Solar self-consumption represents an interesting approach to reducing electricity bills while contributing to environmental protection. However, to make the most of it, it’s important to effectively manage the energy produced, especially surpluses. This is where storage devices come in, a key solution for optimising your energy independence. This article explores the various options available, from physical batteries to innovative alternatives, to help you make the best choice.

Key Points to Remember

• Storage devices allow you to use the solar energy produced, even when the sun isn’t shining, thereby increasing the household’s energy independence.
• Virtual batteries offer a storage solution without physical equipment, where surplus energy is credited to the grid for future use.
• The solar router optimises consumption by directing surpluses to resistive appliances, thus avoiding energy waste without direct storage.
• Emerging technologies like Vehicle to Grid (V2G) transform electric cars into mobile batteries, opening new perspectives for storage.
• Choosing an appropriate storage device requires precise sizing of the photovoltaic installation and the selection of reliable components, ideally with the help of a qualified professional.

Understanding Storage Devices for Self-Consumption

Solar self-consumption involves producing your own electricity using photovoltaic panels and consuming it directly. This approach is increasingly appealing to households, drawn by the prospect of reducing their bills and environmental impact. However, to make the most of your installation, it’s important to understand how to manage the energy produced, especially when it exceeds your immediate consumption.

The basic idea is simple: use the sun’s energy to power your home. This involves installing solar panels on your roof or in your garden. The electricity produced can be consumed instantly. If you produce more than you need at any given moment, this surplus can be managed in different ways. The goal is to maximise the use of this green and free energy.

The sun doesn’t shine 24/7. This is where storage comes in. Without a storage device, unconsumed electricity is generally fed back into the public grid. With a storage system, you can save this surplus energy to use later, for example in the evening or on cloudy days. This significantly increases your energy independence and reduces your reliance on the traditional electricity grid. Storage helps to smooth out intermittent solar production and adapt it to your real needs, making self-consumption more efficient and cost-effective. There are several approaches to managing this surplus, ranging from physical batteries to virtual solutions.

A complete solar self-consumption system includes several key elements:

• Photovoltaic panels: They capture sunlight and convert it into electricity (direct current).
• Inverter: It converts the direct current from the panels into alternating current, usable by your household appliances.
• Storage system: This can be a physical battery or a virtual storage solution to store surplus energy.
• Energy manager (optional but recommended): It optimises the production, consumption, and storage of electricity.

Each component plays a precise role in allowing you to produce, store, and consume your own solar energy. Sizing these elements is an important step for a high-performing installation. For example, a family might choose to install solar panels and a battery to cover a large part of their needs, even at night. The initial investment for such an installation can be a point to consider before getting started.

Managing surplus solar production is key to maximising the benefits of self-consumption. Without storage, a portion of the energy produced is lost to the end-user. Storage allows this energy to be reused, thereby increasing the self-consumption rate and the savings made.

Solutions exist for all needs, including for those who do not wish to install a physical battery, such as a virtual battery or a solar router. These alternatives allow you to make use of surplus energy without additional equipment at home.

The Benefits of a Storage Device for Your Home

Installing a storage system for your domestic solar production brings a series of tangible benefits. Beyond simple energy management, it transforms the way you consume and interact with the electricity grid.

Significant Reduction in Electricity Bills

The main appeal of a storage device lies in its ability to reduce your energy expenses. By storing the electricity produced by your solar panels during optimal sunlight hours, you can use it when the sun isn’t shining, such as in the evening or on cloudy days. This further reduces your reliance on the public grid and, consequently, the amount of your bills. The more of your own energy you consume, the less electricity you buy from the supplier. This increased self-consumption allows for a faster return on the initial investment of your photovoltaic installation.

Reduction of Environmental Footprint

By maximising the use of the solar energy you produce, you actively contribute to the energy transition. Solar electricity is a renewable and clean energy. By storing and consuming it locally, you reduce losses associated with long-distance electricity transmission and decrease the demand for fossil fuels. This is another step towards a more sustainable and planet-friendly lifestyle.

Optimisation of Energy Independence

A storage system offers you greater independence from traditional energy suppliers. It better protects you from electricity price fluctuations and potential grid outages. You gain peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable energy source, even in the event of a public grid incident. This independence can even make installation feasible in areas less well served by the grid. The goal is to be able to consume approximately 50% of the energy you produce, and storage allows this figure to be significantly increased. For even finer management, solutions like a virtual battery can complement your installation, allowing you to make use of surpluses without additional physical equipment.

