Collective self-consumption is transforming our relationship with energy, allowing several people to share locally produced electricity, often thanks to solar power. This collaborative model is increasingly appealing to neighbourhoods, buildings and local authorities that want greener, local and more economical energy. This type of project helps to reduce bills, but also strengthens the energy resilience of a defined area. In this guide, we will detail how shared self-consumption works.

Key points to remember

• Collective self-consumption means sharing locally produced electricity among several consumers. This differs from individual self-consumption where a single person consumes their own production.
• The advantages are numerous: economic (reduced bills), ecological (green energy) and social (local dynamic).
• To succeed in a local authority project, it is essential to thoroughly study the solar potential, analyse the sites, and define the role of the local authority (producer, investor, etc.).
• Legal structuring is important, particularly the creation of an Organising Legal Entity (OLE) to manage the project and sign agreements with Enedis.
• It is also necessary to define how the energy will be distributed, how billing will be managed and how surpluses will be handled, all while respecting the regulatory framework.

Understanding the fundamentals of collective self-consumption

Collective self-consumption, also known as shared self-consumption, represents a significant evolution in our relationship with energy. It allows a group of people, often neighbours, to jointly consume locally produced electricity, most often thanks to photovoltaic installations. This collaborative model is gaining ground in neighbourhoods, condominiums and villages that wish to produce and consume greener, local and more economical energy. This type of project is not limited to reducing bills; it also helps to strengthen the energy resilience of a defined area, whether it is a neighbourhood, a building or an entire local authority. The French photovoltaic market is experiencing strong growth, with an increase in production at the beginning of 2025, stimulated by new, more efficient modules and a rise in installations. Self-consumption is a key driver of this dynamic, with nearly 40% of new installations dedicated to this practice, offering businesses reduced energy costs and better price stability. Collective self-consumption is also developing, with over 195 active projects bringing together more than 2,600 participants, thus promoting local energy communities. New models are emerging, such as solar eco-districts, business parks and public-private synergies. Despite certain administrative complexities and distribution challenges, the market is expected to reach 1,000 collective self-consumption operations by 2028. In June 2025, France had 1,111 active collective self-consumption operations, representing a cumulative installed capacity of 161 MW. This figure increased by more than 144% in one year, from 454 operations in June 2024. These projects involve 12,338 participants, including 1,694 producers and 10,644 consumers. Collective self-consumption is governed by Article L315-2 of the Energy Code. Each project must establish an operation agreement with Enedis, which specifies the geographical scope, the role of the OLE, and the technical arrangements. Producers and consumers must be located nearby. The production of a solar energy installation between several consumption points, called delivery points (DPs), must be located within a 2 km radius around the installation (or 20 km in rural areas by derogation), forming an operational perimeter validated by Enedis, the public distribution network operator. This helps to limit network losses and comply with regulations. Several delivery points (DPs) must be involved (a minimum of 2 consumers). A project can bring together individuals, businesses, local authorities, etc. The total power of the production installations must not exceed 5 MW. This threshold ensures efficient operation compatible with the public distribution network. To frame the project, it is mandatory to create an Organising Legal Entity (OLE), which can take the form of an association, a cooperative, a condominium trustee or a local authority. This entity is responsible for signing agreements with Enedis and the participants, and for managing the project’s governance. A specific agreement must be established with Enedis to organise the connection of the installation and the management of the energy produced. The project must comply with the technical rules in force as well as the Public Electricity Network Usage Tariff (TURPE) specific to collective self-consumption. The distribution of the energy produced among members must be registered with Enedis, which plays a central role in the technical and administrative management of the project. The electricity is distributed according to a distribution key decided by the participants and registered with Enedis. This key can take into account the installed capacity, average consumption, or other collectively agreed criteria. The Public Electricity Network Usage Tariff (TURPE) applies to each participant to remunerate the use of the network. However, this tariff is reduced within the framework of collective self-consumption, in order to encourage local projects and short energy circuits. The sale of electricity between members of a collective self-consumption project is not a sale in the classic sense, as it is an energy sharing within the framework of a registered operation. However, financial compensation may be provided to reflect the distribution of the energy produced. It is possible to resell the surplus production not consumed collectively via an electricity purchase contract (purchase obligation or over-the-counter contract). This optimises the project’s profitability while supporting the network. The legal framework for installing a solar power plant on public local authority land is generally a long-term lease, the usual duration of which is between 18 and 99 years, in accordance with the provisions