Q. Can I use a washing machine and a fridge on solar power?

A. Most appliances can be run on solar, with a washing machine if the heater element is turned off and gas or solar hot water is used instead, your system will be much smaller. For fridge/freezers consider a 12/24-volt DC model or use a gas model, this will also reduce the size of your system.

Q. How much will installation cost?

A. The price of an installation depends on many factors, the number of panels and batteries and the complexity of the design. Allow 500 euros for a small to medium system and up to 1000 for a large system. This will include all cables and fuses.

Q. How long will the batteries last?

A. Battery life depends on the type of battery, quantity, and how they are charged.
Monoblock batteries typically start to lose power after three years; again this depends on their use (or abuse). OpzS batteries will last longer, some have a lifespan of ten years or more, and again this depends on use/abuse. The battery bank should be sized accordingly, not discharged to a low level, and equalised periodically

Q. Is my house good for solar?

A. Almost any home is good for solar, although a south facing home is best.

Q. What is best, solar or wind power?

A. Typically more power can be generated from solar per euro spent as Spain has an excellent amount of sunny days. However if your home is situated on top of a hill or in a very windy area, then wind power may be the answer. Wind speed in your area needs to be carefully monitored (ideally for a year) then calculated to see if it is viable.

Q. What is grid connected solar?

A. Grid connected means you are already connected to the main supply grid.
Solar panels and a grid tie inverter are incorporated and allow you to generate power from your home; excess power can then be sold back to your electricity supplier.