The photovoltaic sector is booming, and with it, the demands for quality and safety of installations. To help you gain clarity and secure your projects, there is an essential tool: the C2P green list. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important for your solar installations? This article explains everything about the C2P green list, its criteria, its advantages, and its impact on your projects.

Key Points of the C2P Green List

• The C2P green list, managed by the Products Prevention Commission (C2P) of the AQC, lists photovoltaic processes that have received a favourable technical opinion, certifying their compliance and fitness for purpose.
• Being listed on the C2P green list is a guarantee of quality and safety, facilitating the insurability of photovoltaic projects and securing investments.
• Admission criteria include the evaluation of regulatory compliance, analysis of durability and fitness for purpose, based on standards and technical assessments.
• Using processes listed on the green list simplifies administrative procedures, particularly for connection, and reassures funders and insurers.
• The C2P green list evolves with new technologies and quality requirements, necessitating constant monitoring for solar professionals.

Understanding the C2P Green List in the Photovoltaic Context

To fully grasp the stakes of the C2P green list in the photovoltaic sector, one must first understand its role and origin. It is not a mere administrative formality, but a genuine guarantee of quality and safety for solar installations. Essentially, the C2P, or Products Prevention Commission, is there to evaluate construction processes and ensure they are reliable and durable. When a process receives a favourable technical opinion, it can then be listed on this famous green list. This means it has successfully passed a series of rigorous tests and evaluations.

The importance of this list is particularly pronounced in the photovoltaic field, where technologies evolve rapidly and long-term reliability is paramount. The technical opinions, which form the basis of the green list, examine several aspects: compliance with current regulations, fitness for purpose in real conditions, and the expected durability of the process. It’s a bit like obtaining a certificate of good operation for your solar installation. The evolution of these technical opinions, and therefore of the green list, keeps pace with innovations and field feedback. Processes that no longer meet requirements or that show deficiencies can be withdrawn, which encourages manufacturers to maintain a high level of quality. Understanding this mechanism is therefore essential for choosing equipment that will not only perform today but also last tomorrow. It is a key step to secure your projects and gain the approval of insurers and funders, who often refer to these technical evaluations of processes to validate the viability of a photovoltaic project. The current technical opinions are also available for consultation, allowing verification of the compliance of proposed solutions.

C2P Green List Admission Criteria

For a photovoltaic process to be listed on the C2P green list, it must undergo a rigorous evaluation process. This process aims to ensure that the proposed technologies are not only compliant with current regulations but also reliable and durable in the long term. The objective is to provide professionals and insurers with a guarantee of quality and safety.

Evaluation of Regulatory Compliance of Processes

The first step is to verify that the process complies with all applicable laws and standards in France. This includes thermal, electrical, and fire safety regulations. The aim is to ensure that the photovoltaic installation integrates harmoniously into the building without compromising the safety of occupants or the energy performance of the building. Documents provided by the manufacturer must attest to this compliance, often through certifications or declarations of performance.

Analysis of Durability and Fitness for Purpose

Beyond regulatory compliance, the C2P examines the durability of the process under real-world conditions. This involves an analysis of the materials used, their resistance to weathering, corrosion, and ageing. Fitness for purpose concerns the ease and safety of implementation by installers. A technical evaluation, such as a Technical Opinion (ATec) issued by the CSTB, is often required to attest to these qualities. It details the scope of use of the process, the materials, the rules for sizing and implementation, as well as the expected durability conditions. Insurers recognise these evaluations, which facilitates obtaining ten-year warranty insurance for installers.

The Role of Standards and Technical Evaluations

Standards play a key role in the evaluation of processes. For example, standard UTE C 15-712-1 provides a framework for the installation of photovoltaic systems. Technical evaluations, such as Technical Opinions (ATec), New Technical Surveys (ETN), or Technical Experimentation Appraisals (ATEx), are essential tools. They enable the validation of innovation and provide construction stakeholders with an informed opinion on new products and processes. ATEx, for example, are a rapid procedure for processes that do not yet have a Technical Opinion, thus facilitating the integration of innovations and the identification of potential risks for insurers and technical controllers.

Listing on the C2P green list is not a mere administrative formality; it represents an in-depth technical validation. It certifies that the process has been examined from every angle, from its design to its implementation, including its durability. This approach is essential to secure projects and guarantee the trust of the various stakeholders.