of the General Code of Local Authorities. The advantages of collective self-consumption are numerous: they encompass economic, ecological and social benefits. The installation of a 3000W solar kit for self-consumption, for example, can significantly reduce electricity bills and environmental impact, while simplifying the installation process thanks to a plug-and-play system. It is important to note that collective self-consumption is an evolving practice. The current context of energy prices encourages us to better understand where our electricity comes from and to organise ourselves to be less subject to price volatility. In addition, the purchase and installation of photovoltaic panels have become more affordable. Regulatory developments and tools developed by industry players and Enedis make it possible to share green electricity at the local level. The State, committed to the energy transition, supports the development of self-consumption, which makes it possible to produce and consume less polluting, local and more sustainable electricity in a short circuit. The law now recognises and regulates self-consumption, and producers who are members of a collective self-consumption operation can benefit from financial aid. Collective self-consumption projects can take various forms: urban, rural, social, citizen-led. For example, an urban condominium can install solar panels on its roof, a rural agricultural project can share production among neighbours, or a local authority can install solar panels on a school, a town hall and a multi-purpose hall to share energy between public buildings. These exemplary local initiatives demonstrate the diversity of possible projects and the benefits obtained by pioneering local authorities. The future of shared self-consumption in France looks promising, supported by favourable regulations, local incentives and a continuous fall in solar costs. More and more local authorities are launching pilot projects, the government plans to further ease regulations, and digital services and tools are developing to facilitate operations and transparency. Collective self-consumption is a rapidly growing dynamic that helps to reduce electricity bills and strengthen the energy resilience of an area. Optimising long-term performance and adapting the project to future developments are key aspects to ensure the sustainability of installations. Information on solar kits for self-consumption can be found, which can be a first step towards this type of project. Successful local authority projects, such as those that highlight the benefits obtained, serve as inspiration for other local authorities. Adapting the project to future developments is also an important point to guarantee its long-term viability. Feedback from pioneering local authorities is a valuable source of information for structuring a local authority project. The importance of monitoring and maintaining installations must not be neglected to optimise long-term performance. The benefits obtained by pioneering local authorities in the context of collective self-consumption are often significant, both economically, ecologically and socially. The analysis of exemplary local initiatives helps to better understand the keys to the success of these projects. It is important to choose the right technologies and partners for successful implementation. The search for funding and subsidies is a decisive step for the realisation of a local authority collective self-consumption project. The key steps for successful implementation must be well defined upstream. Defining the local authority’s place in the project is a strategic question. The analysis of potential sites for solar installations is an indispensable preliminary step. Evaluating the local authority’s solar potential helps to identify opportunities for your local authority. The regulations governing collective self-consumption operations are an element to master. The specificities of the geographical perimeter are defined by the proximity between producers and consumers. The number of participants and the installed capacity are regulatory parameters to be respected. The legal structuring of the local authority project is a key step. The different legal structuring options must be studied. The role and creation of the Organising Legal Entity (OLE) are essential. Formalising agreements with Enedis is an obligation. Defining the energy management and distribution arrangements is paramount. Establishing an energy distribution key must be done collectively. Organising billing and financial compensation must be planned. The management of unconsumed surplus electricity must be anticipated. The financing and implementation of your local authority project require rigorous planning. The search for funding and subsidies is a key step. The choice of appropriate technologies and partners is decisive. The key steps for successful implementation must be well understood. The regulatory frameworks for collective self-consumption are defined by the Energy Code. The specificities of the geographical perimeter are important for the validity of the project. The number of participants and the installed capacity are thresholds to be respected. Ensuring the monitoring and sustainability of installations is a guarantee of long-term success. The importance of monitoring and maintenance is crucial. Optimising long-term performance is a constant objective. Adapting the project to future developments is necessary for its durability. Concrete examples of successful local authority projects serve as models and inspiration. The analysis of exemplary local initiatives provides valuable lessons. Feedback from pioneering local authorities is an invaluable source of information. Highlighting the benefits obtained by these projects strengthens their attractiveness. Collective self-consumption is an opportunity for local authorities to actively engage in the energy transition and create more resilient and energy-autonomous communities. The French photovoltaic market is expanding rapidly, and collective self-consumption plays an increasingly important role in it.

