How to Reduce Your House Bills with Photovoltaic

The burden of energy bills is increasingly important for family budgets. Electricity is an indispensable asset, and today more than ever we are looking for solutions to save without sacrificing comfort. One of the most effective and sustainable alternatives is photovoltaic.

Reducing bills with solar energy is possible and can be done in different ways: from classic domestic systems to condominium systems, up to mini balcony systems and shared photovoltaic. Here's a complete overview of the available solutions.

Home Photovoltaic System: Clean Energy for the Home

Domestic photovoltaic systems are now a consolidated reality. In recent years, installation costs have fallen, while the efficiency of solar panels has increased, making this solution increasingly accessible.

With a domestic system it is possible to:

• Self-consume the energy produced during the day: the system directly powers the appliances, reducing the withdrawal from the network.
• Install a storage system with batteries that conserve excess energy for use in the evening hours or on cloudy days.
• Selling energy to the national grid, receiving compensation in the manner established by the GSE, such as a 'dedicated retreatment'.

The savings depend on the configuration chosen. The most is achieved with the system equipped with batteries, but it is also the most expensive. Self-consumption alone, without accumulation, still guarantees a significant reduction in the bill, especially if it is possible to concentrate consumption on the hours of production.

It is important to take into account the initial cost of installation and maintenance over the years. However, on average, a plant pays for itself in 7-10 years, thanks to the savings generated and any incentives available.

Condominium Photovoltaic: An Option for Apartment Living

Those who live in a condominium may encounter some difficulties in equipping themselves with an individual system, for technical and regulatory reasons. However, it is possible to install a photovoltaic system shared between the condominiums or dedicated to common services, such as elevators, stair lights and electric gate.

The management of the energy produced can follow different paths:

• Exclusive use for common services.
• Distribution of energy between condominiums, in accordance with procedures established at the meeting.
• Transfer of energy to the grid with distribution of revenues.

The installation of a condominium system requires the approval of the majority of condominiums, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code. The procedure may be long and complex, but it represents a good opportunity to cut common energy costs and enhance the property from an environmental and economic point of view.

Balcony Photovoltaic: Small Investment, Great Simplicity

A particularly interesting solution for those who have little space or live for rent is the photovoltaic for balcony, also called mini photovoltaic.

These are compact kits, generally consisting of one or two panels, a microinverter and the cables necessary for the connection. They are easily installed on the balcony railing or on an inclined structure and are connected directly to an electrical outlet, thanks to plug & play technology.

These systems make it possible to slightly reduce consumption, by directly entering the energy produced into the home network. There is no possibility (at the moment) of selling excess energy, and self-consumption is effective only if electricity is used during production hours.

Batteries are also being developed that are compatible with this type of system, but the addition of storage systems increases costs and requires adequate space.

The potential savings are modest, but the initial cost is low (usually under 1000 euros), making it a good solution to start producing energy in a simple way.

Shared Photovoltaic: Green Energy Even Without a Roof

One of the most recent innovations is the shared photovoltaic, which allows you to benefit from solar energy even without installing a system at home.

It works like this: you buy shares in a large photovoltaic plant (a solar park), built and managed by specialized companies. An example is GridShare, a unique initiative in Italy.

Those who participate in the project receive an economic return proportional to their share and the production of the plant. This makes it possible to obtain savings in the bill, without having to face installation, bureaucracy or maintenance costs.

It is a particularly suitable solution for those who do not have an available roof or live for rent, and still want to contribute to the energy transition by benefiting from savings linked to photovoltaic energy.

What's the Most Affordable Solution?

There is no single answer: everything depends on the characteristics of the house, economic availability and consumption.

• THEtraditional domestic system is ideal for independent homes with roof space and high consumption.
• The photovoltaic with storage guarantees maximum autonomy, but requires a higher investment.
• The condominium photovoltaic It is a good option to reduce common expenses, even if it requires coordination between condominiums.
• The mini balcony system is suitable for those who want to start in a simple way and with a low expense.
• The shared photovoltaic It is perfect for those who cannot install anything at home but still want to save on their bills in a sustainable way.

Conclusion

Photovoltaic today is a concrete solution to reduce energy costs, increase independence from the grid and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Whether it's a roof installation, a simple balcony panel or participation in a shared project, everyone can find the right formula for themselves. With an adequate initial assessment and possible access to government bonuses and incentives, investing in photovoltaic is a choice that can pay off in a few years, offering lasting economic and environmental benefits.