
Alain Anselmo
Very satisfied, the product exactly meets my expectations. Clear information during the order. A reliable company.
Charles Rist
Good product, as described. I recommend without hesitation.
Denis Cazoulat
Successful installation of the 2000W wind turbine. Quality equipment, although the guy wires could be reinforced. Very professional customer service.
Richard Barnaud
Bearing order received quickly. Nothing to report on the quality of service. Very good delivery tracking.
Julien Morel
1500W wind turbine well delivered, quality product. Customer service attentive, always reachable. I recommend without reservation.
Jonathan Mignot
Good overall experience: fast shipping, good packaging. A pity about the lack of instructions and two missing screws in the kit. Responsive customer service.
Fabien Caaj
Very good service. Quick and clear responses to my questions. Nothing to criticize about the quality and responsiveness.
Kévin Coulomb
Fast and compliant delivery. It's a pity that administrative transfer payments are not accepted, it complicates things for high schools.
Photovoltaic energy
Indeed, since 2005, a program law setting the orientations of energy policy has been passed, and with this law, France has set a goal of producing 10% of French energy needs from renewable energy (wind, photovoltaic panels, etc.) by 2012.
Equipping oneself with photovoltaic panels is no longer just an eco-citizen gesture for the planet but becomes an interesting investment. Because the French are good at math, and even if the investment is not within everyone's reach (it costs about 18,000 Euros for an installation of less than 3 kWh), with the tax credit and the total resale of electricity, the installation is amortized in about six years. There are therefore fourteen years of benefits left (this before the reduction of the tax credit). Unfortunately, the recently passed law reduces the tax credit from 50% to 25%. This will certainly have the effect (expected by the government) of slowing down installation requests. Because France, a good student, is approaching this goal too quickly and is trying, through the application of restrictive measures, to slow down the enthusiasm for photovoltaic panels. And the enthusiasm was such that many people self-proclaimed themselves as photovoltaic panel installers, and the setbacks of individuals were legion. Today, fortunately, the legislation in this area is more rigorous, and it simply takes a bit of common sense and getting several quotes to avoid paying more than necessary. That is why it would be interesting to see how an installation is done, what maximum cost to consider, and also the timeframes to expect between the different stages.
Concept
A photovoltaic panel is a large cell that captures the sun to transform it into electricity. It transmits this electricity to an inverter that converts this direct current into alternating current because direct current cannot be used as is in the electrical circuit. This direct current passes through a special meter installed by Enedis (formerly ERDF) and is thus accounted for and bought back. And it is redistributed in the network, therefore, most of the time consumed by the house itself and the immediate neighbors.
But before equipping oneself, several data must be taken into account. First, to benefit from the tax credit, one must own their house. It seems obvious, but a tenant will not be able to benefit from the tax credit and therefore will not be able to have photovoltaic panels installed themselves.
Then, it is necessary to check, with the help of a professional, the exposure of the house, the slope of the roof, and if there are no obstacles (chimney, trees, etc.) that could cast a shadow on the roof. Because shadow, even on a single panel, stops the whole system, and there is no more electricity production. It is also necessary to plan the installation of the inverter in a room that is not a living space, so elsewhere than in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom...
Once the usual precautions and the decision to install are made, it remains to know how these panels will be positioned on the roof. In fact, the position on the roof is left to the owner's discretion: In the middle, on the side, or at the edge of the roof, it is only a question of aesthetics, except perhaps at the edge of the roof where, as there are no tiles, the snow (when there is any) slides more easily.
It should be noted that to install photovoltaic panels (for an installation under 3 kWc), about 22 m² of tiles must be removed, so having available roof space and knowing what to do with all these tiles afterward.
The equipment, the investment
Today, there are two types of photovoltaic panels that are installed: Polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are made from silicon that has been melted and purified and transformed into a very pure cylindrical ingot, from which "slices" are cut and which constitute the monocrystalline panel. The cutting waste of monocrystalline panels is reheated and reconstituted to form polycrystalline panels with a larger grain. A monocrystalline panel will therefore have more value than a polycrystalline one and will be sold at a higher price.
It is also reputed to have better efficiency than polycrystalline, which, depending on the models of photovoltaic panels, is not necessarily true or then minimal.
Once the choice of panels is determined, each installer offers their reference brand. It is necessary to get several quotes to find a good compromise between the equipment provided and the price offered. There is a non-reducible amount: the amount to be paid for the EDF connection (about 500 euros). Then it must be considered that after installation and during the 20-year contract period, there is the meter rental to pay, which is about 50 euros per year.
