Thinking about investing in solar panels? Here’s what you need to know!

The price of solar panels continues to fall. The price of the average installation has actually halved since the 2022 energy crisis, so it’s a better time than ever to invest in solar panels. But what do you need to know before you decide to put panels on your roof? What about the return, costs, pros and cons, the installation process and the number of panels required? We’ve gathered all the details and laid them out for you below.

A complete solar panel installation typically costs an average of 3 000 to 5 700 euros, including installation costs and excluding VAT. To be clear, this is only an estimate. Prices may have fallen sharply recently, but it’s still important to make a realistic calculation of the costs involved before you begin. 

The exact cost depends on factors such as the type of installation and the number of panels, while the number of panels you install depends on your energy consumption. Curious what you might expect to pay? We’ve created a comprehensive overview for you to check out!

It’s better to install slightly too many panels than too few, so try to think ahead when calculating. For example, are you planning to buy an electric car? If so, that will usually double your energy consumption. Or perhaps you’re planning to have a heat pump installed in the near future, in which case you should expect to generate a good 4 000 kWh extra per year. 

The positioning is certainly important, as well. South-facing panels angled at 30-40 degrees are most efficient, but this isn’t always possible. As a result, you may have to install more panels than your neighbour. Shadows from trees or buildings can also cause issues, and it’s always important to smartly balance energy generation and consumption.

If you’re wondering how many solar panels you need to generate enough power for your home and how much you could save, you can read all about it in this article. 

First things first, you should 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 a day, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of your roof. The installer fits the solar panels 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, tested and approved. And it doesn’t stop there. If you’d like to know how to ensure a smooth installation from beginning to end, you can read a handy summary on this page. 

Solar panels have many advantages. Generating your own electricity means you will need to buy less energy from the grid, which in turn will significantly lower your energy bill. This also means you’re a little better protected against sudden price increases in the energy market. In addition, your home will get a better EPC rating, increasing the value of your property.

Of course, we have to be realistic about the disadvantages: unfortunately positioned buildings or trees can cast shadows across your roof, and how much the sun shines also makes a big difference. That means the amount of energy you produce will be lower on cloudy days and in the winter months. And although solar panels are relatively low-maintenance, they do need occasional cleaning to maintain their maximum efficiency. 

For a realistic comparison of the pros and cons of installing solar panels on your roof, we’ve put together a comprehensive summary for you on this page so that you can be sure you’re making an informed decision.

You’ll certainly want to make sure expensive investments in your home are also properly insured. A charging station and home battery are automatically insured under your KBC Home Insurance policy and there’s no need to inform KBC that you’ve installed them. 

If you’ve installed solar panels, we recommend checking with your insurance expert whether they are covered under your home insurance. Certain policy types include solar panels, but as this is not always the case, it’s best to check to make sure.
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‘Solar panels pay for themselves’ is something you hear often. But what kind of return would solar panels offer in your specific situation, and how quickly would you recoup your investment? Once again, you need to know the exact watt peak output of your installation and then convert that output to kilowatt hours (kWh). 

And that’s just the beginning... In order to accurately calculate your payback period, you need to account for other factors such as the cost of your installation, energy prices, the amount of electricity your solar panels produce (which depends on their position and orientation) and, above all, your own energy consumption.

If your head’s already starting to spin at the thought of all these complicated calculations, don't panic. We’ve provided a clear worked example so that you so you can get a better grip on things. Just take a quick look at this page. 

If you’re thinking of installing solar panels, be sure to keep three important points in mind:

• Solar panels continue to be a worthwhile investment, especially now that prices are historically low. You save on your energy bills, your home increases in value and you’re less dependent on energy suppliers.
• While there are certain disadvantages such as investment costs and dependence on sunlight, they are clearly outweighed by the benefits.
• Above all, be sure to run your own simulation and find out whether solar panels are a sensible investment for you. We’re happy to help you with that through the handy ‘Solar panels and battery’ service in KBC Mobile.

KBC Mobile allows you to work out the estimated return 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.
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