Is a photovoltaic system worth it?

Models, suppliers, costs, funding programs and what photovoltaics actually means.

Solar energy is available in unlimited quantities, environmentally friendly and above all free.

Therefore, more and more homeowners are relying on photovoltaic systems and benefit from this independent power source. Solar technology has long since become one of the energy standards - but the same questions are often asked:

How much does a photovoltaic system cost? How much electricity and money can I really save? Which conditions must my house fulfil? And what is the difference between solar and photovoltaic?

We answer all important questions about solar PV systems, introduce you to the different models and possibilities and show you what you should pay particular attention to when buying.

Overview of solar systems: photovoltaic system vs. solar thermal

Solar systems are becoming increasingly popular. This is due, on the one hand, to the steadily rising electricity and fuel prices, and, on the other, to the ever-evolving technology and the associated possibilities - even for private individuals.

There are currently three types of solar systems:

  • Solar thermal as a heating-supporting heating system
  • Photovoltaic systems as a supplier of solar power
  • Thermal solar power plants

Solar thermal systems and photovoltaic systems are ideally suited for private households, while solar power plants as suppliers of heat, cold and electricity are large-scale plants whose dimensions far exceed those of homeowners.

What is the difference between solar thermal and photovoltaic system?

In solar thermal energy, solar energy is collected by means of solar collectors, for example on the roof, and then stored in a hot water tank in the building - so the energy can be consumed even when no sun is shining outside.

The solar thermal energy can be used both for hot water preparation and as a supporting heating system. It can be easily combined with other heating systems and can, therefore, be used as an environmentally compatible supplement.

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In the photovoltaic system, solar energy is also captured using solar cells and - unlike solar thermal energy - not converted into heat, but into electricity.

The principle of the photovoltaic system is now used in so-called "island or off-grid installations" in almost every private household - be it the solar-powered calculator, or the garden lighting with solar cells.

But also on roofs, photovoltaic systems are often used. The photovoltaic systems on rooftops or in open space solar parks are usually grid-connected systems; This means that the solar power generated is either consumed directly in the household, stored in a solar storage and used only when needed, or fed into the public grid.

In the ideal case, as an operator of a photovoltaic system, you are therefore largely independent of the energy suppliers and their electricity prices.

A major disadvantage of solar thermal energy and the photovoltaic system is the comparatively high initial cost.

What is better now: solar thermal or photovoltaic?

This question can not be answered such broadly. Solar thermal systems are limited to the provision of heat, while photovoltaics can also generate electricity. Solar thermal energy also requires less space.

Which system makes more sense depends on the nature of the house and its own energy consumption. If the budget permits, using both technologies is worth considering.

Let the specialist company of your choice advise you.

How much does a solar PV system cost?


Step by step to the solar system - Four golden rules

Does a solar PV system pay off for me? Does my house or my property meet all structural requirements? How much does a photovoltaic system cost me?

The content of the topic of solar systems raises many questions. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly inform yourself before purchasing a photovoltaic system.

Rule 1: In first place is the personal energy consumption.

The big advantage of a photovoltaic system is the far-reaching independence from energy suppliers and the power grid.

Your system should therefore ideally be dimensioned so that you can obtain almost your entire power consumption through your system. See how high your electricity consumption has been on average in recent years.

Depending on solar radiation, location, the orientation of the roof, etc., a photovoltaic system can reach between 1500 and 1,700 kWh per installed kWp per year. In comparison, the equivalent in the UK this would be 900 kWh per installed kWp per year.

As a rule of thumb, you need about 10 m? of roof space for 1 kWp (kilowatt peak = peak output of the system). Normally a 4-person household uses around 4,000 kWh of electricity per year, so you would need a photovoltaic system of about 40 m?.

Inquire in advance about the exact irradiation values at your location and incorporate them into the calculation.

Rule 2: Do not rush - advice and preparation are the nuts and bolts

Would you like an off-grid system or a grid-connected system? Do you require an on-roof system, a modular system or a building-integrated system?

Is it more economical for you to store the excess electricity for your own use in a battery or a rechargeable battery or to feed it into the public grid?

Inquire in advance about both the different manufacturer models as well as about the operator models and get detailed advice on which system is the most suitable and efficient for you.

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Rule 3: The more sun, the better

In principle, solar radiation is strong enough everywhere in Cyprus for a photovoltaic system to work economically. Nevertheless, you must check the individual requirements of your home.

Is a large part of your roof in the shade, because tall trees, houses etc. prevent direct sunlight?

