Guide to Becoming a Photovoltaic Producer in the Strasbourg Network
Transitioning to solar energy as a residential or small-scale producer in the Strasbourg area involves a structured administrative journey. For those connected to the local distribution network managed by Strasbourg Electricité Réseaux, the process of securing an obligation d’achat (obligation to purchase) contract is a clear, multi-step path designed to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance.
Step 1: Initiating Your Connection Request
The first step in your journey is requesting a connection to the public distribution network. It is crucial to specify at the outset that you intend to benefit from the obligation d’achat tariff. The date your application is deemed complete by Strasbourg Electricité Réseaux serves as the reference point for determining your specific purchase tariff.
Step 2: Technical and Financial Proposal
Once your request is processed, Strasbourg Electricité Réseaux will provide a formal proposal detailing the technical and financial requirements for your connection. You must review and approve this proposal to authorize the commencement of the necessary grid work.
Step 3: Execution of Grid Connection
Following your approval, Strasbourg Electricité Réseaux will conduct the required interventions to physically connect your installation to the public network.
Step 4: Installation and Safety Certification
Once the grid is ready, your chosen electrical contractor will perform the physical installation of the photovoltaic system. Upon completion, you must obtain an attestation of conformity, which verifies that the installation meets current electrical safety standards. This document must be validated by the Consuel. Your contractor must complete an “attestation sur l’honneur” (sworn statement), which is a mandatory document for finalizing your future purchase contract.
Step 5: Official Commissioning
Strasbourg Electricité Réseaux will perform the final commissioning of your installation. This date is communicated to ÉS (Électricité de Strasbourg) and serves as the official start date for your purchase contract. From this point forward, the electricity injected into the grid is tracked via your production meter.
Step 6: Contract Issuance
To finalize the administrative side, you must send your contractor’s sworn statement to ÉS via email at obligation-achat@es.fr. Once the team at ÉS verifies the documentation, they will generate your obligation d’achat contract.
Step 7: Electronic Signature
The contract will be sent to you for digital signature through the Yousign platform. Once both you and ÉS have signed, you will be able to download your finalized contract directly from the platform.
Step 8: Billing and Payment
Your payment frequency—whether annual, semi-annual, or monthly—is determined by your contract and the total power capacity of your installation. For systems with a capacity of 36 kWc or less, billing typically occurs on an annual basis.
As the anniversary of your commissioning approaches, ÉS will provide a template for your invoice. You are responsible for reading your production index from your electricity meter and completing the invoice template. After submitting this to ÉS, they will review the documentation and process the payment for the electricity you have injected into the public network at the agreed-upon tariff.
Key Takeaways for Producers
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all safety attestations are signed and validated by the Consuel to avoid delays.
- Tariff Security: Your purchase tariff is locked in based on the date your initial connection request is marked as complete.
- Communication: Keep all correspondence with ÉS organized, particularly the sworn statement from your installer, as it is essential for contract issuance.
- Monitor Your Meter: Familiarize yourself with how to read your production index, as this is required for your annual or periodic billing cycles.
By following these steps, you ensure that your installation is not only safely connected to the Strasbourg grid but also fully prepared to generate revenue through the obligation d’achat program.
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