It should also be noted that once the panels are installed and the connection is made, the resale of electricity is not deducted from the electricity bill. These are two very distinct things. On one hand, there is the bill for the electricity consumed, and then, once a year, a payment for the total resale of electricity for the year. It is not easy to provide an example of investment cost and amortization calculation for the installation, as everything will depend on the region (sunshine rate), the roof slope, the exposure, and the choice of materials (although today, there are few truly obsolete and inefficient materials).
Why invest?
Indeed, since the passage of the new law reducing the tax credit, one might wonder. But all things considered, the initial reflections imposed by photovoltaic panels are initially closer to nature.
There is the respect for the environment: It should be noted that a photovoltaic sensor emits no pollution. An installation, even below 3 Kwc (which is the general case), prevents about two tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere per year, which is equivalent to about 6000 km by car for the average person! So over a period of 20 years: Forty Tons. This is not negligible for a single installation!
It should be noted that fossil energy resources (oil, gas, coal) are not inexhaustible. The planet's supply relies 81% on fossil energies! And if we are not careful, the reserves of oil, natural gas, and nuclear will be exhausted well before the 21st century.
Another reason that may drive the initiative is the increase in the market value of the property. Indeed, it should be noted that the total electricity resale contract is transferable. So, if for one reason or another, a person wishes to sell their property, they can certainly add a premium due to the presence of photovoltaic panels. The market value will be higher if the installation was done recently.
Few financial products today offer an investment income that ranges between 7% and 11% (depending on the cost, tax credit, etc.). And it mainly represents a reliable and sustainable investment (20 years). A significant asset on which many photovoltaic panel installation companies capitalize.
Here are some interesting reasons to tip the balance in favor of installing these famous panels.
Search for installer
When a person inquires about photovoltaic panels, it is very easy for them to find companies that install them. But it is still necessary for these companies to adhere to the charter. Because many small companies that installed air conditioning have decided to enter the market without having completed training on the subject. So much so that many consumers have been wronged and still have problems today due to the failed installations by these unscrupulous people.
Normally, every company must have signed the QUALI PV charter and provide a certificate. This charter outlines in about ten points the obligations of the contractor. It is also necessary for the contractor to offer administrative follow-up of the file because assembling the file and accumulating paperwork may discourage more than one. There is also the risk that the file is not well assembled and that it takes longer than expected. It is better to offload this onto a professional.
Be wary if, at first glance, the person only talks about sponsorship intended to make you earn money or a draw for a trip: Run away! Under no circumstances should you be misled by people who do not offer any real estimate or provide any product documentation.
At the end of a first meeting, it is essential to have received all the required information, whether about the company or the equipment, and also a fairly detailed view of the cost and gain. Then will come the detailed estimate and negotiation. A scribble on a piece of scrap paper is not an estimate!
One important thing to check: The installer must have taken out a ten-year guarantee that applies to the installation, and the client can request a copy of the certificate. This can be useful in case a water leak results from the installation of photovoltaic panels: this ten-year guarantee will apply.
As a general rule, after all these checks, it is better to favor local installers who will have better responsiveness in case of need.
In summary
An installation of photovoltaic panels requiring no maintenance, apart from changing the inverter after about ten years, is accessible to everyone. It is not necessary to be a DIY professional, just ensure that no obstacle interferes with the capture of solar energy and that everything goes well with the inverter. For computer enthusiasts, it is even possible to obtain from the installer software to install on your computer, which allows you to collect all the information provided by the inverter via a Bluetooth USB key, in order to establish production statistics.
It is not easy to know if the reduction of the tax credit will abruptly stop all installation requests, but one thing is certain, it will slow them down. The sudden acceleration of installation requests has nevertheless had the beneficial effect of opening people's minds and providing more information on the subject.
Regardless of financial considerations, it is essential that people feel concerned about the greenhouse effect and do their best at a personal level to limit CO2 emissions. Because it is by becoming aware of all this that the effort will pay off. And it is possible to believe that photovoltaic panels (like many materials) will become widespread and, as a result, become less expensive, which may offset the reduction in state aid.
Today, research is focused on polymers and organic materials that could prove less expensive to manufacture panels and replace silicon. This would be a very interesting alternative because extracting silicon is quite polluting, and if it could be replaced by a less costly solution, it might facilitate access to solar energy for many developing countries.