Advantages of Using C2P Green List Processes

Adopting photovoltaic processes listed on the C2P green list brings tangible benefits for the realisation and longevity of your solar projects. This structured approach simplifies many stages, from design to operation, including financial and insurance aspects. It represents genuine added value for professionals in the sector.

Facilitating the Insurability of Photovoltaic Projects

One of the primary major advantages of using processes listed on the C2P green list lies in simplifying the acquisition of insurance. Insurers recognise the quality and reliability of products and systems that have successfully passed the required technical evaluations. This results in easier acceptance of applications and potentially more favourable insurance premiums. Indeed, a process validated by the C2P has already undergone an in-depth analysis of its performance and durability, thereby reducing the risk perceived by insurance companies. This helps secure coverage for your installation against technical hazards and claims.

Securing Investments Through Technical Compliance

Technical compliance is an essential pillar for the success of a photovoltaic project. Processes listed on the C2P green list are those that have demonstrated their fitness for purpose and compliance with current standards. This means that the materials and implementation methods have been rigorously examined. For example, systems like IKO Excel Solar, which benefit from evaluation by an expert committee, are designed for simple installation and reduced load on the roof, while ensuring good aesthetic integration. Choosing certified components and validated processes minimises the risks of technical failure, non-compliance with regulations, and consequently, protects your investment in the long term. It is a guarantee of performance and durability for your solar power plant.

Simplification of Administrative and Connection Procedures

Listing a process on the C2P green list also simplifies administrative procedures, particularly those related to connection to the electricity grid. Network operators and control authorities place increased trust in installations using proven and certified equipment and systems. This can accelerate approval and validation processes, reducing delays before your installation is commissioned. Furthermore, the documentation associated with green list processes is generally comprehensive and compliant with administrative expectations, which streamlines the compilation of files. The French photovoltaic market, rapidly evolving with initiatives like the Solar Pact, increasingly values the transparency and compliance of installations to meet market challenges.

Using C2P-validated processes is not just a formality; it is a proactive strategy to minimise risks, optimise project management, and guarantee the long-term profitability of your solar investment.

Eligible Photovoltaic Processes and Their Documentation

For a photovoltaic installation to be recognised and insured, it is essential to ensure that the processes used are compliant and well-documented. This involves choosing equipment and installation methods that have undergone recognised technical evaluations. These evaluations attest to the regulatory compliance, durability, and fitness for purpose of the systems. Insurers and financial institutions generally require processes to be listed on the C2P’s green list, which references validated Technical Opinions (ATec).

Identification of Technical Opinions Validated by the C2P

The Products Prevention Commission (C2P), managed by the Construction Quality Agency (AQC), publishes a list of photovoltaic processes that have received a favourable Technical Opinion. These Technical Opinions are documents that evaluate a specific process in detail, including materials, fastening systems, and installation conditions. They are essential for attesting to compliance with standards and the reliability of installations. Listing on the green list means that the process has successfully passed this rigorous evaluation and can be insured under standard practice. The complete list of technical opinions can be consulted on the AQC website, by selecting the photovoltaic processes category.

Required Content for Listing Application Files

For a process to be evaluated and potentially listed on the green list, a complete file must be submitted. This file must contain precise information on the product or system, including:

• Detailed description of the process (panels, inverters, fastening systems).
• Results of performance and durability tests.
• Compliance with current electrical standards, such as standard NF C15-100.
• Implementation requirements, including the qualifications required for installers.
• Elements related to fire safety, referencing standards such as Apsad D20.

Access to Information on Current Technical Opinions

Professionals in the solar sector can access information relating to current Technical Opinions and the green list via several channels. The AQC website is the main source for consulting photovoltaic technical opinions. Furthermore, technical guides, such as those published by the CSTB, provide clarification on the design and implementation rules for photovoltaic systems. It is important to stay informed of updates, as technical opinions can evolve or be withdrawn. Active monitoring ensures that the processes used remain compliant and recognised by insurers and funders, thereby facilitating the connection of installations.

The Impact of the C2P Green List on Installation Design

Integrating the C2P green list into the design of your photovoltaic projects is not a mere administrative formality; it directly influences technical choices and the longevity of your installation. Upfront, this means that the processes and materials you select must have already undergone rigorous evaluation. This avoids unpleasant surprises later, particularly during insurance or financing phases. Considering the green list from the outset of the project ensures that the chosen components are recognised for their durability and compliance with current standards. This approach aims to secure the entire value chain, from manufacturer to installer, and through to the system owner.

