The installation of solar panels represents an investment that is both ecological and economical over the long term. In addition to reducing your electricity bill, this device brings value to your property and allows you to contribute to the preservation of the environment. However, it is the initial cost of installing solar panels that puts many people off. The total price of this kind of project can easily reach 15,000 euros. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the cost of installing solar panels in your home.
Installation of solar panels: compare quotes
The most effective strategy for reduce the cost of installing your solar panels is to request several quotes from different companies. Each installer has their own prices and their own product ranges, which is why prices may vary from one professional to another. Asking for several estimates will then allow you to know the price of a solar panel installation with as much detail as possible. For your information, there are several criteria that come into consideration when calculating the price of a solar installation, including:
- the individual value of the panels according to their brand and their power,
- THE number of panels to install,
- the total area to be covered,
- the installation technique adapted to your property,
- installer pricing,
- the guarantees offered…
When comparing quotes, make sure that all costs associated with the work are listed and that there are no hidden charges. Also understand that the goal is not just to find the cheapest price for your solar installation, but also to find the option with the best quality/price ratio. In this sense, the reliability of the installer is also a determining criterion if you want to make your solar panel installation project profitable.
Aid to reduce the cost of installing your solar panels
In order to encourage consumers to consume renewable energy within the framework of the ecological transition, the State offers several subsidies to finance energy renovation work. Since the energy obtained from the sun’s rays is renewable, the installation of solar panels is one of the projects that can be supported by the Government. The aid you may be eligible for includes:
- the self-consumption bonus with an amount that varies according to the power of the system,
- VAT reduced to 10% for solar panels with a power of less than 3 kWp and to 20% for a more powerful system,
- the EDF OA (purchase obligation) which allows resell all or the surplus of your electricity production to EDF,
- the Effy bonus or energy bonus, if and only if the system also makes it possible to produce heating and domestic hot water, then allowing you to obtain financing up to 5,000 euros.
There are other local or regional aid available to reduce the price of installing solar panels. You should consult the town hall of your geographical area to find out about them and to find out if you are eligible.
What types of solar panels to choose for a cheaper installation?
There are several types of solar panels and choose the product that best suits your needs is a good way to reduce the total cost of the installation. The most affordable type of system is the self-consumption solar kit. Its price is around 500 euros for 300 Wp panels and 6,000 euros for those of 3 kWp. Then there are, from the cheapest to the most expensive, the panels with amorphous silicon modules, those in polycrystalline and monocrystalline.
Be aware that the more expensive the panel, the more efficient its energy conversion will be. Regardless of the type of solar panels you intend to use, the most important criterion for obtaining a reliable and efficient installation is to entrust the work to an RGE company.
A profitable investment over the long term
In the long term, theinstallation of solar panels is a profitable investment for two main reasons. First, this system allows you to convert the energy produced by sunlight into alternating current, which you can then use to power the electrical appliances in your home. You thus make considerable savings on your energy bill, given the price of electricity which is constantly increasing. Also, you can resell the surplus production that you do not consume to EDF to supplement your ends of the month.
Finally, solar panels are an excellent way to increase the value of your property if you plan to resell it. The ecological and economic aspect is an argument that will convince potential buyers to pay a large sum for the acquisition of the house.