Solar systems for generating electricity or heating water can also be installed retroactively in residential and commercial properties. However, some requirements must be met for this.
Everything is a little easier if you do it right from the start. Of course, this also applies to the installation of modern home technology. Solar systems for generating sustainable electricity, heating water or for building air conditioning are easier to implement as part of a new-build project than for existing properties.
At least that used to be the case. However, due to the rapid development of photovoltaic (PV) building technology in recent years, there is hardly anything standing in the way of the subsequent installation of such systems.
However, certain requirements must be met.
This starts with the necessary space and location. Anyone who wants to retrofit a PV system on their roof or property needs sufficient space, says Gerd Stuckmann, Managing Director of FSB Stuckmann, a company that has specialized in solar energy and PV technology for many years. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, solar panels should be oriented towards the south or west-east.
"Basically, however, the possibilities for a sustainable PV installation also depend on the desired requirements in terms of in-house solar energy use,
says Stuckmann.
This is exactly how the company "Greentech Balear", a specialist company for modern building technology such as PV systems and sustainable heating and air conditioning systems, sees it. Every property requires an individual solution. For this reason, it is important to first obtain detailed information from a specialist company about the possibilities for using such systems and their practical implementation," explains Greentech Managing Director Constantin Kletti.
Which permits are required?
As with all work around or on the house, the installation of a PV system must also be approved by the responsible authorities such as the town hall. This should always be left to the company carrying out the work," says Gerd Stuckmann. In order to feed privately produced solar energy into the electricity supplier, it must also be approved by the regional industrial authority. The necessary application can only be made by electrical companies licensed in the Balearic Islands, such as his company.
In addition, the respective building regulations of the municipality must be taken into account in advance. "In many localities, there are special requirements regarding the size and appearance of solar collectors on roofs or facades," explains Stuckmann.
Substantial differences between providers in some cases
The customer should always find out in detail in advance about the differences between the systems in terms of their quality of material, technology and performance, as the differences are sometimes considerable,
says Constantin Kletti from Greetech.
There is no question for either Gerd Stuckmann or Constantin Kletti that modern PV power or air conditioning systems contribute to a significant reduction in household costs as well as a significantly improved CO2 balance. Solar energy is free and 100 percent clean in terms of its environmental impact," says Kletti from Greentech. No more fossil fuels need to be burned to generate it. Easy and convenient operation – even from a distance As with new construction projects, existing properties also have the option of applying for state subsidies for the installation of PV systems in private homes or commercial buildings. For a few years now, the Spanish government has recognized the right to produce solar power and feed it into the utility grid for a fee. At the same time, solar power producers are compensated accordingly by the electricity company for energy not consumed on each monthly bill.
Whether and to what extent PV systems are subsidized depends on a whole range of different factors. Here, too, you should always contact a specialist company that is experienced in this field. They can obtain all the necessary certificates.
Solar power or heating systems are easy and convenient to operate. They can be controlled and operated using smart home technology, even in your absence, via the internet. This is particularly practical for foreign property owners who are not currently on the island," says Gerd Stuckmann.
State subsidies can currently also be applied for in Mallorca for the installation of sustainable air conditioning and heating systems such as ground source heat pumps. Various types of systems are subsidized, from solar collectors for hot water production to geothermal and hydrothermal heating systems and air circulation pumps.
Read more about subsidies HERE
Further information on all retrofitting options for PV systems in existing properties
can be found at:
"Company FSB Stuckmann" Campos
www.fsb-stuckmann.com
Company "Greentech Balear" Santa Ponsa