Identifying opportunities for your local authority

For a local authority, embarking on collective self-consumption first means looking at what the area can offer. It is an approach that requires thorough analysis to ensure that the project will be viable and beneficial for everyone. You can’t just install panels everywhere without thinking.

Evaluation of the local authority’s solar potential

The first step is to see how much sun is received and where installations can be placed. You need to look at the available roof surface on local authority buildings, schools, sports halls, but also business parks or car parks. It is important to map these surfaces to estimate the potential energy production. We can also consider unused land that could host ground-mounted power plants, respecting landscapes and agricultural uses if applicable. The idea is to maximise the use of local solar resources.

Analysis of potential sites for installations

Once you have an idea of the surfaces, you need to refine it. Not all roofs are necessarily suitable. You need to check their condition, orientation, inclination, and ensure they can support the weight of the panels. For ground-mounted power plants, you need to study the nature of the soil, access for maintenance, and proximity to the electricity grid. You also need to consider the visual impact and integration into the environment. A good technical analysis helps to avoid unpleasant surprises later. It’s a bit like choosing the right location for a garden.

Defining the local authority’s role in the project

The local authority can play several roles. It can be a simple participant, like a citizen, or it can be the driving force behind the project. It can make the roofs of its buildings available, or even become the Organising Legal Entity (OLE). This orchestrator role is important because it requires coordinating everyone: producers, consumers, Enedis, and any financial partners. The local authority can also choose to delegate part of the management. It is important to carefully consider what the local authority wants and can do, based on its resources and objectives. This is a strategic decision that will structure the entire project, much like choosing the type of governance for an association. To learn more about project models, this guide on collective self-consumption can be useful.

Legally structuring your local authority project

The implementation of a collective self-consumption project within a local authority requires clear and adapted legal structuring. Several options are available to local authorities to frame these operations, each presenting specific advantages and constraints. It is essential to fully understand these arrangements to guarantee the sustainability and effectiveness of the project.

The different legal structuring options

A local authority can choose from several schemes to carry out its collective self-consumption project. The choice will depend on the local authority’s willingness to be directly involved in the investment and management, or to delegate these aspects to third parties.

• Direct investment: The local authority takes charge of the entire project, from investment to operation. It thus retains full control and benefits from all generated revenues. This option requires significant investment capacity and technical and administrative expertise.
• Third-party investment: The local authority makes its assets (roofs, land) available to an external operator who finances, builds and operates the installation. The local authority then receives rental income or royalties. This arrangement avoids investment expenditure and benefits from the partner’s expertise. Different types of contracts can be used, such as a temporary occupation agreement (TOA) or an administrative long-term lease (ALL).
• Indirect ownership: In this case, the local authority can associate with a third-party company, often a Mixed Economy Company (MEC) or a specialised company, to carry out the project. The local authority can hold shares and participate in governance, while benefiting from the partner’s expertise and financing.

The choice of legal structuring is a decisive step that will influence the governance, financing and distribution of benefits of the collective self-consumption project.

