Energy autonomy with Beem : feedback from a committed subscriber
After several years of exploring, testing and comparing a multitude of solar panels, batteries and hybrid systems, I can finally say that I have found the most complete, most coherent and most efficient solution for my home : the all-in-one system offered by Beem .
My goal has been clear from the start: to achieve total energy autonomy . Not simply as a technical challenge, but out of ecological, economic and strategic conviction in the face of the growing instability of energy prices. And today, after months of research, calculations, comparisons and, above all, implementation, I can say that I am on the right track .
An installation designed to last... and produce
It all started with installing 18 solar panels on my roof, optimally distributed to capture the sun's energy from morning until evening. This represents a total power of 9000 Wp , the maximum capacity I could physically install on my roof . And as luck would have it (or rather, by clever design), Beem battery can handle in its full configuration.
This choice was not made by chance. It was based on a precise analysis of my needs, the constraints of my home, and the performance of the different systems tested. The BIM system naturally emerged as the most suitable: modular, scalable, robust and designed for serious residential use, with a real focus on self-consumption and electrical safety .
Table of Contents
Beem battery : The heart of my solar installation
The central point and clearly the most strategic element of my entire installation is the Beem . Let me give you an enriched summary after several months of use.
The Beem battery is distinguished by its modular architecture: it consists of a smart head integrating a hybrid inverter (capable of managing both solar sources and the grid) and storage modules of 3 kWh each. My current configuration is 10 kWh, with three modules installed. The maximum capacity of the Beem is reached with four modules, or 13.4 kWh.
Three powerful and independent MPPTs: a real asset
What makes the Beem particularly intelligent and powerful are its three MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) inputs, each capable of handling up to 3000W. In other words, each input can manage up to six solar panels connected in series, independently of each other.
And this is where Beem really shines. Unlike many systems where a shadowed area or a dirty panel penalizes the entire production line, here only the affected input is affected, and the other two continue to produce normally. This allows the panels to be distributed according to the East, South, and West orientations, and thus optimize production throughout the day.
In my case, this is essential, because my installation is far from homogeneous: I use a mix of panels of different brands and powers. And despite this, the Beem manages everything without any compatibility issues, which is a real comfort when you want to reuse equipment or complete an existing installation.
Integration into the home: security and continuity
Electrically, the battery is connected to a standards-compliant AC protection box, then directly connected to my main electrical panel. What impressed me, and what I don't always find with competitors, is the system's ability to continue powering the house even in the event of a power outage. Beem has well integrated this dimension of energy resilience, which adds real added value in terms of security.
Finally, to give you an idea of the scale: as long as my instantaneous consumption does not exceed 6000 W, I can be completely autonomous, without having to draw on the network. And in practice, with optimized equipment and intelligent usage management, this is entirely achievable on a daily basis.
Solar panels: Optimizing production
Now, let's talk about the solar panels! Being a big tester, my roof has become a sort of "museum" of solar panels. But how did I connect them to the three inputs of the Beem ? It's simple: I connected the panels in series, in groups of six.
For the connections, I opted for safety and simplicity. Instead of buying kilometers of cables and crimping the MC4 end caps myself (a delicate operation that can be risky if done badly), I preferred to buy factory-pre-crimped cables, of good quality of course (we don't skimp on quality for an installation that will last for decades!). This saved me precious time and ensured optimal safety. To protect the cables from the outside elements and make everything more aesthetic, I will install split sleeves and trunking.
Before connecting everything to the Beem , it is crucial to use a DC protection box, as required by the C15712-3 standard. This is essential for safety and for the Consuel to validate the installation. Beem also offers a compliant box, which greatly simplifies things.
An important thing to know: any panel can be connected to the Beem , regardless of its brand or power. However, pay attention to homogeneity within each group of six panels. If you put five 500W panels and one 100W panel, the power of the group will be limited to 6 x 100W.
On my installation, here is what I did:
MPPT 1: 6 Beem-On panels of 460 Wp each, or 2760 Wp.
MPPT 2: 2 Beem-On 500 Wp and 4 Anker 540 Wp. Here, it is the 500 Wp panel that will condition the power, so I get about 3000 Wp (the MPPT will limit the input to 3000 W anyway).
MPPT 3: 2 Beem-On of 460 Wp, 2 Anker of 450 Wp and 2 Duals Sun of 430 Wp. In this case, the power will be limited to 6 x 430 Wp.
In total, my installation is around 8340 Wp. For the profitability calculations that I will present to you, I will round up to 9000 Wp, because this is the power that most of you will achieve with 500 Wp panels.
Production and Consumption: The Great Calculation
Now, let's get down to the numbers! According to PVGIS, with 9000 Wp, I should produce about 10,902 kWh of electricity per year . Knowing that the panels lose about 0.5% of power per year, reaching 80% after 40 years.