Selection of Compliant Materials and Equipment

The first concrete consequence of the C2P green list on design is the choice of materials and equipment. Manufacturers whose processes are listed have demonstrated the quality and reliability of their products. For a designer, this greatly simplifies selection. The aim is to favour building-integrated or overlay systems that appear in the technical opinions validated by the C2P. This can concern the photovoltaic modules themselves, as well as fastening systems, cabling, or inverters. The objective is to ensure that each constituent element of the installation has been evaluated and meets performance and safety requirements. For example, a fastening system that has not undergone a technical evaluation could pose long-term waterproofing or mechanical resistance problems, affecting the installation’s warranty. It is therefore relevant to consult the available lists of technical opinions, such as those referenced by the CSTB, to make informed choices from the design phase. The Construction Quality Agency (AQC) plays a key role in disseminating this information, allowing professionals to rely on reliable data to select recognised processes.

Integration of Green List Requirements from the Project Phase

It is highly recommended to integrate the requirements of the C2P green list from the very first stages of designing a photovoltaic project. This means not viewing this list as a late constraint, but rather as a guide for technology selection. Upfront, when defining the specifications, it must be stipulated that the processes used will need to be eligible for the green list. This helps steer discussions with suppliers and installers towards solutions that are already proven and validated. A proactive approach thus avoids having to modify the design midway through, which could lead to delays and additional costs. Anticipation is key: knowing the types of processes that are or are likely to be listed on the green list allows for building a solid project from the outset. This includes verifying the technical documentation provided by manufacturers, which must attest to the compliance of their products with the evaluation criteria.

Anticipating the Needs of Insurers and Funders

The C2P green list is a strong indicator for insurers and financial institutions. A project whose processes comply with this list presents a reduced technical risk. Insurers see it as a guarantee of quality and durability, which can translate into more favourable premium conditions or easier risk acceptance. Similarly, funders, whether banks or investors, are more inclined to support projects that demonstrate mastery of technical risks. The use of processes listed on the green list therefore facilitates obtaining financing and subscribing to suitable insurance policies. This demonstrates rigorous project management and a desire to minimise uncertainties. In summary, compliance with the C2P green list acts as a pledge of seriousness and professionalism, reassuring all stakeholders and contributing to the overall success of the photovoltaic project. Stakeholders like Herbigneaux Conseils closely follow these developments to inform professionals in the sector.

The Stakes of the C2P Green List for Solar Professionals

The C2P green list represents a key element for professionals in the photovoltaic sector, directly influencing the viability and profitability of their projects. Conforming to it is not a mere formality, but a strategic approach that impacts several aspects of their activity.

Mastering Technical and Insurance Risks

One of the main challenges lies in risk management. Insurers pay particular attention to the reliability of the processes used. Listing a process on the C2P green list attests to a prior technical evaluation, validating its regulatory compliance and durability. This greatly facilitates obtaining insurance coverage, particularly the ten-year warranty, and can help reduce premiums. Indeed, claims related to non-compliant or poorly evaluated installations incur high costs, pushing insurers to be more demanding. The use of validated processes reduces the probability of technical failures and, consequently, associated disputes and costs. An installation compliant with green list standards is a safer and easier installation to insure.

Maintaining Market Competitiveness

In an increasingly competitive solar market, standing out through quality and reliability is a definite advantage. Clients, whether property developers, farmers, or individuals, seek durable and high-performing solutions. Processes listed on the C2P green list offer this guarantee, strengthening the trust of investors and end-users. Not being on this list can lead to difficulties in obtaining funding or responding to tenders that increasingly incorporate these quality criteria. It can also impact access to certain aid or subsidies, as was the case for the landscape integration premium, which required a favourable technical opinion.