Exploring Solar Energy Storage Solutions

After setting up your photovoltaic installation, the question of surplus solar energy arises. This is the electricity produced by your panels but not immediately consumed by your appliances. Rather than letting it go to waste, several options are available to you for storing or using it. The choice of solution will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Physical Battery Storage

A physical battery is the most direct method for storing your surplus energy. It functions as a reserve: excess electricity is stored in the battery during daylight hours and can be reused later, for example in the evening or on less sunny days. This allows you to increase your energy independence and further reduce your reliance on the public grid. It’s important to correctly size the battery’s capacity according to your production and consumption to ensure it is truly effective. Solar batteries are an investment that can significantly improve your energy independence.

Innovative Alternatives to Battery Storage

If installing a physical battery isn’t suitable for you, other solutions exist to make use of your surplus energy. One of these is the virtual battery. This system, far from being physical equipment, functions as a contract with an energy supplier. Your surplus is injected into the grid and returned to you later, at an advantageous rate, when you need it. This is an interesting option for those seeking a simple and economical solution, without having to install additional hardware. Another approach is the solar router, which intelligently redirects your surplus to energy-intensive appliances like your water heater, thus optimising your consumption without direct storage. For larger-scale applications, technologies like Vehicle to Grid (V2G), where your electric car serves as a battery, or flywheel storage, are under development. These alternatives demonstrate the dynamism of the sector and open new perspectives for solar energy management. Organic solar panels, for example, offer an interesting alternative with a quick return on investment, making self-consumption even more accessible. These organic panels are a path to consider for a more economical and ecological approach to solar energy.

Optimising the use of your surplus solar energy is a key step to maximising the benefits of your photovoltaic installation. Whether through a physical battery, a virtual solution, or intelligent appliance management, each method aims to improve your independence and reduce your energy costs. It is therefore relevant to carefully study the different options to find the one that best suits your situation and your self-consumption goals. Energy management is at the heart of successful self-consumption.

Here is an overview of the main alternative solutions:

• Virtual Battery: A dematerialised storage service. Your surplus is stored virtually and returned to you later at a preferential rate. It’s a simple solution without physical equipment, but it depends on the public grid. Virtual batteries are an increasingly popular option.
• Solar Router: A device that automatically redirects your surplus energy to defined electrical appliances (water heater, heating, etc.) to avoid waste.
• Vehicle to Grid (V2G): Uses your electric car’s battery as an external battery to store and return energy.
• Flywheel: A mechanical storage technology, currently more suited to large installations, which uses the rotation of a mass to store kinetic energy.

The Virtual Battery: A Storage Solution Without Physical Equipment

Principle of Virtual Battery Operation

The virtual battery, also known as virtual storage or energy cloud, represents an innovative approach to managing surplus production from your solar panels. Unlike a physical battery which requires dedicated space and regular maintenance, the virtual battery operates on an entirely digital principle. When your photovoltaic panels generate more electricity than you consume at a given moment, this surplus is not lost. It is injected into the public electricity grid. Your energy supplier then records this quantity of electricity as a credit or an asset. Later, when your solar production is insufficient to cover your needs (for example, at night or on cloudy days), you can draw from this virtual stock. The electricity you retrieve from the grid is then billed to you at a preferential rate, generally much lower than the market price. It’s a bit like depositing your surplus energy into a kind of electricity bank, to withdraw it later at an advantageous cost. This method allows you to optimise your self-consumption without any additional material investment.

Economic Advantages and Ease of Use

One of the major attractions of the virtual battery lies in its simplicity and accessibility. There is no equipment to install at your home, which eliminates space constraints and installation costs associated with physical batteries. Furthermore, maintenance is non-existent, and the lifespan is, in theory, unlimited, as there is no physical degradation of the material. The carbon footprint linked to manufacturing is also considerably reduced. Economically, the main advantage is the possibility of recovering your surplus energy at a reduced cost. This results in a decrease in your overall electricity bill, as you buy less energy at the full rate. Management is also simplified: the system is managed by your supplier; you only need to monitor your consumption and virtual stock via an application or your customer area. This solution offers great flexibility, allowing you to start with self-consumption with surplus sales, and consider adding a physical battery later if your needs evolve. It’s an excellent option for those who wish to test the benefits of energy storage without heavy material commitment, and enjoy the flexibility of storage.

Limitations of the Virtual Battery

Despite its many advantages, the virtual battery has certain limitations that are important to consider. Firstly, it is not compatible with all installations. For example, it is generally not accessible if you reside in an area served by a Local Electricity Distribution Company (ELD), or in overseas departments. Furthermore, to subscribe to a virtual battery offer, it is often necessary to change electricity supplier, which can involve additional administrative procedures. A crucial point to note is that the virtual battery does not allow you to benefit from certain financial aids, such as the self-consumption premium, which are reserved for installations with physical storage. Finally, and this is a major limitation, the virtual battery does not protect you from power cuts. Being dependent on the public electricity grid, it cannot operate in backup mode. If the grid fails, your installation also stops, unlike a physical battery which can take over to power your home.

