Using a Virtual Battery with your Photovoltaic solar Panels
What is a virtual battery?
A virtual battery, in relation to Photovoltaic solar panels, is a technology to simulate the function of a battery system without actually having physical batteries. Despite the name, it isn’t really storage, instead the electricity you produce is recorded by your provider, before being sent back to the grid. This surplus is recorded so that anything you have ‘stored’ through your virtual battery subscription during peak production times can be used when you need it.
What are the advantages of a Virtual Battery compared with a Physical Battery?
Cost
Unlike a physical battery, you don’t need to purchase the battery. There is a setup fee and other costs (see pricing) but these are much less than the initial outlay for the purchasing and associated installation costs of a battery.
Unlimited storage
Just as with a physical battery even though you will be generating your own electricity through your solar panels and storing your excess for later use, in most cases, you may still need to have additional power provided by the grid to meet your consumption needs. Over time, as you generate more surplus in the summer and consume more in the winter, the excess stored with the virtual battery will become more advantageous as there is no limit to the amount or time limit on the storage. The energy generated and stored with the virtual battery can be used when required, reducing your dependency of electricity supplied by the grid thus reducing your electricity bill.
Durable and Ecological
There is no maintenance associated with a virtual battery, unlike a physical battery which can require checks, replacement and upkeep.
The physical battery also has a limited life span (on average 10 years) depending on the type of battery you install and will degrade over time.
Lithium batteries also have a harmful impact on the environment as they use harmful materials. You also need to take into account the carbon footprint for the manufacture and transport of the batteries. It’s also worth nothing that the average battery is also only 50% recyclable.
It is important to point out that the virtual battery isn’t perfect either as the electricity you consume from the grid, to supplement your electrical supply when required, may be from high carbon emitting sources. However, this is the case with any electricity taken from the grid.
Space
A Virtual battery is a great option for you if you are short on space or don’t want to allocate space required for the physical battery.
Advantages of a physical Battery
Depending on your requirements and preferences, you may still prefer a physical battery. With a physical battery, compared with a virtual battery, you don’t have to;
- Change your electrical provider
- Pay a subscription or delivery fees
- Worry about power outages
- You could also benefit from the state aid available
What are the Disadvantages of a Virtual Battery?
Prime d’autoconsummation
In order to qualify for the self consumption bonus you have to sell your excess to EDF. With the virtual battery, as you will be storing your excess for your own use, you don’t have the option to benefit from this bonus.
Power outage
There is no back up electricity if you have an outage. Because the virtual battery it is not physically connected to the production location, in the event of a power outage, you will no longer have power, as you would have with a physical battery which can still provide power in the event of an outage.
What are the costs for an Urban Solar Virtual Battery?
There are different virtual batteries available in France. At B.E Green we recommend Urban Solar.
The set up fee is 199EUR
The Monthly subscription costs are 1EUR/KWp for the virtual battery
Monthly supplier subscription (based on 6kWa) 13,66 €TTC / 14,34 € TTC depending on which option you choose (basic or peak/off peak hours)
Supply price per kWh 0,2516 € TTC/kWh
Price per kWh for delivery of the stored excess; 0.04370€ HT / kWh base // peak hours 0.04470 HT // off peak hours 0.0316HT
Prices as of February 2024
EDF OA or Virtual Battery?
As previously mentioned, if you decide to choose the virtual battery option, you will not be able to benefit from the auto consumption bonus. So which option is best for you, storing your excess through a virtual battery or reselling it to EDF?
If your PV installation is carried out by an RGE installer, you have installed less than 100kWp and your installation is on a roof, you could be eligible for the auto-consumption bonus (prime à l’autoconsommation). The amount available is relative to the power of your installation and varies from 100€ - 370€ per kW. If your production capacity is 3kWp you will in theory be entitled to a self consumption bonus of 1,110€ (3 kWp x 370€ / kWp).
In addition to the bonus, if you decide to just sell your excess to EDF, the purchase price is fixed over a contract of 20 years, regardless of the fluctuations in the price of electricity. It is anticipated that the price of electricity will increase over this period, increasing the gap between the purchase price from EDF and the cost of electricity.
As the price of electricity increases over this period, virtual electricity storage should be a more cost effective option, even when taking into account the autoconsuption bonuses.
