The installation of solar panels has been gaining ground in private homes in Portugal, driven by high electricity prices and greater energy awareness. Still, despite the advantages often associated with these systems, the question remains: is it always worth investing in solar panels in a private home?
In most cases, domestic photovoltaic systems prove to be a financially advantageous solution in the medium and long term. Installation costs have been falling consistently, while annual savings on electricity bills can reach significant amounts, especially in households with regular consumption during the day.
However, profitability is not automatic or the same for everyone. It depends on several technical, economic and even behavioral factors, which are important to analyze before proceeding with the investment, according to the specialized economics portal Ekonomista.
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portugal
The amount required to install a residential photovoltaic system varies depending on the power chosen and the characteristics of the home. In Portugal, in recent years, prices have stabilized at relatively predictable intervals.
For a small household, with two or three elements, a system of around 3 kWp represents an investment of around 3,500 to 4,500 euros. Average families, with three to four people, often opt for 5 kWp systems, the cost of which is around 5,000 to 6,500 euros. Households with higher consumption may require systems of 8 kWp or higher, with investments that can approach 9,500 euros.
These values generally include panels, inverter, fixing structures, electrical components and installation by certified technicians.
Savings on your bill and return on investment
The savings obtained with solar panels depend mainly on the amount of energy produced, the percentage of self-consumption and the price of electricity avoided from the grid.
In a typical scenario, such as a home in the Lisbon area with a 5 kWp system, annual production can be around 7,000 kWh. If around 70% of this energy is consumed directly in the house and the rest injected into the grid, the annual savings could exceed 1,400 euros, considering current average prices for electricity and the sale of surplus.
With these values, the return on investment period can be below five years, although this calculation must take into account variables such as the evolution of electricity prices, maintenance costs, which tend to be reduced, and the long useful life of the equipment, which can exceed 30 years, according to the same source.
Solar conditions and geographic location
Portugal presents very favorable solar conditions in the European context. Annual solar radiation is, on average, among the highest values on the continent, with particular emphasis on Alentejo and Algarve. Even in northern regions, solar energy production remains high enough to justify investment, with yields higher than the European average. A well-sized system can produce between 1,200 and 1,600 kWh per kWp installed, depending on the location.
Roof Orientation and Efficiency
The orientation and slope of the roof directly influence production. Exposure to the south, with an inclination close to 30 to 35 degrees, is considered, according to the same source, as ideal, but slightly deviated orientations continue to present good levels of efficiency.
Even roofs facing east or west can guarantee acceptable production levels, especially considering current electricity prices. Only clearly unfavorable orientations, such as north, tend to compromise the viability of the project.
Role of consumption profile
One of the decisive factors for profitability is the self-consumption rate. The greater the electricity consumption during the day, the greater the savings generated by the system.
Families that manage to adapt habits, such as using household appliances during the day or charging electric vehicles during hours of greater solar production, benefit more clearly. Installing batteries can further increase self-consumption, although it continues to represent a relevant additional investment.
Incentives and tax framework
Investment in solar panels has been supported by several public mechanisms. Programs such as Vale Eficiência, managed by the Environmental Fund, allow significant contributions in certain cases, significantly reducing the initial cost.
The application of the reduced VAT rate when installing solar panels in permanent homes is another factor that contributes to the attractiveness of the investment. Furthermore, the self-consumption regime allows the injection of surplus into the network, with or without remuneration, depending on the option chosen.
Situations in which it may not pay off
Despite the advantages, there are contexts in which installing solar panels may not be the best solution. Dwellings with very low consumption, heavily shaded roofs or roofs in poor condition may have difficulty justifying the investment. Also in cases of uncertain permanence in the property or in buildings subject to specific urban restrictions, the decision must be considered with greater caution, according to the source previously cited.
A decision that requires analysis
For many Portuguese households, solar panels represent an effective way of reducing energy costs and gaining predictability in the face of volatile electricity prices, according to . However, the decision to invest must be based on a careful analysis of housing conditions, consumption habits and the available financial framework.
In most situations, the bet proves to be worthwhile. But, as with any investment, it is not a universal or automatic solution for all cases.
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