The role and creation of the Organising Legal Entity (OLE)

In the context of collective self-consumption, the designation of an Organising Legal Entity (OLE) is a key step. The OLE is responsible for the operational management of the project, particularly the distribution of the energy produced among the different participants and billing. It can be an existing entity (such as a municipal board) or a new structure created specifically for the project, for example, a 1901 law association or a cooperative society of collective interest (CSCI).

The creation of the OLE involves several steps: defining its statutes, appointing its governing bodies, and establishing contracts with the various stakeholders (producers, consumers, network operator).

Type of OLE	Advantages
Association	Simplicity of creation, democratic governance, non-profit
CSCI	Cooperative framework, profit sharing, local roots
MEC	Technical and financial expertise, investment capacity, link with the local authority

Formalising agreements with Enedis

Contracting with Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator, is essential for any collective self-consumption operation. Several agreements must be established to frame electricity flows and technical and commercial relations.

• Collective Self-Consumption Agreement (CSCA): This formalises the agreement between the participants (producers and consumers) and the OLE, defining the energy distribution arrangements. It specifies the distribution key and the conditions for exiting the scheme.
• Connection Agreement: This concerns the connection of the production installation to the public distribution network. It is established between the producer (or the OLE) and Enedis.
• Metering Agreement: This defines the arrangements for measuring energy flows (production, participant consumption) and is also concluded with Enedis.

These agreements are essential to ensure the regulatory compliance of the project and guarantee smooth management of energy flows. It is recommended to seek expert assistance for the drafting and negotiation of these agreements, in order to secure the project. Companies like Solencia.net can help assess solar potential and propose adapted scenarios to transform farms into energy centres.

Defining management and distribution arrangements

Once the legal and technical framework has been established, it is essential to put in place clear rules for the daily management and distribution of the energy produced. These arrangements are at the heart of how collective self-consumption works and must be understood by all participants.

Establishing an energy distribution key

The way in which the solar electricity produced will be shared among community members is paramount. This distribution key must be fair and reflect the needs or commitments of each. Several methods can be considered:

• Pro-rata distribution to consumption: Each participant receives a share of the energy produced proportional to their usual consumption.
• Distribution according to a consumption commitment: Participants define a volume of energy they commit to consume, and production is distributed according to these commitments.
• Fixed distribution: A fixed share is allocated to each participant, regardless of their actual consumption.

It is important that this key is defined upstream and formalised in the statutes of the supporting structure or in a specific agreement. A good understanding of this mechanism is necessary to ensure the viability of the project.

Organising billing and financial compensation

Financial management is a key aspect. It involves ensuring that each participant pays the fair price for the energy they consume and that revenues generated by the sale of surplus are correctly redistributed. This implies:

• Implementing a precise monitoring system: Each injection and each consumption must be measured and recorded.
• Establishing clear invoices: Invoices must detail the share of self-consumed energy, the share of energy purchased from the grid, and, where applicable, revenues from the sale of surplus.
• Managing financial flows: Defining who collects payments from participants and who makes payments to producers or energy suppliers.

Transparency in billing and compensation is an essential factor of trust for the long-term success of the operation.

Managing unconsumed surplus electricity

It is rare for an installation to produce exactly the amount of energy consumed by the community. A production surplus is therefore common. This surplus can be managed in several ways:

• Sale to the grid: The surplus is sold to an energy supplier, often at a tariff defined by a purchase obligation or on the market.
• Storage: If storage solutions (batteries) are integrated into the project, the surplus can be stored for later consumption.
• Credit to the community: In some cases, the surplus can be considered as a credit for the community, reducing overall costs.

The choice of surplus management will depend on the project’s economic objectives and available market opportunities. It is important to anticipate this management to optimise the benefits of the operation.

Financing and implementing your local authority project

Once the potential has been identified and the legal structure defined, the realisation of your collective self-consumption project involves a crucial step: its financing and operational implementation. This phase requires rigorous planning and a judicious selection of technologies and partners.

