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What is self-consumption?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
5
Min reading
Today, at the time of the energy transition, new consumer uses are emerging. They are the result of technological innovations. They represent a response to new problems in the world of energy. More and more French electricity consumers are interested in these new ways of consuming.
As such, we often hear about self-consumption. If you don't know where to start on this promising topic: don't panic, SirEnergies is there to guide you. Self-consumption is a subject in which energy efficiency and the reduction of bills go hand in hand.
How does self-consumption work?
Self-consumption of energy or self-production is the act of consuming energy that you produce yourself, as a company or even as an individual customer. This production can be done independently. It can represent all or part of the customer's consumption.
If production is not sufficient, the supplement can be provided by a traditional supplier.
Between 2018 and 2021, the number of installations in France almost doubled! Today, there are no less than 105,000 installations according to Enedis at the end of the first quarter of 2021. Many of our European neighbours are ahead of us in terms of the number of installations (especially Spain and Italy).
It is therefore a new and growing use that reinforces the trend of decentralization in the sector. This is often part of an energy efficiency approach, but also a policy of cost reduction.
Why switch to self-consumption via solar panels?
The installation of photovoltaic panels is simple, inexpensive and generally requires little area. It is for these reasons that it is attracting more and more French people today.
To start, you need to install photovoltaic solar panels on a surface exposed to the sun. It is recommended to install them in a position that favors their exposure to the sun's rays. Your production varies according to your geographical location.
Once plugged in, the panels will produce electricity using direct current. It will therefore have to be transformed into alternating current before it can be consumed. Therefore, inverters are installed in order to carry out this operation.
Source: Sustainable
In this way, the panels produce all or part of the electricity consumed by the household. It is a way to reduce the overall demand for electricity from conventional producers. Decentralization is one of the vectors of energy transition.
It should also be noted that the quantity of energy produced and consumed on site will not pass through the electricity network. Usually, the energy that powers our lamps has travelled a long distance before reaching our sockets. Along the way, the heating of the power lines creates losses (Joule effect). It is all French consumers who finance these losses through the TURP.
We therefore note that self-consumption projects could contribute to reducing losses and are part of an ecological transition process. If we leave aside the problems of constructing photovoltaic panels (we need a full-fledged article on the subject!) , it is true that solar technology still meets several essential criteria. It is an energy that does not emit CO2 during its production of electricity, which is inexpensive and easy to access.
Self-consumption, a cost reduction solution
The price of a photovoltaic installation fell significantly over the decade 2010-2020. It can be seen that prices have been halved over this period. This is mainly due to the arrival on the market of inexpensive photovoltaic cells, mainly produced in Asia.
However, we have also seen the appearance of quality products at more attractive prices. Improving the performance of these panels is a key factor in increasing the profitability of these projects. The more electricity a panel produces, the more profitable it is.
Regulatory mechanisms in favor of self-consumption
The government has put in place several grants to finance energy efficiency projects. First of all The photovoltaic self-consumption bonus. This is a bonus paid directly by EDF Obligation d'Achat. This bonus is spread over the first 5 years of activity.
There is also guaranteed feed-in rates. That is to say, all autoproducers can choose to sell all or part of their productions on the network. In the same way, EDF Obligation d'Achat is responsible for paying them. The purchase price is advantageous compared to selling prices on the financial electricity markets.
example
For a photovoltaic installation of 3 kWc, the Ministry of Economy and Finance indicates that we can collect €184.9/MWh by selling all of its production or €100/MWh by only selling the surplus.
Source
These rates are much more attractive than the average prices on the market.
In addition, there is Exemptions from taxes like CSPE and TCFE for autoproducers:
- For total self-consumption: the customer is exempt from taxes for all of his electricity production (up to a limit of 240 GWh). However, the customer remains liable for his taxes only for the electricity he draws from the network.
- For partial self-consumption, this concerns all installations under 1 MWc.
Network tariffs (TURPE) usually apply to all electricity consumption. They represent around 30% of the total bill. Self-generated electricity does not pass through the grid, as it is immediately consumed or stored using batteries.
Self-producing customers are therefore not liable for the variable portion of TURPE for the electricity they produce. This represents an additional source of bill reduction for customers who choose to start self-consumption.
