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To the editor,

Further to the recent article on DIY solar installations by Nick Inman, I would say you will only save money if you actually use the power the panels produce at the time they are producing it.

If they are merrily producing kilowatts but you are not using anything electric then the power goes back into the grid (for free to EDF). 

If you have a Linky meter you can tell how much you have donated by seeing what your "injected kW" figure is.

To get around this, you should add a battery storage system. Then excess power charges the batteries which give it to the house after the sun goes down. 

The battery plugs into another socket in the house and a smart meter is installed to control the whole system. It is an easy install.

Since installing my own system I reckon I am saving about €1 per day, unless it is really cloudy. Nearly 2kW on a good day. 

D.A., Aveyron

To the Editor,

I have just read your article on solar panels and as I have 3kW of generation from them I thought that I would share my experience with you.

I started with 2x420Wp solar panels then added 2x460Wp, another 2x460Wp and finally 1x420Wp, all south-facing. 

These panels in real life generate a maximum of 2,800W but the impact on my consumption has been dramatic. 

In June (the first month of all being installed), I reduced my daytime consumption by more than a third. In July I used 420kW against last year’s 680kW. 

The panels are connected to four different circuits covering my three phases as you cannot have more than 900W into any one circuit.

The manufacturer claims payback in five years. For me it will be within four years and if I move I can take them with me.

I have an app on my phone so I can track generation and consumption from the grid.

A.S., by email

Do you use solar panels in France? Let us know your tips and thoughts at letters@connexionfrance.com