Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2022 5:43pm
Hello,
The solar electric schemes are full of simple things but it makes them complicated for the reasons stated here already and more.
The payback is individually costed. If you are a low user already then it takes longer. There are however many good things to gain from having a system before paying back qualifies as the only marker. If you are worried about the ability to pay bills you can have more heat / cooling than you would normally have and then there are environmental and political advantages too?
When I was pricing up you could reckon on 1000 euros per kW generated but there were some big variations on that. Most rated my single occupancy, low usage apartment as 3,4kW systems (fairly standard) - don't go by panels as you do not know what size panels are or their generational output rating - originally quoted as 3.400 euros. As well as local suppliers there are national ones too, including IKEA. My experience with Spanish companies was that they were quick to respond but useless when it came to asking questions and getting quotes. They were also vague about when it might happen -typical lack of business sense here. Especially as I had stated I was a cash buyer.
The companies that supply grid power vary enormously in their feed back rates....More sPAIN? :)
Grants vary according to areas - some give zero - best advice is from companies as to what is available and a good company does the paperwork for you. Some companies bury the grant details in the quote and deal with everything that way.
One thing I had to do was to find which of the meters in my block was mine and photograph it - harder than you might think - as the identifying number (not on my bill - nor are meter readings) is part of the bar code. The ID number is not the CUPS number but has a complicated Spanish title.
Other things to think about are what your property is electrically rated at because this determines your standing charges - high in Spain and your savings only come from the usage of electricity and the feedback rate.
The main advantage would be independence of supply to some degree, obviously more if you have batteries. In my case putting the water heater on only during the daylight hours, using a timer, means there is a supply of power. In a mad moment I had the washing machine, water heater on together with the toaster. When I was drawing 2.7kW, 2.5kW was provided by the system. My system will provide more power as I went for 8 panels but until the feedback is agreed with the company the control system always draws some power from the grid and you can not exceed that amount. for instance my computer system draws 78 watts and sometimes is the only use of electricity but always 38watts is from the grid as a buffer zone from accidentally feeding in to the grid unauthorised.
There are conditions about the feedback systems here as well as the UK as described above. My understanding of this would be that the problem has been sorted out, to allow more people to enter the generation system. Again you need to ask companies directly, don't be fobbed off, ask and keep asking - getting it in writing before you sign a contract?
I am not endorsing EcoCorp but I got my system through them and in my experience and opinion is, they are a benchmark company you can judge the others against? However, such was the demand, before recent political events, that I had to wait three months at least before it was installed. I assume other companies will be the same.
If anyone needs more info (it is a big subject) put general questions here and write to me individually for anything else?
My name's Alex and this is my website all about Almanzora in Spain. Register now for free to talk about General Almanzora discussion and much more!