A good aim to have with the virtual battery is for you to get to the point where you are consuming as close to 100% of the energy you are generating. It is also a great choice for anyone who is charging their electrical vehicle at night. In this case you could store the excess electricity generated during the day and consume this during the night through the supply from Urban Solar.
Its also worth nothing that with Urban Solar, you are not tied into a contract and can cancel at any time, unlike with the EDF OA contract.
In summary, as well as taking into account the power and location of your installation, you need to decide on your solar goals and priorities when deciding if a virtual battery option would be the best option for you.
Choosing the Right Electric Vehicle Charger
If you are looking to install a home charger point but you aren’t sure what plug to use, keep reading! We have outlined the different options we recommend based on your requirements.
Comparing the Wallbox Pulsar Plus Charger and Tesla Wall Connector 3rd Generation.
If you are looking to install a home charger point but you aren’t sure what plug to use, keep reading! We have outlined the different options we recommend based on your requirements.
At B.E Green we recommend the Tesla Wall Connector 3rd Generation and the Wallbox Pulsar Plus socket. Both chargers are controllable, enabling scheduled charging of your electric vehicle, and potentially allowing you to qualify for the tax credit available for EV charging point installations in France. For more information on the tax credits and bonuses available refer to our article here
Which charging plug should you install for home charging?
The charging plug you need depends on your vehicle and your requirements.
Tesla Wall Connector Generation 3
The Tesla Wall Connector is specifically tailored to work seamlessly with Tesla vehicles, you simply need to plug and charge. The wall Connector communicates with the vehicle to provide the appropriate charging power based on factors like battery level of your vehicle and your charging preferences.
Through the Tesla mobile app you can monitor your Wall Connector remotely, allowing you to check charging status, adjust the charging settings and receive notifications. You can also schedule the charging sessions to take advantage of any off-peak electricity rates or ensure your vehicle is charged and ready to go when you need it.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
If you have a Hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, other than a Tesla, if you were to install the Tesla Wall Connector you may not be able to benefit from the additional features available to a Tesla vehicle owner. We recommend instead you look at installing the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, the latest model from Wallbox. With the Wallbox app you get all the same benefits and options available in the Tesla app; scheduled charging, energy management; remote monitoring., there are additional features available outlined below.
Dynamic Charging
If you want the option of dynamic charging, we recommend installation the Wallbox Pulsar plus with the dynamic charge module.
What is dynamic charging?
Dynamic charging systems communicate with your grid to monitor grid load and voltage levels, ensuring that your grid isn’t reaching the capacity of your power. To avoid tripping your consumer unit, you can add the dynamic charge module to your Pulsar Plus, this gives you the capability of dynamic charging, meaning that your charger will take into account surges on your network.
We recommended considering adding dynamic charging to your charging unit if you have single phase installation.
Integrating your Electric Vehicle Charger with Renewable Energy
If you have Solar Photovoltaic panels and you want to integrate these with your Electric Vehicle charger, this is an option available to you with the Wallbow Pulsar Plus with the dynamic charge module. The charger can adjust its charging rate based on the amount of energy being generated, allowing you to maximise your use of clean energy.
We can also offer installation of Photovoltaic panels, contact us today for a free assessment and quote.
Do I need a Wifi connection?
For both chargers you don’t need a wifi connection for the chargers to function, as they can both charge without. However, the wi-fi connection allows you to take advantage of the additional features such as remote monitoring, software updates and integration with the mobile apps.
In conclusion, both the Wallbox Pulsar Plus Charger and Tesla Wall Connector 3rd Generation offer reliable and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicles, with their own unique features and advantages. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as compatibility with your EV model, desired charging speed, and preference for additional features like smart connectivity and dynamic charging capabilities. Regardless of your choice, investing in a quality EV charger is essential for maximizing the convenience and benefits of electric vehicle ownership in today's rapidly evolving automotive
Unlocking Green Growth: Exploring the Financial Incentives for Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installation in France
Are you considering making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and looking to install a charging point at your home or office? If so, you'll be glad to know that the French government is offering financial incentives to support the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure.
Are you considering making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and looking to install a charging point at your home or office? If so, you'll be glad to know that the French government is offering financial incentives to support the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure.
Keep reading to find out more about which bonuses and financial incentives available could be available to you as a home owner in France.
Advenir
Copropriétés / Condominiums
This is a bonus reserved for home owners within a Copropriété (condominium). It allows you to benefit from a bonus for installing a charging point in your private parking space or a shared parking area.