Ensuring the Longevity and Performance of Installations

Beyond immediate financial and insurance aspects, the C2P green list contributes to the long-term sustainability of photovoltaic installations. Technical evaluations consider the resistance of materials, the quality of implementation, and the durability of components in the face of environmental conditions. This results in more robust installations, less prone to premature degradation, and capable of reliably producing electricity for many years. Professionals who rely on these validated processes thus ensure they deliver quality works, compliant with market expectations and energy performance requirements. The regular updating of the green list, reflecting technological and regulatory developments, allows stakeholders to stay at the forefront and adapt their offerings to market changes.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Regulatory compliance: Ensure that the processes used comply with current standards and regulations.
• Material quality: Prioritise components that have undergone in-depth technical evaluations.
• Long-term performance: Choose solutions that guarantee stable and durable energy production.
• Acceptance by funders: Facilitate obtaining loans and investments through process validation.

C2P Green List Update and Monitoring Process

The C2P green list is not a static document; it evolves to reflect technological advancements and field feedback. Understanding how it is updated and monitored is therefore essential for professionals in the photovoltaic sector.

Frequency of New Technical Opinion Publications

The Construction Quality Agency (AQC), which leads the Products Prevention Commission (C2P), regularly publishes new technical opinions and updates the green list. Historically, these publications generally occur twice a year, often at the beginning and middle of the year. For example, photovoltaic technical opinions were published in May 2019, and some processes were subsequently added to the green list. It is important to consult the AQC website for the latest updates.

Mechanisms for Reviewing and Withdrawing Processes

Processes listed on the green list are subject to continuous monitoring. If a process no longer meets performance, safety, or durability criteria, or if new regulations come into force, the C2P may decide to revise or withdraw a technical opinion from the list. This approach aims to ensure that only the most reliable and compliant processes remain referenced. Technical Opinions (ATec) have a validity period, often three years, after which a review is necessary to maintain their listing. The absence of a review can lead to withdrawal from the list.

Regulatory and Normative Monitoring for Solar Stakeholders

For professionals, it is imperative to maintain active monitoring regarding the evolution of the C2P green list and associated standards. This includes tracking CSTB publications, which evaluate processes and publish technical guides, as well as considering electrical standards such as NF C15-100 and UTE C15-712-1. A good understanding of regulatory requirements and necessary certifications, such as the Consuel certificate for connection, allows for anticipating changes and proposing compliant and insurable installations. Non-compliance can lead to insurance or financing difficulties for photovoltaic projects.

Case Studies and Examples of Green List Processes

To fully grasp the practical utility of the C2P green list, let’s examine some examples of photovoltaic processes listed there and how they are documented. This provides a better understanding of the requirements and benefits for projects.

Analysis of Certified Building-Integrated Systems

Building-integrated systems (BIS) transform traditional construction elements into solar electricity generation components. Processes that successfully obtain a Technical Opinion, and are then listed on the green list, have undergone rigorous evaluation. For example, systems like NED GSE In-Roof or Synexium Integration In-Roof System have been recognised for their technical compliance and fitness for purpose. These recognitions attest that the processes comply with current standards and offer satisfactory durability. Obtaining these certifications greatly simplifies insurance and financing procedures for projects using these technologies.

Examples of Validated Overlay Processes

Overlay involves installing solar panels on an existing roof without significantly altering it. Systems such as Kogysun + and Kogysun i+ from Dome Solar are examples of overlay processes that have been validated and added to the green list. Their listing demonstrates a positive technical evaluation, particularly concerning their resistance to climatic stresses and their compatibility with different types of roofing. These validations are essential to guarantee the safety and long-term performance of installations, while facilitating their acceptance by insurers. It is important to consult the AQC website to find the complete list of validated technical opinions.

Feedback on the Application of the Green List

The application of the C2P green list has a direct impact on risk management in photovoltaic projects. Professionals who rely on processes listed on this list benefit from improved insurability and increased security for their investments. For example, when designing a collective self-consumption installation, choosing certified components listed on the green list facilitates obtaining the necessary guarantees. This avoids potential complications during technical control or grid connection phases. The use of these recognised processes contributes to the longevity and overall performance of solar installations, strengthening the trust of industry stakeholders. For information on technical evaluation procedures, the CSTB website is a valuable resource.

Evolutionary Perspectives of the C2P Green List

The C2P green list is not static; it constantly evolves to adapt to technological advancements and new market demands. The objective is to maintain a relevant reference framework that supports innovation while guaranteeing the safety and performance of photovoltaic installations.

