Photovoltaic installation in Arras-en-Lavedan

This summer, our clients Alain and Bertrice became the owners of a photovoltaic system with SMA inverter, which we connected to their heat pump to maximise their self-consumption.

Self-consumption is used to describe the production and use of electricity on a same site. With the increase of the energy price cap, self-consumption is an enticing prospect that can reduce the investment payback of a photovoltaic installation. Alternatively, self-consumption is selling electricity, which purchase and selling price can vary drastically as a small entity. As such, we are penalised by higher purchase prices and lower selling prices.

There are many ways for the owner of a photovoltaic installation to increase their self-consumption. The most cost-effective being to monitor the system's production and to switch on appliances to use the electricity as it is produced. This is made possible thanks to mobile apps provided by almost all solar inverter suppliers.

Obviously, this isn't the nicest way to spend time. Which is why some inverter manufacturers like SMA chose to upgrade their technology to reach home automation. Some appliances like boilers, washing machines or heat pumps can be switched on as soon as the electricity production is in surplus.

We foresee that it will be increasingly common to charge electric cars this way. We can already see car charger brands that offer equipment able to interact with our solar panels. If you plan on buying an electric car, don't hesitate to get in touch if you wish to run it with solar power!