Solar energy

Solar energy: a bright idea for keeping warm!

While the price of gas and oil are constantly fluctuating with the market, solar energy is appearing in more and more homes as a viable and especially environmentally friendly solution.

The sun diffuses energy (heat and light) in its sunrays, which can be captured, transformed, and used in your home. There are several ways of using solar energy.

• Photovoltaic solar energy: Sunlight is transformed into electrical energy, which is either consumed onsite or sent back into the grid and purchased by EDF.
• Thermal solar energy: Heat from the sun is recovered through solar panels, usually placed on the roof, which circulate a heating liquid and transmit air to the inside of the house. This heat can be used for producing hot water or perhaps even for heating.

Benefits of Solar:

• A free energy
• A clean energy
• A renewable – and therefore inexhaustible – energy
• Grants and financial aid (ADEME, regional, state)

Other factors to consider:

• A significant initial investment cost
• Requires a backup system (electric, gas, or fuel oil) for when sunlight is low
• Regular maintenance (especially when using a gas or fuel oil backup system)