It is essential to carefully compare the offers from different suppliers providing virtual batteries, as the conditions, surplus buy-back rates, and energy restitution terms can vary significantly. A thorough analysis of your consumption profile and available offers is therefore recommended before committing.

The Solar Router: Intelligent Management of Energy Surpluses

The solar router represents a clever approach to maximising the use of electricity produced by your photovoltaic panels, particularly when your consumption is low. Rather than letting surplus energy go into the grid without optimal compensation, this device intelligently redirects it to specific electrical appliances in your home. It is not a storage system in the sense of a battery, but rather a manager that optimises self-consumption in real-time.

How the Solar Router Works

The principle is simple: the router constantly monitors the production of your solar panels and your instantaneous consumption. When production exceeds consumption, the detected surplus is automatically sent to appliances you have previously designated as priorities. These appliances are generally those that consume a lot of energy and whose use can be shifted, such as an electric water heater, a heating system, or even a heat pump.

• Surplus detection: The router identifies the excess energy produced.
• Automatic redirection: Excess energy is directed to connected appliances.
• Prioritisation: You can define which appliances should be powered first.

Optimising Consumption via Resistive Appliances

The appliances most commonly targeted by a solar router are the

Emerging Technologies for Energy Storage

The field of solar energy storage is evolving rapidly, with innovations that promise to transform the way we use electricity produced by our photovoltaic panels. Beyond physical batteries and virtual solutions, new avenues are emerging to optimise self-consumption and surplus management.

Vehicle to Grid (V2G): Your Electric Car as a Battery

Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology opens up interesting prospects for electric vehicle owners. The idea is simple: use your car’s battery as a real energy reservoir for your home. Thanks to a specific charging station, surplus electricity from your solar installation can be stored in the vehicle’s battery. Then, when your panels are not producing enough, or during peak demand, the energy stored in the car can be reinjected into your home or even into the electricity grid. This approach transforms your electric vehicle into a mobile and versatile energy asset. Although this technology is still primarily aimed at professionals, its deployment to private individuals is expected in the coming years.

Flywheel for Large-Scale Storage

The flywheel is a method of mechanical energy storage. It works by using surplus electricity to spin a mass at very high speed. Energy is thus stored in the form of kinetic energy. When the need arises, this rotation is used to generate electricity. Currently, this technology is mainly suited to large-scale installations, such as solar power plants, due to its size and cost. However, research is underway to miniaturise these systems, which could eventually make them accessible for other applications.

These emerging technologies, although not yet widespread for private individuals, represent significant advancements. They demonstrate a desire to innovate for more flexible and efficient solar energy management, going beyond traditional storage solutions.

Choosing the Right Storage Device for Your Needs

After determining the size of your photovoltaic installation, the next step is to select the storage system that best matches your consumption and expectations. This choice is crucial for optimising your self-consumption and maximising the return on investment of your solar project. It’s not just about choosing a battery, but considering the entire setup.

Sizing Your Photovoltaic Installation

The first thing to do is to ensure your photovoltaic installation is correctly sized. This means it must produce enough electricity to cover your annual needs, while also generating a usable surplus for storage. An undersized system won’t produce enough to justify adding a storage system, while an oversized system could lead to unnecessary costs. You need to find the right balance. For example, for an installation producing up to 6000 W, a 5 kWh or 10 kWh battery might be considered, but this will depend on your consumption profile. A capacity of 4 to 6 kWh is often a good compromise for a standard household, but if your needs are greater, you’ll need to aim for 10 kWh or more. It’s important to properly assess your current and future needs.

Criteria for Selecting a Storage System

Several factors come into play when choosing your storage system. Battery capacity is, of course, paramount: the larger it is, the more electricity you can store. But you also need to look at efficiency, i.e., the ratio between stored energy and that which is returned, generally around 80%. Lifespan, measured in charge/discharge cycles, is a more reliable indicator than an estimate in years. Finally, compatibility with your solar panels and inverter is absolutely necessary. To avoid problems, opting for a solar kit already equipped with a battery can greatly simplify things. You also need to consider the connection power of your installation, which must be adapted to your real needs to avoid additional costs or malfunctions. A precise evaluation of your needs is therefore essential.

