High returns can currently be achieved with an investment in solar panels. In combination with an SDE+ subsidy, a return of more than 240% over a period of 15 years is not uncommon. That is an average return of 109% per year for 15 years.
The investment of a solar panel installation is earned back on average between 6 and 8 years. However, after that, the installation will save you money for years to come. And the returns can be substantial. The generation of green energy is good for the environment and that is why customers of sustainable companies love it. However, the vast majority of entrepreneurs opt for solar panels because of the financial benefits.
Earn money with solar panels
Real estimates can be made about the long-term benefits of solar panels. Variables such as the number of hours of sunshine, the pollution of panels, the purchase price for power and the extra cost items such as replacing the inverters (on average after 10 to 15 years) are taken into account. In the current economy, there are only few investments left that achieve as much return as the investment in solar panels.
Suppose an entrepreneur has 1.000 m2 roof area and consumes 100.000 kWh of energy annually. He may then qualify for SDE+ subsidy, with which he receives a subsidy for 15 years per kWh generated. He also saves a lot on his energy costs, because he can use the generated energy for free. All the energy that his solar panels generate but that he does not consume, goes to the grid, for which he receives a compensation from the grid supplier.
The subsidy will stop after 15 years, but his solar panels can certainly last another 10 years. As a result, the entrepreneur continues to save on his energy costs all the while. He also receives compensation for the unused electricity. See also the calculation example below.
| Example 1 | Example 2 | |
| Number of m2 roof area | 1.500 m2 | 4.500 m2 |
| Annual consumption kWh | 100.000 kWh | 250.000 kWh |
| SDE+ subsidy in 15 years | € 202.500 | € 613.500 |
| Electricity bill savings in 15 years | € 109.500 | € 264.000 |
| Sell green electricity in 15 years | € 145.500 | € 453.000 |
| Total revenue | € 457.500 | € 1.330.500 |
| Cost of solar panels | € 187.000 | € 560.000 |
In the above calculation example 1, the entrepreneur achieves an average return of 15% per year for 9,6 years. In calculation example 2, this is a return of 9,2% per year.
Consultancy
Would you like to know more about your situation and how large a return you can get from an investment in solar panels on your roof? For advice you can contact Energy Shift, a specialist who has installed more than 600 solar panels in the Netherlands and has applied for and received subsidies for more than 460.000 solar panels.