The French & renewable energies: what prospects in the face of the crisis?

This year, Qualit'EnR wanted to shed specific light on the perception of the energy crisis, renewable energies on the purchasing power of the French. More than 2.800 interviews were conducted with French people in order to have sufficient results to analyze the evolution of behavior and opinions concerning the energy renovation of their homes, their confidence in renewable energy solutions for heating, hot water and electricity. , their knowledge of professional networks and quality labels. It emerges that a culture of energy sobriety, of reasoned consumption is emerging among the French who act by force of circumstance. This culture involves eco-gestures and the desire for an energy mix integrating renewable energies in heating, water and electricity equipment. But the French want to get there financially and remain pragmatic.

Energy crisis and purchasing power: what perception of the French?

45% of French people are worried about their ability to cope with rising heating, hot water and electricity bills and 11% are very worried about their ability to manage the increase (especially households with dependents , the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region). Conversely, 55% say they are confident and 12% very confident in their ability to manage the increase in bills (especially young people, seniors, men, the PACA and Île-de-France regions).

Faced with the crisis, 55% of French people feel unable to estimate the increase in their energy bill this year. Of the 45% who consider themselves able to assess it, 26% think that the increase will be greater than €500 (among them, young people and seniors, CSP+ and the inactive). 14% of French people believe that bills will not increase (especially women, 18-24 year olds).

To lower bills, the French are pragmatic and practice eco-gestures: 96% say they have taken measures to reduce their energy expenditure. Thus, 92% prefer eco programs, 90% save hot water, 89% significantly reduce the temperature of their heating (especially in Brittany), 89% postpone the date of switching on their heating.

In this context, 30% of French people inquire about renewable energy solutions for heating, electricity or hot water and 36% are considering it.

Crisis and purchasing power: which energies do the French trust?

For 82% of French people, energy efficiency involves a mix combining renewable energy and conventional energies (+2 points / national average).

In this context, 98% of French people support the development of renewable energy sectors for heating, hot water and electricity (+1 point / 2022). In particular solar thermal (86%, +1 point / 2022), hydraulics (84%) and photovoltaic panels (83%, +2 points / 2022). It should be noted that the nuclear sector is experiencing growing support (65%, +5 points / 2022).

For 88% of French people, renewable energies are expensive. The economic aspect is essential in their eyes since they affirm at the same time that renewable energies make it possible to increase the value of a property (80%, +4 points / 2022) and that they make it possible to save money and gain in purchasing power (73%, +2 points / 2022).

In addition, renewable energies are respectful of the environment (84%, +5 points / 2022) and allow you to feel good at home (83%, +1 point / 2022).

Energy and renewable energy renovation: which heating and hot water solutions are popular?

In 2023, 37% of French people have decided to carry out energy renovation work. The progression is remarkable (+12 points / 2022). Ditto for those who have maintained their work projects in this context (26%; +10 points / 2022). The decision to carry out energy renovation work remains conditioned by the economic aspect: 30% of consumers who have decided not to carry out the work believe that it is too expensive (-4 points / 2022).

Today, 45% of French people say they have at least one piece of renewable energy equipment (+1 point / 2022). In 2023, their top 3 installed renewable energy and high energy performance solutions are close behind gas and fuel oil equipment (16%): thermodynamic water heaters (15%, +2 points / 2022), wood stoves (14%, -1 point / 2022), the heat pump (13%, +2 points / 2022). Photovoltaic solar panels are experiencing some growth (10%, +3 points / 2022). Electrical equipment remains the most installed (28%, -1 point / 2022).

Energy and renewable energy renovation: how do the French choose their installer?

71% of French people now have confidence in installers of heating, hot water and electricity solutions: this is a record (+2 points / 2022). Among the most confident are the working classes (74%), women (73%), young people (80%), and the Pays de la Loire region.

For their energy renovation work, the French demand quality technical installation (56%), maintenance and quality after-sales service (44%) and want intervention deadlines to be respected (27%).

To choose their installer (plumber, heating engineer, electrician, air conditioning engineer), the French turn to professionals with a quality label or qualification (78%), with the RGE mention (77%). Local professionals located close to home (72%, +25 points in 9 years) and those with good reviews on the internet (57%, +13 points over 4 years) are progressing strongly.

For this edition of the barometer, 2.806 people aged 18 and over were interviewed by questionnaire using the quota method and an approach by region.