We can therefore see today, through its ease of installation, these savings in bills and its relatively low cost, that self-consumption has many advantages. It is a sustainable and simple solution to reduce energy bills while participating in the energy transition.
Do not hesitate to continue reading with these two topics on self-consumption:
- Individual solar self-consumption, take control of your energy
- Collective solar self-consumption: a shared energy solution
Did you know that?
Recognizing the climate emergency, SirEnergies offers professionals and businesses the opportunity to limit the ecological impact in terms of energy.
We have made the choice to work with key players in solar photovoltaic to offer you support solutions dedicated to your photovoltaic self-consumption projects.
Click below for more information:
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The answers to your questions
How to optimize taxes and contributions?
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Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
Comment mobiliser les collaborateurs autour d'un projet de sobriété énergétique ?
La réussite d'un projet collectif énergie repose sur trois piliers fondamentaux :
- La visibilité : On ne gère bien que ce que l'on mesure. Partager les données de consommation via des outils comme l'application Pilott donne un sens concret aux efforts fournis.
- L'incarnation : Nommer des ambassadeurs énergie internes permet de diffuser les bonnes pratiques par l'exemple et de lever les freins opérationnels propres à chaque métier.
- La gamification : Transformer la contrainte en défi (challenges inter-services, concours de l'équipe la plus sobre) crée une dynamique positive et renforce la cohésion d'équipe autour des enjeux RSE.
Pourquoi la France a-t-elle exporté un volume record d'électricité en 2025 ?
Ce record de 92,3 TWh s'explique par la conjonction de trois facteurs :
- Le redressement du parc nucléaire : Après les problèmes de corrosion sous contrainte de 2022, la production nucléaire a retrouvé une forte disponibilité (373 TWh).
- L'essor des renouvelables : Une capacité installée en hausse (solaire et éolien) et une production hydraulique solide.
- Une consommation intérieure atone : La demande française reste inférieure de 6 % à la moyenne historique, créant un surplus massif disponible pour nos voisins.
Quel est l'impact réel de la rénovation de l'éclairage public ?
C'est le levier le plus rapide pour obtenir des résultats visibles. L'éclairage représente environ 40 % de la consommation d'électricité d'une commune.
Passer au LED avec pilotage intelligent permet de réduire la facture de 50 à 80 %, avec un retour sur investissement (ROI) rapide, souvent estimé à 2 ou 3 ans.
What are the advantages of sourcing?
Sourcing offers better visibility on the market and promotes the selection of competitive contracts. It helps to reduce the risks associated with price volatility and to optimize the energy budget.
L'hydroélectricité est-elle une énergie "propre" ?
Oui, elle est considérée comme une énergie renouvelable à faibles émissions de gaz à effet de serre.
De plus, l'eau ne subit aucune transformation chimique durant le cycle de production et réintègre son milieu naturel en aval.
Cependant, la construction de barrages nécessite des mesures pour protéger les écosystèmes (débit minimum, passes à poissons).
Quand faut-il renégocier son contrat d'électricité professionnel pour 2026 ?
Idéalement entre 6 et 12 mois avant l'échéance, de préférence au printemps ou au début de l'été lorsque la demande est plus faible.
Comment l'eau est-elle transformée en électricité ?
Le processus repose sur l'utilisation de la force de l'eau (énergie cinétique) issue des courants, des chutes d'eau ou des dénivelés. Le fonctionnement suit trois étapes clés :
- Le barrage retient l'eau et l'oriente vers des conduites.
- La pression de l'eau fait tourner une turbine, créant de l'énergie mécanique.
- Une génératrice (alternateur) transforme cette énergie mécanique en électricité, laquelle est ensuite adaptée par un transformateur pour le réseau
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Farms must deal with high seasonal needs (greenhouse heating, irrigation, storage) and high volatility of prizes. Controlling these costs is essential to maintain profitability and secure the business.
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The subscribed power must be calculated according to the consumption profile and uses (heating, industrial processes, tertiary equipment). One fine analysis makes it possible to ensure the adequacy between real need and contract.
Who can benefit from optimizing invoices and taxes?
All businesses, from SMEs to large organizations, can benefit from this service. Les local authorities also find it a lever to better control their budgets.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH en 2026 pour les entreprises ?
