Published
01.08.2021
Reading time
2 min
Category
Solar 101
Profitability of Solar Panels. What You Need to Know Before Making an Investment?
In order to build a good solar station, attention should be paid to the following points.
Azimuth and roof pitch
In Northern Europe, stationary installations facing East-West are most optimal for private homeowners to cover the morning and evening consumption. South-faced plants with a slope of 35-45° are most efficient overall, but in this case solar energy production falls within daytime when most people are at work or school. The east-west PV plant can lose up to 20% in productivity. The productivity of solar roofs with lower slopes (incl. integrated roof solutions) is also up to 20% lower, and in addition, such solutions are not favored by tile manufacturers (installations below 18° require a 100% watertight underlay). Shadows that fall periodically from trees or surrounding buildings are not a barrier to solar plant installation, but should preferably be avoided.
Shadows, incorrect weather arc and roof pitch can significantly impair the potential of the solar panels. From the link below you can conclude a preliminary study on the suitability of the possible location of the solar station.
New construction vs. existing
Based on our experience, the payback period for new houses is 20% shorter, as it is possible to solve the construction of a PV station and roof at the same time. This makes it possible to save on materials and installation works. In addition, it is possible to perform general electrical works at the same time, avoiding subsequent cabling and penetrations from the facade or finished surfaces.
The roofs of private houses are generally large enough to bring the energy consumption of the house to near zero energy requirements (in the case of new houses) or to raise the energy label of an existing house.
Energy consumption locally
Growing speculation and frequent fluctuations in electricity exchange prices have changed attitudes towards local PV plants and led to a surge in local producers. The most common modern heating solutions (air-to-water, geothermal, air-to-air) are energy efficient, but require constant energy to operate. Local PV plant is the cheapest way to operate heating equipment and control costs.
Based on our experience, Solarstone paneled buildings, which are heated by a continuously powered device, have a payback period of less than 10 years at today’s electricity price. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that daily activities such as washing and charging the electric car should definitely be done on a sunny day.
Payback period for a new house that is built with a loan
Based on the calculations of our customers, we dare to say that the construction of a panel park in a new house, which is financed by a loan, has a direct difference in costs, which is already reflected in the first payment to utilities and the bank. This means that the first loan payment that goes directly to the panel park is less than the first electricity bill without the panel park.
