When you drive through the Netherlands you see more and more large solar panels. Given the favorable prices, this may be a time to think about the benefits of solar panels on the roof of your agricultural business. Specialist Jan Aernoud van Eeken helps you on your way with 6 tips.
1. Subsidy
The national government is temporarily turning a on September 29th subsidy tap (SDE++) of 5 billion euros open to entrepreneurs who want to install at least 50 solar panels. Good for the environment and an interesting business case for your company.
After installation, you will receive a subsidy per kWh of solar energy generated for 15 years. By generating your own energy, you also save a lot on your energy bill. Are you not using all the green energy generated? Then you sell the remainder to your energy company. Thanks to the subsidy, you usually earn back your investment within 7 to 8 years, while you benefit from the solar panels for a total of 30 to 40 years (25-year generation guarantee). ENERGY Shift applies for this subsidy free of charge for farmers.
Do you already have a large-scale consumption connection (> 80 amps) and is more than 1.000 m2 available for solar panels on your roof? That makes your business case even more interesting.
2. Tax advantage for small consumers
Even if you have a connection of up to 80 amps in your meter box, solar panels can be a very attractive investment.
Thanks to Energy investment deduction (EIA) and the Small-scale investment deduction (KIA) shortens the payback period of your investment. You can apply these schemes on top of your regular depreciation. In total, a maximum of 73 percent of your investment in solar panels is deductible.
3. Check your roof
Would you like to benefit from your solar panels for years to come? This is only possible if your roof is in good condition. Therefore, always check the quality of the roofing before installation and consult with your insurer. The requirements in the field of (fire) safety are becoming increasingly strict. To rule is to look into the future.
4. Roof construction calculation
More and more insurers and banks are setting requirements for the roof construction. I therefore always recommend having a roof construction calculation made by an engineering firm. Safety comes first.
5. Choose quality
Top brands like Canadian Solar work with a fully automatic production process and extensively test the solar panels to guarantee quality. They have all kinds of certifications and offer certainty about safety and efficiency.
6. Independent inspection
The quality of installation is also crucial. Always choose an experienced specialist and have your installation inspected after installation by an independent inspection body (NEN1010 and NEN-EN-IEC 62446). Many insurers ask this.
Van Eeken is Technical Director of Energy Shift in Barneveld. The company has experienced enormous growth in recent years and has now supplied more than 700 large solar panel installations throughout the Netherlands.
Would you like to know more about the benefits of solar panels for your company? Discover the possibilities and calculate what you can earn from solar panels on the roof, via the free Online calculator.