Seeking funding and subsidies

To realise your project, several funding avenues are available to your local authority. Direct investment by the local authority is one option, allowing it to retain full control and economic benefits. Alternatively, the third-party investment model relieves the local authority of initial construction costs, with the operator taking charge of all works in exchange for a roof or land lease. It is also possible to seek external funding through public subsidies (national, regional, European) or calls for projects dedicated to renewable energies. A thorough analysis of available aid is therefore essential to optimise the financial arrangement.

• Public subsidies: Explore support schemes from the State, regions and European funds.
• Green loans and bank financing: Approach financial institutions specialising in energy transition projects.
• Crowdfunding: Involve citizens or local stakeholders via crowdfunding platforms.

Choosing appropriate technologies and partners

The selection of photovoltaic equipment (panels, inverters, storage systems if relevant) must be guided by criteria of performance, durability and cost. It is recommended to rely on feedback and recognised certifications. The choice of partners (installers, consultancy firms, network operators) is equally decisive. Prioritise companies with solid experience in collective self-consumption projects and capable of supporting you throughout the project’s life cycle, from design to maintenance.

The success of a collective self-consumption project depends as much on the quality of the installations as on the reliability of the actors who deploy and manage them. A rigorous selection of partners is therefore a key step.

Key steps for successful implementation

The effective implementation of your collective self-consumption project generally follows a structured path:

1. Detailed feasibility study: Refine the technical, economic and regulatory analysis, including an environmental impact study if necessary.
2. Consultation and contracting: Launch calls for tenders for the choice of technologies and service providers, then formalise contracts (temporary occupation agreement, electricity sales contract, etc.).
3. Obtaining administrative authorisations: Submit building permits and other required authorisations to the competent authorities.
4. Installation and connection: Carry out the installation work for the solar panels and ensure connection to the electricity grid via Enedis.
5. Commissioning and monitoring: Verify the proper functioning of the installations and set up tools for monitoring production and consumption.

The regulatory frameworks for collective self-consumption

To successfully carry out a collective self-consumption (CSC) project, it is essential to fully understand the legal framework governing these operations. French regulations have been designed to frame these new forms of local energy consumption, by defining clear rules for producers and consumers. Compliance with these provisions is the key to the success and sustainability of your local authority project.

Collective self-consumption is primarily defined by Article L315-2 of the Energy Code. This legal framework lays the foundations for what is called a collective self-consumption operation. It notably stipulates that participants must be grouped within the same building or a set of contiguous buildings. For more extensive projects, such as those involving an entire local authority, specific provisions apply.

It is mandatory to formalise an operation agreement with Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator. This agreement details the technical aspects, the scope of the operation, and the role of the structure organising the project. Producers and consumers must be located within a defined perimeter, which limits energy losses during transport.

Specifics of the geographical perimeter

The geographical perimeter is a central element of the regulation. It defines the area where producers and consumers can share the electricity produced. For solar installations, this perimeter is generally set within a 2-kilometre radius around the production installation. However, exemptions may be granted, particularly in rural areas, extending this radius to 20 kilometres. This geographical proximity is designed to optimise the efficiency of the system and minimise energy losses on the network. Validation of this perimeter by Enedis is a mandatory step before the project launch.

Number of participants and installed capacity

A collective self-consumption project must involve a minimum of two consumers. These can be individuals, businesses, associations or local authorities. The regulation also sets a limit on the cumulative power of production installations within a CSC operation, which must not exceed 5 MW. This threshold aims to ensure good integration of installations into the public distribution network and to guarantee their optimal operation. These limits allow for the structuring of reasonably sized and manageable projects.

Regulations are evolving to support the development of collective self-consumption. It is therefore advisable to stay informed of the latest provisions and to seek professional assistance to ensure the compliance of your project.