L'ARENH est remplacé par le VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel), un mécanisme de redistribution des revenus excédentaires d'EDF en cas de prix très élevés, et par les CAPN, des contrats long terme pour les gros industriels.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH depuis le 1er janvier 2026 ?
Le dispositif ARENH a laissé place au VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel).
Ce changement structurel expose davantage les entreprises aux prix de gros, rendant la gestion des risques plus complexe qu'auparavant.
Il devient alors indispensable de définir une stratégie d'achat d'électricité avec Sirenergies pour lisser l'impact de la volatilité des marchés sur votre budget.
What are the customer reviews on bellenergie Business's customer service?
In 2025, the supplier had a NPS (Net Promoter Score) of +16 and a note of 4,17/5.
Satisfaction is based on a “zero solicitation” model and 100% in-house customer service in Toulon, guaranteeing proximity and responsiveness that cannot be found with major historical suppliers.
Quel est l'impact de ces exportations sur le prix de l'électricité pour les entreprises ?
L'abondance de production française tire les prix du marché de gros vers le bas.
En vertu du mécanisme de l'Ordre de Mérite (Merit Order), les centrales les moins coûteuses (nucléaire, renouvelables) couvrent la demande plus souvent, évinçant les centrales à gaz ou charbon plus onéreuses.
Cela multiplie les épisodes de prix bas, voire négatifs, sur le marché spot.
Comment financer les travaux communaux sans augmenter la taxe foncière ?
Plusieurs leviers existent pour préserver la fiscalité locale :
- Les CEE (Certificats d’Économie d’Énergie) : Un financement privé majeur pour l'efficacité énergétique.
- L'optimisation de l'achat d'énergie : Choisir des contrats adaptés (prix fixes, indexés ou groupés) pour dégager des marges de manœuvre dès la première année.
- Les aides publiques : Mobiliser le Fonds Vert, le FEDER ou le Fonds Chaleur.
What are the main taxes applicable?
Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
How do I get a tax exemption?
Some businesses may obtain a partial or total exemption from the TICFE or the TICGN, depending on their activity and energy intensity. The support of an expert makes it possible to identify the eligibility criteria and to put together the file.
Qu'est-ce que le cosinus phi
C'est l'indicateur d'efficacité d'un appareil électrique ; il représente le ratio entre la puissance active (utile) et la puissance apparente (totale).
Is Bellenergie Business electricity really green?
Yes. The supplier guarantees an offer 100% renewable via the official Guarantees of Origin (GO) mechanism.
For the most demanding companies, the offer GREENVOLT+ ensures very low carbon intensity electricity, sourced exclusively from independent French producers (hydraulic, wind, solar).
Comment réduire ma facture si les prix du marché sont volatils ?
En 2026, les principaux leviers sont : la renégociation de votre contrat de fourniture au bon moment, l'optimisation de votre tarif d'acheminement (TURPE), la vérification de votre éligibilité aux taux réduits de taxes (Accise), et la réduction de votre consommation (efficacité énergétique, autoconsommation).
What is the point of following Spot & Forward prices?
This makes it possible to choose the right time to contract, secure your budgets and anticipate increases.
Quelles sont les nouvelles obligations pour le Décret Tertiaire et l'Audit Énergétique ?
Le calendrier 2026 impose deux échéances majeures :
- la déclaration des consommations 2025 sur la plateforme OPERAT avant le 30 septembre
- la réalisation d'un audit énergétique avant le 11 octobre pour toutes les entreprises consommant plus de 2,75 GWh/an.
Pour simplifier ces démarches, vous pouvez centraliser vos données de consommation avec la plateforme Pilott de Sirenergies, garantissant ainsi la conformité de vos rapports réglementaires.
Why change energy suppliers?
Changing suppliers can allow you to benefit from more competitive prices, adapted services or better contractual conditions. Thanks to sourcing, change is happening without interruption of supply.
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These are signals sent by RTE during periods of tension on the electrical network. The Sirenergies tool informs you in real time to anticipate your uses.
What is the difference between €/MWh and kWh?
The €/MWh is a price unit used in wholesale markets, while kWh is the unit visible on your bills.
How do I read an electricity or gas bill?
One invoice consists of several elements: consumption, supplier share, taxes and contributions. The analysis of each line makes it possible to identify possible errors and to check the consistency with the signed contract.
What taxes are particularly relevant to manufacturers?