Importance of an RGE Qualified Installer

Choosing the right equipment is one thing, but ensuring the installation is carried out according to best practices is another. It is highly recommended to use an RGE (Recognised Environmental Guarantor) qualified installer. These professionals have the necessary expertise to correctly size your installation, choose the most suitable equipment for your situation, and carry out the connection safely. Furthermore, this qualification is often a condition for benefiting from certain financial aid or self-consumption premiums. An RGE installer will guide you through the different storage options, whether physical batteries or alternative solutions like virtual batteries, taking into account your budget and energy independence goals. They can also help you understand the various surplus buy-back offers, such as those proposed by EDF OA.

The choice of a storage system should not be taken lightly. It directly impacts your independence, your savings, and the overall profitability of your solar installation. A thorough analysis of your needs and guidance from qualified professionals are the keys to an informed decision.

Administrative Procedures for an Installation with Storage

Once your photovoltaic system has been chosen and sized, it’s time to look into the administrative formalities. These steps are mandatory for your installation to be compliant and operate legally. Do not neglect them, as they can sometimes take a little time.

Prior Authorisation from the Town Hall

First and foremost, it is necessary to submit a prior authorisation request to your local council’s urban planning department. This step allows local authorities to verify that your project complies with current urban planning rules, such as the Local Urban Plan (PLU). The exact nature of this authorisation can vary: it may be a prior declaration of works or, in some cases, a building permit, particularly if the installation significantly alters the external appearance of your building or if it is installed on the ground over a large area.

Self-Consumption Agreement with Enedis

Once municipal authorisation has been obtained, you will need to establish an agreement with Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator. This contract formalises your self-consumption approach and specifies the terms for managing the electricity you produce and consume, as well as any surpluses you inject into the grid. It is important to fully understand the terms of this agreement, which governs your relationship with the public grid. For installations aiming to sell surplus energy, it is imperative to submit the request before your equipment is commissioned to benefit from the purchase tariff guaranteed by the CRE.

Specific Procedures for Classified Areas

If your home is located within a protected area, such as a remarkable heritage site, near a historical monument, or in an area defined by specific rules (for example, a national park), additional procedures are required. You will then need to obtain the agreement of the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF – Architect of French Buildings). Their opinion aims to ensure that the integration of your solar installation respects the aesthetic and historical character of the site. It is advisable to contact them early in your project to anticipate any requested modifications.

It is highly recommended to be accompanied by a qualified professional for the preparation of these administrative files. An RGE (Recognised Environmental Guarantor) certified installer can guide you effectively through these different stages, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met and allowing you to benefit from the financial aid available for self-consumption without complex resale.

Making Use of Unstored Surplus Energy

Once your photovoltaic system has covered your immediate needs, the surplus solar energy produced represents an opportunity not to be overlooked. Rather than leaving this green production unexploited, several options allow it to be given a second life, thus optimising the profitability of your installation.

Selling Surplus Electricity

When your solar production exceeds your instantaneous consumption and you have not opted for a physical or virtual storage system, the surplus can be sold. This involves injecting the unconsumed electricity into the public distribution network. A specific contract is established with an electricity buyer, who may be the historical supplier or an alternative provider. This sale generates supplementary income, thereby helping to improve the return on investment of your solar panels. It is important to note that buy-back conditions vary according to contracts and suppliers, so it is advisable to compare offers to obtain the best terms.

Financial Compensation for Surplus Injected into the Grid

The injection of your surplus solar energy into the public grid is not a simple free transfer. It gives rise to financial compensation. The exact mechanism depends on your purchase contract. In some cases, the injected energy is bought back at a defined tariff, which is generally lower than the price at which you buy electricity from the supplier. This tariff difference is one of the reasons why self-consumption with storage or direct use of the surplus, for example to power high-consumption appliances like an electric vehicle, can be more financially advantageous. However, selling the surplus remains a simple and effective solution for making use of every kilowatt-hour produced by your panels, especially if you do not wish to invest in a dedicated storage system. The objective is to maximise the overall profitability of your photovoltaic project, by taking advantage of every aspect of your clean energy production. It is possible to significantly reduce your electricity bills by intelligently managing your surpluses, for example by directing them towards high-consumption appliances such as a water heater or a heating system, which can allow for a self-consumption rate of 50% to 70% [d78b].

Surplus solar production, when not stored, can be sold back to the grid. This approach generates additional income and optimises the profitability of your photovoltaic installation. The conditions for this resale are governed by specific contracts, and it is wise to compare offers to make the most of it.

The Solarwatt Ecosystem for Optimised Self-Consumption

To go further in mastering your solar energy, Solarwatt offers an integrated approach. It’s not just about installing panels, but about building a complete system that works in harmony. The idea is to maximise the use of the electricity you produce yourself, thereby reducing your reliance on the grid and your bills. This is an approach that aims for greater energy independence, while being environmentally friendly. The Solarwatt ecosystem is designed to simplify the transition to smarter and more sustainable energy consumption.

