Female Focus
Page 39
Home & Garden
The facts about installing a solar energy grid-connected electricity system
Electricity bills have increased by an average of 20% each year over the past 5 years and the cost is likely to increase by similar amounts over the next few years.
How does a solar grid-connected system work? Solar electricity systems capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. When light shines on the cell it creates
an electric field. The PV modules generate DC electricity - or Direct Current - sending it to an inverter. The inverter transforms the electricity from DC to AC (Alternating Current) for ordinary household needs. This system allows the solar electricity to be used as it is being generated. Do I need permission from Iberdrola to install a system in my property? Yes you do. This is very important and must not be overlooked. Permissions need to be obtained before the installation takes place. Every grid-connected electricity system needs authorisation from both Iberdrola and the Spanish Government. Iberdrola is currently issuing fines of up to 30,000€ for unauthorised installations.
What is the life expectancy of a solar grid-connected electricity system? A well designed solar system will last for 25-30 years. Both the solar panels and the inverters used by Solar in Spain are guaranteed for 25 years.
Does solar energy only work on sunny days? No. These cells don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate electricity on cloudy days. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced.
What happens to the electricity that is produced but not used? Iberdrola will now buy back any solar electricity that is sent back to the grid.
Do I have to pay tax to the Government if I install a system? Two years ago the government published a draft proposal which proposed a tax on electricity that was produced and consumed from solar grid-connected systems. This draft proposal was against European Union directives and was met with enormous opposition. On the 9th October 2015 the government updated this draft proposal stating that grid connected solar installations that produce less than 10kW per hour will not be taxed. This is excellent news for home owners.
Where can I find out more information? Solar in Spain has been in business on the Costa Blanca for 13 years. They complete all the paperwork for its clients and is one of the few companies that actually ensures that their installations comply fully with the law. Their office and showroom is in the Pedreguer Industrial Estate, just off the N332. They are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and would be delighted to answer any questions. They can also be contacted on 962 854 488 or by sending an email to
info@solarinspain.com. Their new website is at:
www.solarinspain.com.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60