Adaptation to New Photovoltaic Technologies

The solar sector is in constant flux. New technologies regularly emerge, whether they are more efficient cells, innovative storage systems, or unprecedented architectural integration solutions. The C2P green list must incorporate these novelties after a rigorous evaluation of their compliance and durability. This implies active technological monitoring and close collaboration with manufacturers and research organisations to anticipate trends and evaluate emerging processes. For example, the integration of advanced production monitoring systems or intelligent energy management solutions could eventually become part of the evaluation criteria.

Strengthening Quality and Safety Requirements

Over time, expectations regarding the quality and safety of photovoltaic installations have increased. The C2P green list reflects this trend through a progressive strengthening of admission criteria. This can translate into stricter requirements concerning weather resistance, long-term performance, electrical safety, or the management of maintenance-related risks. The objective is to minimise failures and ensure the longevity of investments, while protecting users and assets. Feedback from existing installations fuels this strengthening process.

European Harmonisation of Process Certifications

From a European integration perspective, the harmonisation of standards and process certifications is a major challenge. The C2P green list could in the future align more closely with recognised European reference frameworks and technical evaluations. This would facilitate the circulation of products and expertise, while maintaining a high level of quality and safety for all solar installations within the Union’s territory. Such an approach could involve mutual recognition of technical opinions issued by bodies in different Member States, thereby simplifying procedures for market players. The objective is to create a more coherent framework for the development of photovoltaics on a continental scale, similar to what is done for other construction sectors. Companies that demonstrate rigorous environmental risk management, such as those listed on the C2P, benefit from a clear competitive advantage [f36a]. The installation of solar panels on a car canopy, for example, is an approach that aligns with this logic of sustainable development and clean energy production [dbfe].

Discover how the C2P green list can change for the better. We explore future possibilities and how they might affect you. This is a unique opportunity to understand the upcoming changes. To learn more about these exciting developments, visit our website today!

In summary: The C2P green list, a guarantee of trust for your solar projects

To conclude, integrating solar panels into your projects is a promising endeavour, but it requires particular attention to technical and regulatory aspects. The C2P green list, which references validated Technical Opinions, plays an important role. It certifies that the processes used have been examined and meet quality and safety criteria. Conforming to these requirements not only ensures a reliable and durable installation but also simplifies administrative and insurance procedures. Considering the C2P green list from the outset of your project is laying the groundwork for the lasting success of your investment in solar energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C2P green list for solar?

The C2P green list is somewhat like a trusted list for materials and techniques used in solar. It is managed by a special commission (the C2P) which verifies if these elements are indeed safe and reliable for building solar installations. If a process is on this list, it means it has been thoroughly examined and is deemed safe for use.

Why is it important for my solar project to be on the green list?

It’s important because it greatly helps with the insurance for your project. Insurance companies prefer and trust projects that use materials and techniques already validated and present on this green list. This makes it easier to obtain insurance and can even help secure better terms.

How does a process get onto the C2P green list?

For a process to be added to the green list, it must first undergo a technical evaluation. This evaluation checks if it complies with safety rules, if it is robust, and if it will function well over time. It’s like a quality examination that proves the process is reliable for solar installations.

What types of solar processes are generally covered by the green list?

The green list primarily concerns the different ways of installing solar panels, whether by integrating them directly into a house roof (building-integrated) or by mounting them over an existing covering (overlay). It aims to ensure that these fastening and installation systems are well-designed and safe.

Does the C2P green list change often?

Yes, the list can evolve. New processes are added when they are validated, and sometimes older processes may be withdrawn if they no longer meet new requirements or if they pose problems. It is therefore useful to regularly check if the elements you plan to use are still on the list.

Who manages the C2P green list and who validates it?

The green list is managed by the Products Prevention Commission (C2P). This commission works with experts and relies on technical opinions issued by recognised bodies, such as the CSTB (Scientific and Technical Centre for Building). It’s a team effort to ensure the quality and safety of solar processes.

What happens if the process I want to use is not on the green list?

If a process is not on the green list, it doesn’t mean it’s forbidden, but it can complicate matters. You might need to provide additional documents to prove its reliability, and the insurer might be less inclined to cover the project or demand stricter conditions. It’s often simpler to use processes that are already validated.

Where can I find the up-to-date C2P green list?

To find the most recent list, you should generally consult the website of the Construction Quality Agency (AQC), which leads the C2P. They publish validated technical opinions and processes that have been added to the green list there. This is the best source for the most reliable information.