To better visualize this, let's convert this to euros. With an electricity price of €0.20/kWh in France and a Beem of a 5% increase per year, this would theoretically represent an average of €3,000 in energy savings per year over 15 years (the battery warranty).
However, we have to be realistic: I will never consume 100% of what I produce. My house is very well insulated, and in 2024, I will have consumed only 3250 kWh, less than a third of my estimated production. This means that I will send a good portion of my electricity back to the grid, which will slow down the return on investment.
But a major change happened in 2025: I have an electric car! I know, I know, but it was necessary to make the most of my production. I drive about 25,000 km per year and I charge half of it at home. This adds about 1875 kWh to my annual consumption, a 73% increase! It really shows how much electric vehicles can impact overall consumption.
With my car, I should consume about 5125 kWh per year, for a production of 10,900 kWh. It's normal to oversize the installation to be autonomous, especially in winter when production decreases and consumption increases.
The good news is that this installation complies with standards and is validated by the Consuel (French National Energy Board). This will allow me to resell my surplus electricity. The Beem is smart: it knows exactly how much I produce and consume, and can charge the car only with the surplus, thus optimizing my self-consumption and minimizing the amount sent to the grid.
Basically, about 50% of my production will be consumed by my house, and the remaining 50% will be resold to the network at about €0.10/kWh (a price that I consider stable for the estimate).
With these figures, I should save about €1,506 worth of electricity each year and resell it for about €526 worth of electricity per year. That's a total gain of about €2,032 per year .
Of course, this calculation is personal. If you consume more, your self-consumption rate will be higher. For example, with a rate of 75%, you could save €2,259 and resell €263, for a total gain of €2,522 per year !
Profitability: A solid investment?
This brings us to the key question: profitability.
Beem website , six Beem-On (solar panels) cost €2,229. For 18 panels, that's €6,687. Add about €300 for the cables and MC4 connectors, and you get a total of €7,000 . The Beem battery with four modules (13.4 kWh) costs €9,990. The theoretical total for my installation is about €17,000 . Please note that this price is indicative; a personalized quote with a Beem is always recommended, and it is even possible to finance the project over 7 years.
In my case, with 50% self-consumption, the system should be profitable in 9 to 10 years . If you manage to self-consume 75% of your production, you could reach profitability in 8 years!
Frankly, between 8 and 9 years to pay off an installation with a lifespan of 20 years (and even 40 years for the panels!), it's an excellent investment. When the battery needs to be replaced in 20 years, my panels will still be halfway through their life, making the next amortization even faster.
In addition to the savings, the system offers protection against power outages, which is not insignificant. And beyond the financial aspect, there is the satisfaction of participating in a more democratic energy model, understanding the value of energy by producing it yourself, and contributing to the national effort to produce green energy.
All-in-one solution: ready to use with panels, Beem modular battery and hybrid inverter.
Modular and scalable battery: capacity up to 13.4 kWh depending on needs.
Triple MPPT: three independent trackers to optimize production on different orientations.
Multi-brand compatibility: supports multiple panel brands and powers.
Autonomy and security: power supply up to 6000 W in the event of a power outage.
Smart optimization: maximized self-consumption and charging of electric vehicles.
Simplified installation: pre-crimped cables and Consuel compliance .
Long-term profitability: amortized in 8 to 10 years with a panel lifespan of up to 40 years.
Strong ecological commitment: significant reduction of the carbon footprint.
High initial cost: around €17,000 for a complete kit.
Complexity of sizing: crucial to avoid undersizing or overcosting.
Power limitation: by MPPT (3000 W) requiring homogeneity of the panels.
Technical installation: requires a professional or good electrical knowledge.
Long payback period: almost a decade.
Network dependency: for resale of surplus in the event of a prolonged outage.
Size: The weight and size of the Beem battery require a dedicated space.
Conclusion: A profitable and ecological investment
Ultimately, my approach isn't just about saving money; it's also a strong gesture for the planet . With an estimated payback period of between 8 and 10 years for an installation that will last much longer, it's a solid and wise investment.
Beyond the numbers, choosing solar energy with Beem local and democratic model of electricity production . By producing my own energy, I become aware of its value and I am more attentive to my consumption. It is my personal contribution to the national effort for green energy , far from fossil fuels. It is a movement that speaks to me, and I am proud to be part of it.
After several months with the Beem , I am completely . It works wonderfully and continues to evolve. The Beem is very serious about the safety, reliability and performance of their products. I hope that this immersion in my installation has given you a clear vision of what energy autonomy can represent. I am on an excellent path to reach 100 % !
Please let me know in the comments what you think and if you would be interested in such a system for your home.
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