How Much Does a Photovoltaic System Cost? Here are all the costs

Investing in solar energy is an increasingly popular choice for those who want to generate a sustainable income and contribute to a greener future.

Why?

Simple, because solar energy can be considered an infinite energy that is constantly evolving.

Suffice it to say that in addition to the traditional roof systems that once represented the only plant prototype, today the solutions have become increasingly innovative, also thanks to funding from the international community.

The goal is only one: to make this alternative and sustainable way accessible to the largest part of the world's population - even for those who live in environments that can put more strain on the construction of a plant, such as urban environments.

Today, with this article, GridShare will try to explore all the main aspects of this innovative energy source, from prices to some considerations related to the installation of panels and to all the (apparently tortuous) paperwork necessary to follow to finally obtain a result in accordance with the law - especially in Italy.

Find out how the process works and what costs to keep in mind if you want to join the clean energy revolution, in comfort.

Contact us to start evaluating your solar investment with GridShare.

What is a photovoltaic system?

As in all things, you have to start from the basics.

What is a photovoltaic system really?

In a more technical aspect, it is simply one of the many electrical systems created by man in recent centuries.

But its base is much more complex and refined.

A photovoltaic system, in fact, consists of:

· A set of photovoltaic modules that exploit the Sun's energy to transform it into electricity through the so-called “photovoltaic effect”, a purely physical process based on the interaction between solar radiation and matter.

· Cables, the electrical component

· Inverter, the electronic component

· On special occasions, also from mechanical-automatic solar tracking systems, i.e. devices that aim to capture the maximum amount of sunlight to increase the performance of the entire electrical system.

Photovoltaic systems, in turn, are mainly divided into two macro categories:

1. Off-grid systems (or “island”), which operate independently of the electricity grid and are equipped with accumulators to store energy, ideal for isolated areas or not served by the national grid. They can include hybrid systems that combine different energy sources, such as photovoltaic and wind power, ensuring continuity thanks to the grid only in case of emergency.

2. Grid-connected systems (or 'connected to the grid'), on the other hand, are connected to the electricity grid and enter the energy produced into it, contributing to distributed generation.

How much does a classic photovoltaic system cost?

That said, let's move on to the more practical aspects for those who want to invest in this sector.

What is the cost of a photovoltaic system?

It depends.

There are several factors that affect the price of a plant, including the size, the materials used, the technical specifications, and the type of installation.

For a residential facility standard, with a power between 3 and 6 kWp (peak kilowatts), the costs are between 7,000 and 12,000 euros. To this, we can add the price of storage batteries, which fluctuate between 5,000 and 10,000 euros.

In short, figures that certainly not everyone can afford in daily life.

Fortunately, however, Italy, aligning itself with most European countries, has recently begun to offer significant incentives for those who wish to invest in the photovoltaic sector.

Thanks to incentives such as:

· The 70% Superbonus for residential photovoltaic

· Reduced VAT at 10% instead of 22%

· Restructuring Bonus, with a 50% deduction until 31 December 2024 for those who decide to install photovoltaic systems with a maximum expenditure of €96,000

· Energy income, capital contribution provided for by the MASE decree of 08/08/2023 stipulated as an incentive for families with an ISEE income of up to €15,000

· Regional bonuses, like those in Basilicata and Friuli-Venezia Giulia

As you can see, in Italy it is feasible to recover a large part of the investment in the long term.

In addition, an important aspect to consider is the reduction of energy bills: a well-sized system makes it possible to reduce electricity costs and, in some cases, to achieve almost total independence from the grid within a decade (or less, it depends on the power of the plant) of years.

Installing balcony solar panels

Balcony solar panels represent an interesting integrated innovation for all those people who live in more urban areas and do not have a roof suitable for the installation of photovoltaic panels.

These real solar kits are an advanced combination of inverters, panels and electrical units that can be installed directly on the railings or on the vertical surfaces of the balcony.

During the day, therefore, it will be possible to produce enough energy to power small appliances, such as refrigerators, routers or lighting, thus reducing total consumption from the electricity grid.

A significant advantage is that the installation does not require complex structural interventions, making this solution suitable even for those who do not own a home or want a temporary solution in view of investing more capital in a real plant in the future.

Installation costs for balcony solar panels

Balcony solar panels, being more compact, are also more accessible than a complete system and can represent a good compromise for those who want to approach renewable energy without facing significant expenses

Generally, a 300-400 watt basic system has a price ranging from 400 to 600 euros (excluding installation), depending on the power and technical characteristics of the system.

The installation, of course, can increase prices more or less due to several factors, such as

· System size: the higher the power, the higher the cost.

• Type of solar panel: Models with higher efficiency tend to have a higher initial cost.

• Type of mounting: brackets and mounting structures can affect costs.

The installation, however, for smaller systems is often simple and can be carried out independently. This, therefore, makes it possible to further reduce expenses - even if, the GridShare team always recommends relying on specialized technicians who know how to indicate which local regulations to comply with and, above all, how to make the system work without complications.

What to consider when requesting a quote

Before requesting a quote for the installation of balcony solar panels, it is important to consider several aspects that may affect costs and return on investment, such as:

1. Available space: Measure the surface of the balcony to check the amount of panels you can install. Even if the balcony panels are compact, it is important to ensure a secure and stable assembly.

2. Tilt and orientation: The efficiency of the panel depends on exposure to the sun. Evaluate with GridShare technicians the optimal inclination and the position that guarantees maximum performance. For example, if your balcony is located to the north, perhaps it is better to consider another location

3. Energy consumption: Analyze the average electricity consumption to determine the required plant size. This will help you calculate the number of panels and the appropriate power to meet your energy needs at least partially.

4. Storage systems: Consider whether installing a storage battery can be convenient, allowing you to store the energy produced and use it in times of low solar radiation.

How to get a quote for solar panels

To obtain a personalized quote, it is essential to contact reliable suppliers and industry professionals.

GridShare, for example, offers free advice and support in choosing the solar panels that best suit the needs of each customer.

The team's experience in the sector not only allows us to evaluate the feasibility of the installation, but also to propose a turnkey solution.

Steps to get a quote:

1. Request advice: contact GridShare for a first consultation by clicking hither. You can join the community and explain your needs to get guidance on the most suitable type of system.

2. Technical inspection: for more complex installations, it is advisable to carry out an inspection to verify the feasibility and discuss live mounting options, evaluating all the pros and cons.

3. Quote analysis: Get a detailed quote, including material, labor, and installation costs. GridShare will help you understand every expense item.

4. Access to incentives and funding: GridShare's advisors will provide you with information on the tax incentives available for installing balcony solar panels, helping you achieve maximum savings.

Making sure that the quote includes all the details (from materials to electrical components, to labor and the consultancy itself) avoids unexpected expenses and guarantees proper investment planning.

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👉 Do you want to know how much solar panels cost and how much they can make? Use our free simulator online here.

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Turnkey solar panel prices

GridShare's turnkey service represents the simplest and most complete solution for those who want to install solar panels without worrying about the management of materials and labor.

A turnkey solar system includes everything: consultancy, design, installation and after-sales support, with a single final price.

• Cost transparency

• Time savings

• Technical support, before and after installation

These are the three pillars of GridShare's policy.

Only by promoting them is it possible, in a context of growing attention to sustainability, to bring an ever larger number of people to integrate photovoltaic energy into their daily lives, in a conscious and safe way.

With the sun as an ally, every home can be transformed into an efficient and innovative energy production center.

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