How much can you claim through Advenir?
You need to contact a certified IRVE installer with Advenir label in order to qualify for the advenir grant.
To claim you must submit your documentation on the Advenir platform before the work starts. You will then receive a grant proposal to sign and return.
For Businesses
The Advenir grant is also available for business looking to install electric vehicle charging points. The type of businesses elidgeable was updated in Jan 2023 and is specific to your situation. To find out if you could qualify for an advenir grant we recommend trying the simulation on the advenir website here. https://advenir.mobi/je-definis-mon-projet/
Find out more about the Advenir programme here https://advenir.mobi/beneficier-dadvenir/
Tax Credits and Rebates – le Crédit d’Impot
You will be eligible if you install a pilotable charging point, which means it has the ability to adjust the power or programme the charging to your Electric vehicle. At B.E Green we recommend the Tesla Wall connector (for Tesla Owners) or the Wall Box Pulsar Plus (for hybrid vehicles and other electric vehicle brands).
How much is the tax rebate?
You can benefit from 75% of the cost of the installation; or up to 500EUR per charging point.
How to claim your crédit d’impot?
You will need to use an IRVE certified company who provides and installs the charger. They will also need to provide you with a facture which specifies; the location of the work, the type of charger and the amount. It is worth noting that from 2024 the regulations state that the company doing the work has to provide the equipment and install it. You may not qualify for the credit if you buy the charger yourself.
Reduced TVA
Any work associated with the installation of the charging point for personal will qualify for a reduced TVA rate of 5.5% instead of 20%. At B.E GreenEV we apply this to your quotes. Buisinesses installing chargers are not eligible for this TVA reduction.
The regulations and bonuses available in France are subject to change. If you want to read more about the available options we recommend checking on the following sites;
Contact our team today for a free quote for your electric vehicle charging point.
Save Money, install Photovoltaic Solar Panels in France
What are the cost savings and government incentives available for installing Photovoltaic panels (PV) in France?
Have you thought about installing photovoltaic solar panels in your property in France? If so, we have outlined the available financial incentives in place for you and what you need to do to qualify.
What are the cost savings and government incentives available for installing Photovoltaic panels (PV) in France?
Lower your electricity bill
On average reports show savings of up to 40% on individuals’ energy bills
Reduced TVA on your PV installation
You will only have to pay 10% TVA on your installation instead of the usual 20%. To qualify your installation must be less than 3kWp
Reselling your surplus electricity back to EDF; ‘revente d’électricité à EDF’
When you are producing and consuming your own electricity through your solar panel installation, the electricity generated is collected and measured by your Linky box. You can choose whether you store any excess electricity, in a battery for example, or sell any excess back to EDF.
The rates of resale back to EDF are set by the state and is relative to the power of your installation.
Government financing for the installation; prime à l’investissement pour l’autoconsommation’
The ‘self consuption bonus’ is available to you if you want to produce and consume your own electricity. Since May 2017 the state has provided financing for part of the solar panel installation. If you are installing equipment that allows for self consumption you will be eligible for this investment premium.
How much can you get?
It is relative to the power of your installation and varies from 100€ – 370€ / kW the amount is recalculated each trimester. Calculated based on the power of your installation it is paid in one instalment. The more powerful your installation, the lower your premium. To estimate the total amount of the premium you will get, you multiple the amounts by the capacity of your photovoltaic installation. If you production capacity is 3kWp you will in theory be entitled to a self consumption bonus of 1,110€ (3 kWp x 370EUR/kWp)
How to qualify for the ‘prime à l’autoconsommation’
In order to qualify for the self-consumption you need to;
1. Install photovoltaic solar panels and sell the surplus electrical production back to EDF.
2. Have a photovolatic installation with power of less than 100kWp that is installed on a roof or structure (panels placed on the ground are not eligible)
3. Have your work carried our by an RGE artisan (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement)
How to apply
Your application for the prime is done automatically at the same time as you submit your application to connect to the Enedis electrical network. You will also be required to submit planning permission, the plan for your installation project, information about your home and photographs of your land/house.
At B.E Electric, as RGE artisans, we can take care of all this for you. No need to submit your paperwork or understand the processes. Our expert team will organise your project from submitting planning application approval to finalising your connection to the Enedis electrical network.
Contact us today for a free project assessment and quote.