Consuel and photovoltaic systems without injection: everything you need to know before installing

In France, the question of Consuel for a photovoltaic installation without injection is often raised. Many private customers are planning to install a solar kit with battery or a hybrid inverter like the WKS Circle Pro, which operates in isolated backup mode. But should this type of installation be registered with Consuel? Consuel: definition and role Consuel (Comité national pour la sécurité des usagers de l'électricité) issues certificates of conformity for electrical installations. When a house is connected to the EDF grid and a source of electricity production is added, Consuel checks that the installation complies with standard NF C 15-100 and the safety rules. Case 1: Photovoltaic installation with grid connection If your solar inverter operates in parallel with the grid, even if there is no feed-in, the installation is considered to be connected. In this case : A CACSI agreement must be signed with Enedis. Consuel certificate required if the inverter exceeds 3 kVA or incorporates a solar battery. The inverter must be VDE 0126 or EN 50549 certified (anti-islanding protection). "Mr Dupuis, an electrician in Lyon, reminds us: *A grid inverter without VDE 0126 will never obtain the Consuel, even if you declare zero injection*. Case 2: Photovoltaic installation without grid connection (backup mode) With inverters like the WKS Circle Pro, the backup output is completely isolated from the grid. The device : supplies a separate electrical panel, uses the EDF grid only as an input (bypass or load), is never synchronised to the public network. In this case, Consuel certification is not required. The inverter is treated in the same way as a battery charger plugged into a socket or a domestic generator. The only requirements to be met are those relating to internal safety (NF C 15-100). The Martin family in the Dordogne have installed a solar kit with batteries. As their WKS Circle is not connected to the grid, Consuel confirmed that no specific certificate was required. Comparison: when is Consuel compulsory? Type of installation Consuel required? Example Self-consumption with injection Yes Deye, SMA, Fronius grid inverter Self-consumption without injection (zero injection) Yes Deye or Victron hybrid inverter, VDE 0126 certified Isolated backup mode (no grid connection) No WKS Circle Pro, backup mode only Economic benefits and choice of equipment Choosing between an installation with or without feed-in depends on your objective: With injection: better yield if surplus, but administrative procedures. Without injection: simplicity, autonomy, no Consuel required in backup mode. For an individual starting out, a 1 kWp self-consumption solar kit is ideal for getting started. A professional installer will opt for certified solutions (Victron, Deye, Fronius) with controlled injection. FAQ Do I need a Consuel for a solar kit without injection? Yes, if the inverter is connected to the grid. No, if the installation only operates as an isolated backup. Does a WKS Circle inverter require Consuel? No, if it is only used as a backup output, it is treated in the same way as a battery charger or a generator. Why do some UPS require VDE 0126? Because this certification guarantees anti-islanding protection when connected to the grid. What is the difference between backup and conventional self-consumption? With backup, the EDF grid is never connected. In self-consumption, the inverter works in parallel with EDF. Contact Wattuneed Would you like to know whether your project requires Consuel approval? Contact our team: WattuneedRue Henripré 124821 Andrimont, Belgium+32 87 45 00 34info@wattuneed.com