In recent years, it has become possible to see both thermal and photovoltaic solar panels on certain residential roofs. The former converts the sun’s light and heat into hot water. The latter produces electricity, which is sold back to EDF (Électricité de France).
Popular among individuals but still not very common in condominiums in the Alpes-Maritimes, these two technologies nevertheless seem poised for a bright future. In Nice alone, during the year 2007, there were 600m² of roofing equipped with thermal panels (photo). By 2010, the government plans to meet 10% of energy needs from renewable energy sources. “Thermal solar panels provide 60% of hot water needs,” assures Mathieu Martin, Technical Advisor for Info Energy at the Maison de l’Environnement. “Generally speaking, they are more profitable,” he continues. The condominium “Les Glycines” in Cagnes-sur-Mer is an example. It is one of the few to do so in the department. “You can count them on one hand,” laments Mathieu Martin.
Financial aids
Renewable energies allow, over time, to achieve significant savings in resources and even financially. For a 30m³ surface in a condominium on the Côte d’Azur, the cost of installing a thermal panel amounts to nearly 42,000 euros. Fortunately, the Agency for the Environment and Energy Management, the Region, and the General Council provide significant aid since, in the end, the consumer spends about 10,000 euros. “It takes seven years to make a thermal solar panel profitable, which has a lifespan of 25 years,” comments Mathieu Martin.
Before condominiums invest heavily in these installations, non-equipped individuals can now save energy. Not leaving devices on standby, preferring showers over baths, closing all shutters at night, … “are all small things which, when combined, contribute a lot,” confides Mathieu Martin. Surely, the future of the planet starts there.
