Contrary to popular belief, Estonia is a good place to produce solar electricity. For example, in summer daylight hours in Estonia start earlier and end later than in Central Europe. We will share tips on what steps to take if you are interested in installing solar panels.

Find a suitable site

The solar power plant can be installed both on the roof and on the ground. In the case of a roof, both flat and sloped roofs are suitable. Of course, it would be ideal if the panels were facing south, but unfortunately this solution is not always feasible. Contrary to popular belief, the panels can be oriented to any direction of the world, including the north. However, in this case you should expect less performance: At a 35-degree inclination, east and west directions reduce productivity by 20%, and north by 50%.

Calculate how much you will save

The construction of a solar park is an investment, the profitability of which must be accurately assessed in advance. The payback period of solar panels depends on many factors, mainly on the selected set of solar panels, electricity consumption (how much is own, how much is given to the network), on financial conditions, on the cost rate of the loan and on government subsidies.

For example, use Eesti Energia's simple web calculator to get an initial estimate of investment size, potential financial benefit and payback period.

Learn about support schemes

Today, the household consumer receives support under the Elering Renewable Energy Production Support Scheme Elering Renewable Energy Production Support Scheme: residential producers with a production capacity of up to 50 kW are eligible to receive a subsidy for electricity transferred to the grid. The subsidy rate is 5.37 cents/kWh and the support period is 12 years. In addition, support can be obtained through the Kredex Small Residential Building Reconstruction Grant (if the building was built before 1993).

Accurate price offer

If the payback period seems reasonable and the investment is feasible, then ask for a more accurate price quote. In this case, engineers will inspect the object and carry out a more thorough analysis. To do this, as a partner, you need to choose a reliable company that carefully develops projects and fulfills its promises. Unfortunately, there are firms on the market that distort the calculations in order to give the client the impression of a shorter payback period.

Choose a partner and make a deal!

If the price offer is suitable, you can conclude an agreement and proceed with preparatory activities - drawing up a project and processing the necessary permits and documents.

Designing a reliable and quality power plant is an exact science. In order for the panels to be productive and for the first strong gust of wind not to blow the panels off the roof, the design and installation must be of high quality. If the plant is planned in the absence of proper experience and carelessly, then its payback period can be significantly extended.

Installation

After drawing up the project, it remains only to install the panels, the inverter and connect to the network, which usually takes several days.

Start producing!

Enjoy cheaper and cleaner electricity and make sure the station is working properly from time to time. Typically, performance can be monitored through a website or app.

It would be good if household solar energy systems were checked by specialists every 2-3 years (visual inspection, circuit measurements, inverter software updates, etc.). In winter, there is no need to worry about the abundance of snow, since the snow does not destroy the panels and there is not much sunlight at this time of the year. In spring and autumn, when there is more light, the panels self-clean. In particular, light begins to penetrate the thinner layer of snow and the panels begin to generate electricity. At the same time, they heat up a little, which will help the snow slide or melt.