High-Performance Photovoltaic Panels

Solarwatt panels stand out due to their dual-glass technology. Unlike traditional panels, they are protected by two layers of tempered glass. This gives them increased resistance to bad weather and an extended lifespan. This robust design ensures stable long-term performance, with a 30-year warranty that guarantees 90% of the initial power even after three decades. This is a guarantee of reliability for your investment. These panels are designed to capture maximum light, even in less ideal conditions, which is a significant advantage for consistent solar production.

Reliable and High-Performance Solar Batteries

Storage is key to using your solar energy when you need it, including at night or on cloudy days. Solarwatt has partnered with the BMW Group to develop high-quality lithium-ion batteries. These storage systems are inspired by technologies used in electric vehicles, thus guaranteeing performance and safety. A well-sized installation can cover between 50% and 80% of your annual energy needs, significantly reducing your electricity bill. This is a concrete way to gain energy independence and better control your expenses. Analysing your current consumption is an important step in choosing the right storage capacity for your home. Understanding your energy needs is the first step.

Intelligent Energy Management with Solarwatt Manager

The Solarwatt Manager is the brain of your installation. It monitors your solar production, consumption, and battery charge level in real-time. It automatically optimises energy use. For example, if you produce more electricity than you consume and your battery is full, the Manager can decide to start energy-intensive appliances like a heat pump or charge your electric vehicle, rather than injecting the surplus into the grid. This maximises self-consumption and makes the most of your production. The French self-consumption market is expanding rapidly, with more and more households choosing this solution to optimise their production. The data collected by the Manager gives you a clear overview of your consumption, helping you adjust your habits for maximum efficiency.

With the Solarwatt system, you can better use the energy you produce yourself. It’s like having your own small power plant at home, which helps you save money and be more independent. Want to know how it works for you? Visit our website to discover how to make your home greener and more economical. Learn more about self-consumption and energy storage.

Conclusion: Towards Increased Energy Independence

In summary, optimising solar self-consumption requires thorough consideration of surplus energy storage. Whether you opt for a physical battery, an innovative solution like a virtual battery, or use smart devices such as a solar router, each approach aims to maximise the profitability of your photovoltaic installation. These different options, while offering varied advantages and costs, all contribute to reducing your reliance on the electricity grid and decreasing your carbon footprint. It is therefore advisable to carefully evaluate your needs and budget to choose the storage solution best suited to your situation, in order to fully benefit from solar energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solar self-consumption and how does storage work?

Solar self-consumption is when you use the electricity your solar panels produce. To make it work even better, you can store the electricity that isn’t used immediately. Imagine it’s like putting water in a reservoir to use later when there’s no sun. This reservoir is the storage device.

Why is it beneficial to have a storage system for my home?

Having a storage system is like having a small power plant at home. It means you buy less electricity from the supplier, so you pay less on your bill. It’s good for your wallet and also for the planet, as you use more clean energy. You also become less dependent on the electricity grid.

What are the different ways to store solar energy?

There are several ways to save solar electricity for later. The most common is the physical battery, a large box you install at home. But there are also more modern solutions, like the virtual battery, which is a kind of virtual account where you put your surplus energy, or the solar router which directs energy to high-consumption appliances.

How does a virtual battery work?

A virtual battery is a bit like an energy bank. When your panels produce too much electricity, it’s sent to the grid and recorded as a credit. When you need electricity and your panels aren’t producing enough, you use your credit. It’s practical because there’s no equipment to install at home, just a contract with a supplier.

Does a solar router store energy?

A solar router doesn’t store energy like a battery. Its role is smarter: it monitors when your panels produce surplus electricity and automatically sends it to appliances that need it, like the water heater. This avoids wasting energy and allows it to be used optimally.

What are the future technologies for energy storage?

Researchers are working on new ideas! For example, V2G (Vehicle to Grid) technology would allow you to use your electric car’s battery to store electricity. There’s also the flywheel, which uses the rotation of a mass to store energy, but for now, that’s mostly for large installations.

How do I know what size storage system to choose?

To choose the right system, you need to look at how much electricity you produce with your panels and how much you consume. A professional can help you calculate the ideal size so that storage is truly useful and cost-effective for your home.

What if I don’t want to or can’t install a physical battery?

No problem! You can opt for a virtual battery, which is very simple to use and economical. You can also use a solar router to better manage your surplus energy by directing it to your appliances. And of course, you always have the option of selling your surplus electricity to the grid.