Collective self-consumption projects benefit from a favourable regulatory framework, particularly with a reduced Public Electricity Network Usage Tariff (TURPE) for self-consumed electricity. This measure aims to encourage the development of these local initiatives and to make the model more attractive. Furthermore, the possibility of reselling unconsumed surplus electricity via a purchase contract optimises the overall profitability of the project, thus contributing to its long-term economic viability. It is important to note that connection to the public grid must comply with the technical rules established by Enedis, which manages all connections and energy flows in France.

The development of collective self-consumption is supported by financial aid and incentives, making investment more accessible. Local authorities wishing to engage in this approach can explore various funding avenues to cover installation and management costs. French law encourages the production of local renewable energy, making CSC an important lever for the energy transition. CSC operations can benefit from a guaranteed purchase tariff for surplus electricity injected into the grid, offering financial security to producers over a 20-year period, provided that installation and certification standards of equipment are met.

Ensuring the monitoring and sustainability of installations

Once your collective self-consumption project is commissioned, the adventure does not end there. It is essential to implement a rigorous monitoring and maintenance strategy to guarantee the performance and longevity of your solar installations. This operational phase, which generally extends over 20 to 30 years, requires constant attention.

The importance of monitoring and maintenance

Regular monitoring of electricity production is essential to ensure that your photovoltaic panels are operating optimally. It allows for rapid detection of any anomaly or drop in performance. Preventive maintenance operations, such as cleaning panels or checking connections, must be planned. Sometimes, corrective interventions may be necessary to rectify malfunctions. Well-managed maintenance is the key to the durability of your investment.

Local authorities can choose to manage these aspects themselves or to entrust operation and maintenance to specialised service providers. It is common to sign maintenance contracts with qualified companies to ensure professional service.

Optimising long-term performance

To maximise the benefits of your project, several actions can be implemented:

• Production monitoring: Use monitoring tools to track kWh produced in real-time and identify deviations from forecasts.
• Preventive maintenance: Plan regular visits for panel cleaning, inspection of inverters and wiring.
• Data analysis: Examine production reports to detect trends and anticipate maintenance needs.
• Sale of surplus: If your project allows it, selling unconsumed electricity to the grid can generate additional revenue, thus contributing to overall profitability. It is important to fully understand the terms of selling surplus electricity.

Performance optimisation is not limited to technical aspects; it also includes efficient administrative and financial management to ensure the economic sustainability of the project throughout its lifespan.

Adapting the project to future developments

The energy and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. It is therefore important to stay informed and adapt your project if necessary. This may concern the integration of new technologies, the adjustment of supply or maintenance contracts, or the evolution of the needs of the local authority and participants. Active technological and regulatory watch helps to maintain the competitiveness and relevance of your collective self-consumption installation. Thinking about the management of solar installations in the long term is an essential step for local authorities.

Concrete examples of successful local authority projects

To illustrate the feasibility and benefits of collective self-consumption at the local authority level, several local initiatives deserve to be highlighted. These projects demonstrate the diversity of approaches and results obtained, offering valuable feedback for local authorities wishing to embark on this path.

Analysis of exemplary local initiatives

Collective self-consumption projects are deployed in various forms, adapted to both urban and rural contexts. For example, installations are observed on the roofs of public facilities such as schools, town halls or multi-purpose halls, where the energy produced is shared between these buildings. Other initiatives involve groups of citizens or farmers, creating shared energy networks within hamlets or rural areas. These concrete achievements show that collective self-consumption is an adaptable and beneficial solution at all scales.

Here is an overview of the types of projects that can be encountered:

• Urban condominium project: A residential building with 30 flats with a solar installation on its roof, managed by a homeowners’ association. The installed capacity is 36 kWp, involving 24 households. Energy distribution is based on average consumption, and the surplus is resold via a purchase contract.
• Rural agricultural project: A small hamlet of 5 houses and a farm sharing the production of an 18 kWp installation. The legal structure is a CSCI (Cooperative Society of Collective Interest), supported by local crowdfunding. Batteries are planned to store the surplus.
• Local authority project on public buildings: A local authority has installed a solar power plant on the school, the town hall and a multi-purpose hall, totalling 50 kWp. The energy is shared between these three public buildings, with the town hall as the organising legal entity. This project benefited from a regional subsidy and has an educational aspect for students.