Is your roof area big enough? How is your house aligned?

In the ideal case, your roof should face south, have a 30° angle and be exposed to direct sunlight. Depending on the power consumption, the system should be between 30-50 m2 in size - so your roof should accordingly provide space. The roof load must be sufficiently high.

Rule 4: Calculation, Calculation, Calculation - and Comparison

The purchase of a photovoltaic system usually requires a high investment budget.

Inform yourself sufficiently about the various costs such as acquisition and installation costs as well as the ongoing maintenance costs and take into account the feed-in tariff as well as the current electricity price forecasts.

Always get quotes or proposals from multiple solar providers. Only then can you compare the different prices and services.

In 5 steps to your solar system

  • Determine your own needs
  • Get detailed advice
  • Check structural requirements
  • Get different offers and compare
  • Choose your offer and start!

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How much does a solar system cost and how much can I save?

We will answer this question in the next 1-2 minutes.

The big advantage of a photovoltaic system is that it uses solar energy, it is particularly environmentally friendly and has been on the rise since the energy turnaround.

But even if the acquisition costs are getting smaller and smaller due to the great demand and the advancing technology, the investments are still comparatively expensive.

But do the high acquisition and installation costs make the solar systems economically not viable or does this investment actually pay off in the long run?

How much will a photovoltaic system cost me?

In addition to the acquisition and installation costs, the operating costs also play a role in the question of the affordability of a photovoltaic system.

Other factors that need to be taken into account are the savings that can be earned through own use.

A solar system finances itself: One speaks of the economic efficiency of a solar system in terms of the payback period, i.e. the time until the system has been financed by savings. Significant factors for this, of course, are the purchase price as well as solar radiation and the proportion of external financing.

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Acquisition and installation costs

Of course, the price of a photovoltaic system depends primarily on the size of the system. It consists of the costs for the solar modules, the electrical system - including inverters, reference meters, feed-in meters as well as the cabling - and the mounting system.

As a rule of thumb: Per kWp (kilowatt peak) you have to pay about 1,500 euros. Kilowatt peak is the peak output of the photovoltaic system.

If a family of four, who has an approximate electricity requirement of 4,000 kWh, has a 4 kWp system installed, they have to pay about 6,000 euros for the pure acquisition costs. However, this is only an approximate guide, because the prices can vary greatly depending on the equipment, model and additional services.

In addition, you must expect installation costs for the fitting of the photovoltaic system as well as manageable costs for services, such as the registration with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, etc. Additional costs may be incurred in individual cases, if the inclination angle of your roof is not optimal, the roof load must be increased or special electrical work for installation must be carried out.

To get an exact price, you should request individual quotes - preferably from multiple solar providers, so that you can compare prices.

Acquisition cost

Average cost  
PV Panels 0.45-0.90 € per watt peak
Cabling 200 € per kilowatt
Mounting system 1 to 5 € per meter
Installation cost 100-150 € per kilowatt peak

The running costs

When it comes to the question of whether you should opt for a photovoltaic system, of course, the running costs also play an important role. The sun's energy is free, but you should still plan a small budget.

On average, the operating costs can be estimated at around 1-1.5 per cent of the cost per year.

Costs that make up the operating costs include regular maintenance/cleaning of the system, any repairs that may be required, electricity costs for operating the inverter, and possible liability and/or photovoltaic insurance.

Operating Costs

Average cost per year  
Maintenance €200 
Cleaning €100 
Inverter - power consumption €5-120
Inverter - replacement (about every 10 years) Total price: about 10% of the investment
Liability insurance €50
Photovoltaic insurance €200

Is a PV system still worth it?

Due to the above, the discussion is becoming increasingly frequent as to whether the purchase of a photovoltaic system is still worthwhile.

Without question, a photovoltaic system always pays off for ecological reasons, because solar power makes an important contribution to environmental protection. Statements that more energy is consumed in the production of a photovoltaic system than the system can reach during its lifetime are wrong:

The energy payback period is about five to a maximum of seven years.

But economically a solar PV system pays off. The own use of the solar power can save money. Due to the rising electricity prices, the overall electricity cost savings are significantly higher than the acquisition costs, so that, for example, a single-family home can achieve a return of around 5 per cent.

Today, the equipment has a lifespan of up to 40 years, while the initial costs have usually paid off after only nine to 15 years.

