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Are photovoltaic panels worth it?

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It is impossible not to notice the multitude of photovoltaic panels that have appeared on the walls and roofs of many buildings in recent years. There is also no denying that it is one of the most strongly promoted forms of energy generation in recent times. No wonder that many people wonder – is it worth having photovoltaic panels? Is this really a good solution, or just a temporary trend that has attracted a crowd of people due to subsidies, a pro-ecological approach and the hype around the slogan “photovoltaics”?

What is the phenomenon of photovoltaic panels? Is it worth installing them?

As a quick reminder – photovoltaic panels work on the principle of transforming solar radiation into electricity. Thanks to this, we gain not only a direct source of energy for the equipment used in the house, but also the ability to heat the property and the water in its circulation – this is the so-called self-consumption of energy. In other words, as owners of a photovoltaic installation, we can count on energy independence (especially from traditional heating sources) and something that each of us pays a lot of attention to – significant savings in the operation of the house.

How does the actual profitability of photovoltaic panels relate to this – is it worth being tempted to install them? It depends on factors directly related to our property – for example, shading in a given place, the shape of the roof or the place where we plan to install the installation.

A shady plot, an irregular shape of the roof, space for installation only on the north side – is it worth having photovoltaic panels if these features distinguish our house? These factors can make the installation not as cost-effective as we may think .

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Are photovoltaic panels profitable and why?

With a photovoltaic installation operating on the roof or façade of our house, we become prosumers. What does it mean and how does it affect the profitability of this solution ? As a prosumer, we have the opportunity to take a surplus of previously generated energy that has not been used as part of self-consumption in a given household. This results in our profit and this allows us to determine the return on investment in photovoltaics.

So how do photovoltaic panels fare in this respect? Is it worth having such an installation if we are hoping for a quick return ? In the light of the current regulations, the refund we are entitled to per kWh of surplus is the average market price of electricity in a given month. However, in July 2024, new regulations will come into force – according to the net-billing system, the surplus will be paid according to the energy price per hour.

In this case, it is worth looking at the matter realistically to make the most of the electricity from photovoltaics. Although the scenarios are different – the most profitable is to use energy 100% as self-consumption, but this is an unlikely scenario. With a real ratio of surplus to self-consumption, the investment is able to pay for itself after a period of about 9 to 11 years.

Taking into account the currently available subsidies (for example, Mój Prąd 4.0 – up to PLN 20,000), rising energy prices in Poland – even taking into account the costs of possible inspections, maintenance or repairs of failures, this is an option worth considering, especially in the case of energy-efficient houses with a simple shape.

In such conditions and with the right direction of the sun’s rays at the installation – photovoltaic panels can be a bull’s eye. With a properly thermally insulated house with a simple shape, we will maximize the potential of this technology!

 

Read also: What mistakes not to make when building a house.