Feedback from pioneering local authorities

Local authorities that were among the first to embark on collective self-consumption share rich and instructive feedback. They highlight the importance of good preparation upstream, particularly the evaluation of solar potential and the completion of a thorough feasibility study. The involvement of citizens and local stakeholders from the beginning of the project is also a key success factor, fostering adherence and the sustainability of the initiative. Investing in solar panels offers municipalities a profitable way to gain energy independence and reduce their operating expenses.

Implementing a collective self-consumption project requires rigorous planning. It is advisable to surround yourself with experts to navigate the technical, economic and regulatory aspects. The search for funding, whether public or private, greatly facilitates the realisation of local authority solar projects.

Highlighting the benefits obtained

The benefits of these projects are numerous. Economically, they allow for a reduction in electricity bills for participants and can generate additional income through the resale of surplus. Ecologically, they contribute to the production of local renewable energy and the reduction of the carbon footprint. Socially, they strengthen local cohesion, raise awareness of the challenges of energy transition and can improve the attractiveness of the local authority, for example by powering electric vehicle charging points or creating solar carports.

It should be noted that unconsumed surplus electricity can be resold via a purchase contract, thus optimising the overall profitability of the project while supporting the national electricity grid.

In the « Concrete examples of successful local authority projects » section, discover how other towns have shone thanks to solar energy. These achievements show that going green is possible and beneficial for everyone. Do you want to know how your local authority can follow this example? Visit our website for more information and to launch your own solar project.

Going further: the future of local authority collective self-consumption

In summary, collective self-consumption opens up interesting opportunities for local authorities wishing to engage in a more local and responsible energy approach. Examples show that projects are varied, ranging from small hamlets to denser urban areas. The regulatory framework is evolving, and tools are improving, making these initiatives increasingly accessible. It is true that this requires a certain organisation and the establishment of a structure to manage the project, but the benefits, both economic, ecological and social, are very real. Thinking about collective self-consumption also means looking towards a future where energy is produced and shared closer to home, thus strengthening the resilience and autonomy of our areas. It is a promising path for local authorities that want to take concrete action for the energy transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is collective self-consumption?

It’s when several people, such as neighbours or residents of the same neighbourhood, decide to share electricity produced by a common solar installation. Instead of everyone having their own panel, they pool the production to distribute it among themselves.

What are the advantages for a local authority to embark on collective self-consumption?

A local authority can save money on its electricity bills, as it uses locally produced energy, which is often cheaper. This also helps to have cleaner energy and reinforces the idea of working together for the environment.

How is the electricity produced shared among participants?

A ‘distribution key’ is established. It’s like a recipe that says who receives what share of the electricity produced. This distribution is registered with Enedis, which manages the electricity grid.

Who is responsible for managing a collective self-consumption project?

An ‘Organising Legal Entity’ (OLE) is required. This can be an association, a cooperative or even the town hall. This structure handles everything: organising the sharing, making contracts with Enedis and managing the finances.

Can unconsumed electricity be sold by the group?

Yes, it is entirely possible. If the installation produces more electricity than the participants consume, the surplus can be sold to an energy supplier. This allows for earning a little extra money.

What is the difference between individual and collective self-consumption?

In individual self-consumption, it is a single person or household that consumes its own production. In collective self-consumption, it is a group of people who share the production of a single installation.

What is the geographical perimeter for a collective self-consumption project?

Participants must be fairly close to each other. Generally, they must be within a 2-kilometre radius around the solar installation, except in rural areas where this radius can be larger.

How can a local authority finance such a project?

A local authority can use its own funds, apply for aid from the State or regions, or find private partners. There are several grants and subsidies available to encourage these green energy projects.