Solar system provider in the price-performance comparison

Professional advice and soliciting of several cost estimates should be the prerequisites for the purchase of a photovoltaic system. Be sure to run a price-performance comparison between different solar providers - and make sure you choose a reputable supplier.

Especially on the Internet, many rumours are circulating about the cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems and the structural requirements. A professional provider will advise you objectively and advise you on a suitable system for you.

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Checklist: How do I find the right solar provider for me?

Do you already have offers from various solar providers?

This checklist will help you to find out which offer or which solar technician you should choose. Just ask these 10 questions:

1. Does the solar provider offer a consultation appointment before concluding the contract?

Before the solar engineer can suggest a solar system that really suits you, your home and your needs, he needs to know your requirements, your power consumption and your available budget. Any reputable company will, therefore, offer you a consultation.

2. Does the solar provider advise me on which solar system is suitable for me or whether it is feasible?

A professional company will talk to you about what your needs are, what model is right for you and what system size is required.

3. Does the solar provider analyze whether a solar system pays off for me or whether it is economical?

Be sure to calculate what expenses you have to expect, which returns can be achieved, when the cost has amortized, etc. It is important, of course, that the calculations are not example calculations, but on the values based on your power consumption and on the radiation levels at your location.

4. Does the provider look at the local conditions before concluding the contract?

In order to determine whether or how much a photovoltaic system pays off for you, the solar technician must know the structural conditions of your house and incorporate them into the calculations.

Is the roof load sufficient or do you have to expect additional costs? Is the angle of inclination of the roof optimal? Is the house facing south? Is the roof in the shade of tall trees? All these questions play a role in decision-making. A serious solar technician will tell you if your house is suitable for a photovoltaic system.

5. Are all costs clearly listed in the contract/offer?

Look carefully, whether all individual items are listed explicitly or whether you still have to count on "hidden costs", such as working hours, travel costs, installation work, work on the roof, etc.

6. Does the solar installer explain any available financial support?

A reputable solar provider will also provide you with advice on financing and inform you about, for example, state subsidies, feed-in tariffs, solar loans etc.

7. Do I receive from the solar engineer a detailed instruction in the operation of the solar system?

Of course, a correct transfer of a photovoltaic system also requires a precise explanation of the technology and instruction in the operation. Only if you are familiar with your system, you can make the most of it.

8. Are there any warranty services?

Many solar providers have increased the statutory warranty from two years to five years and also offer a performance guarantee for up to 25 years.

9. Does the solar provider have quality seals and awards?

Quality features of a reputable company are not only indicators of a long company history and convincing services, but also certifications that indicate high quality standards.

10. Are there any positive online reviews or other references to the solar provider?

Inquire in advance if it is a reputable provider. Reviews on the Internet can help you as well as experience and recommendations from the circle of friends. Also ask if you can look at reference installations.


Various solar models at a glance

Whether on the roof of an old building, integrated into the facade of a new building or on the open space next to the farm, whether as a grid-connected system on your own home or as a compact island system on the roof of your motorhome - there is a large number of photovoltaic systems.

Find out exactly which model meets your requirements.

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Which solar system type is suitable for which type of house?

When purchasing a photovoltaic system, the size of the system is particularly important, because it depends on your power consumption.

An installation on a holiday home, which is also used during the day when the sun is shining and a lot of electricity is generated, can usually be smaller.

Especially in solar systems that are mounted on mountain huts or on arbours in allotments, etc., it is usually cheaper island systems that are not connected to the public grid, but only for self-consumption.

A slightly larger, grid-connected system, which should be tailored to your personal power consumption, you need for a detached house. We recommend systems with an output of approx. 3-5 kWp. If you and your family are out of the house on weekdays and you, therefore, need electricity especially in the evening, it is also advisable to install a system with electricity storage.

Which solar system for which roof?

The roof plays a decisive role in the installation of a solar system.

Whether flat roof, pitched roof or pent roof, whether the roof of a detached house, a shed or a motorhome, there are usually ways for all roofs to mount a solar system - but the cost increases, the more complex the mounting system must be constructed.

In addition, the orientation of the roof and the angle of inclination are important.

Important: What does your roof allow? Before a solar project is implemented, it is essential to check the statics and load capacity of the roof.

Depending on the roof type you have to choose between a rooftop or an in-roof system:

While the solar cells are placed over the roof tiles in a roof-mounted installation and fixed with special brackets, the solar cells are mounted directly on the roof truss in an in-roof system.

It is best to arrange a consultation with a solar provider on site - this can check the local conditions and recommend you a suitable solar system.