The industry is concerned by TICFE, TICGN and other contributions that may represent an important part of invoices. Sirenergies identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to benefit from them.
What are the electricity offers offered by bellenergie Business?
The range E @sy is available in four pricing structures to adapt to each risk profile:
- E @sy Fixed: 100% budget visibility without variation.
- E @sy Click: Smoothed price thanks to staggered purchases on the markets.
- E @sy Block + Spot: A mix between a secure base and a portion indexed to daily prices.
- E @sy Sport: A 100% dynamic offer to take advantage of downside opportunities in real time.
Pourquoi le kVA est-il crucial pour les entreprises ?
Parce que la puissance souscrite en kVA détermine le prix de l'abonnement et que tout dépassement peut entraîner des surcoûts importants.
Comment réduire la puissance souscrite de son compteur ?
En analysant votre courbe de charge pour identifier la puissance réelle appelée, puis en demandant un ajustement à votre fournisseur ou via un expert en énergie.
Le prix de l'électricité va-t-il baisser en 2026 ?
Pas nécessairement sur votre facture finale. Si les prix de gros (le prix de l'énergie brute) ont baissé, les coûts d'acheminement (TURPE) et certaines taxes augmentent, compensant souvent la baisse de la part énergie.
What are the challenges for tertiary companies?
Tertiary companies must manage their energy costs while guaranteeing the comfort of users (offices, shops, services). Consumption is often linked to heating, air conditioning and lighting, which requires precise monitoring to avoid budgetary excesses.
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
Le kVA mesure la capacité maximale que votre compteur peut supporter à un instant T, tandis que le kWh mesure la quantité d'énergie consommée sur une durée.
What are the concrete benefits for tertiary companies?
Les profits include a direct reduction in bills, strengthened budgetary forecasting and better control of consumption. Businesses gain visibility and efficiency thanks to adapted tools.
Which taxes are particularly relevant for farms?
Farms are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies verifies their application, identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to reduce the tax burden.
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
Why launch an energy tender?
Un appel d’offres permet de mettre en concurrence plusieurs fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz afin d’obtenir des conditions contractuelles optimisées. C’est une démarche transparente qui permet de choisir l’offre la plus adaptée aux besoins budgétaires et techniques de l’organisation.
How to optimize the taxes and contributions of a community?
Communities are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies analyzes invoices, identifies exemption possibilities and fixes possible errors to reduce the tax burden.
Pourquoi l'humain est-il le premier levier de la performance énergétique ?
Même le bâtiment le plus moderne et le mieux isolé perd son efficacité si ses usages sont inadaptés. La technologie et les normes ne suffisent pas : la transition énergétique est avant tout une transformation humaine.
Derrière chaque kilowattheure consommé se cache une habitude.
Un collaborateur sensibilisé comprend qu'ouvrir une fenêtre alors que le chauffage est allumé ou laisser un ordinateur en veille consomme de l'énergie inutilement. En replaçant l'humain au centre de la stratégie de gestion de l'énergie, l'entreprise s'assure que ses équipements performants sont utilisés de manière optimale, garantissant ainsi une rentabilité durable et un impact environnemental réduit.
What are the consequences of overpowering?
Exceeding capacity leads to financial penalties and can impact the size of the contract. Adjust the correctly subscribed power makes it possible to avoid these additional costs.
Quel est le nouveau record 2025 d'exportation d'électricité de la France ?
En 2025, la France a atteint un solde exportateur net de 92,3 TWh, battant le précédent record de 2024 (89 TWh).
Quelle est la différence concrète entre le transport et la distribution d'électricité ?
Le transport (RTE) correspond aux "autoroutes" de l’électricité. Il s’agit de transporter de très grandes quantités d'énergie sur de longues distances, depuis les centrales de production (nucléaires, barrages, parcs éoliens offshore) vers les régions de consommation.
La distribution (Enedis) s'apparente aux "routes départementales" et aux rues. Elle récupère l'électricité à la sortie du réseau de transport pour la livrer directement chez le client final, en abaissant la tension pour qu'elle soit utilisable par vos appareils.
What are the energy challenges for manufacturers?
Industrial companies consume large volumes of energy for their production processes. They have to deal with the volatility of prizes, multi-site management and specific taxes. Controlling costs is essential to remain competitive.
The answers to your questions
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