Are you considering installing a residential solar power system? This is one of the sustainable solutions that helps save costs and protect the environment. However, not every household is suitable for solar power. So how can you determine if your home can maximize the benefits of this energy source? Let’s explore five important factors with SNTek in the article below.
Things to Know Before Installing Residential Solar Power Systems
Installation Costs and Payback Period
One of the first factors to consider is the cost. Currently, the price for installing a residential solar power system ranges from 30 to 150 million VND, depending on the system’s capacity and the type of solar panels used. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance (about 1-2 times per year) are necessary to ensure optimal performance, with costs averaging 1-2 million VND annually. Solar panels tend to lose efficiency over time. After 10 years, efficiency typically drops by 10-15%, and after 25 years, it decreases by 20-25%.
For more details on installation costs, refer to:
Besides the costs mentioned above, you should also calculate the payback period. Typically, with an average electricity consumption of around 300 – 500 kWh per month, you can break even within 4-7 years, depending on the type of solar power system. After this period, the system will provide long-term benefits, significantly reducing your monthly electricity expenses.
Support Policies
The Vietnamese government has recently issued Decree No. 135/2024/NĐ-CP on October 22, 2024, outlining mechanisms and policies to encourage the development of self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power. The key provisions in the decree include:
- Self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power systems will be eligible for tax incentives in accordance with current tax laws.
- Organizations and individuals installing self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power systems will be exempt from electricity operation licenses and will not be subject to capacity limitations in certain cases.
Explore these programs to save even more on costs.
Installation Location – A Key Factor in Performance
Geographical location and environmental conditions are crucial factors that affect the performance of a solar power system:
- Sunny areas: Central and Southern regions such as Ninh Thuận, Bình Thuận, and Ho Chi Minh City experience high sun hours, often receiving 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In contrast, the North (e.g., Hanoi) is typically limited during winter, with cloudy weather and light rain reducing performance significantly.
- Well-ventilated rooftops: Solar panels require a spacious, unobstructed area, free from shading by trees, tall buildings, or other obstacles. If the rooftop is shadowed or not designed to bear the weight of the panels, the installation performance will not meet expectations.
Before making a decision, you should conduct an on-site survey with experts to assess the optimality of the installation location.
Electricity Usage Needs
To make an effective investment, your family needs to assess daily electricity consumption:
- Electricity consumption: If your monthly electricity bill is under 1.5 million VND, installing solar power may not be necessary. This system is particularly suitable for households with a monthly consumption of over 2 million VND, such as homes with many electrical devices or larger families.
- Usage time: Solar power only generates electricity when there is sunlight, typically from 7 AM to 5 PM. If your family mainly stays at home in the evening and uses most of the electricity during this time, you may not fully utilize the electricity generated during the day.
Important note: Excess electricity not used during the day will be sold back to EVN. In July 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed a buyback rate for surplus rooftop solar electricity at 671 VND/kWh, which is lower than the purchase price from EVN.
Technical Requirements and System Maintenance
Before installation, you need to ensure that the roof has enough space and can support the weight of the solar panels.
- Required space: A 3kW solar power system requires approximately 15-20 m² of unobstructed roof space.
- Durability: Modern solar power systems have a lifespan of 20-25 years, with components such as panels and inverters easily replaceable when needed.
Suitable Target Groups – Who Should Invest?
Not every family is suitable for solar power. However, the following groups are ideal:
- Families living in sunny areas: Central and Southern regions or open rural areas are good options.
- Businesses: Commercial establishments, factories, and offices that consume a lot of electricity during the day can maximize this energy source.
- Large electricity consumers: Larger families who use air conditioners, water heaters, washing machines, and large refrigerators typically benefit the most.
Long-Term Benefits and Impact on Family Lifestyle
In addition to saving electricity costs, solar power brings many other benefits:
- Financial: After the payback period, your family can save from 1-3 million VND each month, depending on the system’s size.
- Environmental: Using solar power helps reduce carbon emissions, protecting the planet for future generations.
- Integration with the grid: Modern systems allow you to connect to the grid and sell excess electricity to the provider, creating an additional income source.
- Positive impact on lifestyle: Using renewable energy encourages your family to adopt energy-saving habits and protect the environment, contributing to building a green community.
If your family has stable electricity consumption, a roof suitable for installation, and you want to save costs in the long run, solar power is definitely a choice worth considering. Contact the SolarMax Fanpage now for advice and installation of the most suitable solar power solutions for your family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does solar power work at night?
No, but the system can store excess electricity in batteries or feed it into the grid for use when needed.
Is the system suitable for apartment buildings?
Solar power is usually more effective for detached houses, but apartment buildings can also apply it on a larger scale.
If there’s a power outage, will the system continue to work?