Everything you need to know about installing solar panels

Lots of people choose solar panels because of the following benefits:

• You reduce your energy bills. By generating your own electricity with solar panels, you can save hundreds of euros on your annual energy bills. Unconsumed solar energy is fed into the grid in exchange for payment from your energy supplier.
• Your home increases in value. Houses with solar panels installed often perform better on the property market. Energy-efficient living is a decisive factor for many buyers.
• You are less dependent on your energy supplier. This also means you are better protected against sudden price increases in the energy market.
• It’s good for the environment. Solar energy is a renewable energy resource. By installing solar panels, you are taking steps towards creating a more sustainable home and also contributing to a better environment.
  

Curious to know about the drawbacks, too? Read more about the benefits and drawbacks of solar panels.

Thinking about having solar panels installed? The process involves a number of steps.

Although you can recoup the cost of buying and installing solar panels relatively quickly, it is still a significant investment.

How much the installation will cost you and how much the panels will yield depends on several factors, including your average energy consumption and the number of panels you can install. It’s therefore a good idea to work this out carefully in advance.

The cost of installing your solar panels depends on things like the type of solar panels you choose, the number of panels, additional materials and the installer’s installation costs. Arrange a visit from a professional installer and ask for a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific situation. The more detailed your quote, the fewer surprises there will be afterwards.

The installation itself usually takes between one and three days, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of your roof. The installer fits the solar panels on your roof and connects them to the inverter, which converts the generated direct current (DC) into usable alternating current (AC).

After installation, your solar panels will be connected to your electricity meter and tested. Before you can use your panels, you need to have them inspected. This is known in Belgium as an AREI inspection (AREI = General Regulations on Electrical Installations). The inspection examines whether it is safe to start using your solar panel installation. The inspection is carried out by an authorised inspector and is usually arranged through the installer of your solar panels.

Good to know: When you have solar panels installed, your home's energy performance improves. You are now generating your own electricity and contributing to the sustainability of your home. If you’re planning to sell your home, have a new EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) prepared. With a better EPC rating, you can often put your house on the market for a higher price.

Once the installation and inspection of solar panels is complete, you need to register them with your grid operator. The grid operator will tell you which documents you need to submit to register your solar panels. This usually includes the AREI inspection report and other specifications of your installation.

The grid operator will notify your energy supplier who will then send you a feed-in contract confirming your feed-in tariff. This is the amount you will be paid for the solar energy you do not consume and feed into the grid.

Now that your solar panels have been installed, you’ll want to know how they are performing. Many installers, as well as some energy suppliers, offer monitoring systems which operate via a handy app on your smartphone. This makes it easy to track the performance of your panels.

It’s natural to expect your installer to have sufficient experience in installing solar panels, but you should also check whether your installer is certified. You can then be sure you are dealing with an expert.

The Flemish government awards a ‘Certificate of Competence’ to green energy system installers who undergo training and pass an exam. The Certificate is valid for seven years. Installers holding a Certificate of Competence are also referred to as ‘RESCert’ installers.

As with any installation, things can go wrong – for example, a fault in the installation or a faulty panel. If that should happen, it’s important that you can rely on a watertight warranty and after-sales service.

Solar panels are a major investment. You not only have to pay for the panels, but also the costs of installation and any additional materials. It is therefore only logical that you’ll want to see a clear breakdown of costs in advance. A reliable installer will usually offer you a detailed and transparent quote. That way, there won’t be any surprises afterwards.

If you know someone who has recently had solar panels installed, ask them about their experience. If you can’t do that, read customer reviews instead. You will then have a better idea of what to expect.

You can install solar panels yourself, but it is quite a challenge which requires specialised skills. For example, you need knowledge of electrical systems and roofing systems. Working at height and with electricity also involve risks. If you install your panels yourself, this could also affect the warranty.

There is in other words a lot involved in installing solar panels. But it doesn’t have to be so complicated. The additional ‘Solar panels and battery’ service in KBC Brussels Mobile lets you work out the estimated yield and cost of your solar panels.

If you are interested, you can obtain a no-obligation quote from a reliable contractor from the network of our partner ‘Impact us today’. They will contact you within five business days to set up an appointment.

The KBC Brussels Energy Loan is an instalment loan. Lender: KBC Bank NV, Havenlaan 2, 1080 Brussels, VAT BE 0462.920.226, RLP Brussels, FSMA 026256 A. Subject to your loan application being approved by KBC Bank NV.