News
Energy autonomy: transparent winter 2025-2026 review
5/2/2026 · by Coordination team
Raw 5-month data from the pilot site: solar production, consumption, real autonomy ratio, system limits, and adjustments planned for next winter.
Measured data
From November 2025 to March 2026, the pilot site produced 1,840 kWh of photovoltaic energy (3.2 kWp installed, south-west facing), for a total consumption of 2,410 kWh. Real autonomy reached 71%, with a deficit concentrated on 18 December-January days (prolonged cloud cover plus heating peak). The remaining 29% came from the grid, billed at 142 euros.
What worked
The solar + thermodynamic tank + wood stove peak combination confirmed its robustness. No outage suffered. Usage sobriety (LED lighting, cold-water washing, eliminated standby, summer solar oven) remains the most cost-effective lever. Fine-tuned appliance scheduling cut grid consumption by 40%.
Limits identified
The 5 kWh buffer battery is undersized for consecutive sun-free days: it drains in 36 hours. Attic insulation, fitted in 2024, shows visible thermal bridges on the infrared camera. No seasonal storage was tested: this is the major blind spot of energy sobriety in temperate climates.
Adjustments 2026-2027
Three actions are scheduled: additional attic insulation with cellulose wadding, addition of a 10 kWh second-hand battery kit, and an experimental Canadian well to pre-temperature incoming air. Target: lift autonomy above 85% next winter. More details on the applied ecology local energy autonomy page.
Sources and methodology
This article relies on measured field data, interviews, and public references. The method is made traceable so every figure and statement can be verified or replicated.
Methodology: direct observations on the pilot site, cross-checked against the monthly reviews of the authoring team and discussions with relevant local coordinators. Any factual correction can be reported via the contact page.