The solar panel sector is continuing to enjoy a strong uptake in the number of people contracting, installing, and capitalising on them, and this has been evident in the market.
Economic, technological, and even sociological analysis has been made in an attempt to see what is behind this surge, but in reality there are a range of factors driving the growing interest in these kinds of appliances.
In this article, we will take a look at some of these factors in order to understand the motives for the increasing investments being made in these innovative products and the consequential market growth, levels of which have not been seen before.
In search of energy independence
One of the first factors indicated by homeowners when referring to their interest in installing solar panels in their home, as well as for those companies who are seeking to use this kind of technology, is energy independence.
Installing, using, and capitalising on solar panels, can often result in traditional energy supply companies being foregone.
Removing this cost from the monthly bills is a prioritising factor for many people and can be decisive when contemplating investing in solar panels.
It is also important on a socioeconomic level. People deem energy expenses to be an essential, however, they are also aware that the traditional services entail a high cost, which is why looking for self-consumption alternatives through solar energy can be a much more attractive option.
More sustainability-minded
The problems of climate change, carbon footprints, and the consequences of city waste and pollution have been well documented over recent years. This has increased levels of social awareness of the environment, which affects so many aspects of our everyday life.
Energy consumption has also been influenced by this defensive upward trend for a healthy and sustainable planet, meaning that solar energy has become increasingly more well-known.
From a sustainability perspective, solar energy is the most recommended energy source. This is an increasingly important factor for society as a whole, which is a logical explanation behind the growing popularity in solar panel installation.
In general, renewable energy sources represent a cleaner alternative that respect the environment when compared with other electricity producing options.
Specifically, solar panels have the added advantage of being able to produce more energy during their service life than that which is required to produce them. Furthermore, the waste generated is easy to treat and there are no excessive financial commitments.
Best of all, they are available all over the world. The largest solar panel producing companies can be found in Europe, the United States, and China. In fact, Germany is one of the innovative hubs of this sector, with the company Kaseel Solar being one of the most well-known examples.
Nevertheless, renewable energy can be used in,more or less, every country in the world. This is another attraction of the sector. The aforementioned company Kaseel Solar, as well as other German and European companies embrace their lines of international business. Their solar panels are noted for their German quality but are used all around the globe.
More efficient solar panels
The factors seen in this article are collectively a huge incentive for the investments made in R+D by these companies. The objective is clear, the efficiency of solar panels must be improved, and this is happening.
The range of companies is increasingly broader and more varied in this regard. Solar panels are beginning to adapt to customer needs, and not the other way round, as what was seen when this industry had recently started.
Energy efficiency is important on a resource level, but it must also be cost-effective for self-consumption. This helps homeowners to see the cost benefits in a shorter period of time.
This is where the location of the solar panel comes into play, however, in general, every solar panel installation aims to ensure more cost-effectiveness in as short a time as possible.
For example, in the Spanish region of Castilla La Mancha, according to the data provided by UNEF (Unión Española Fotovoltaica),the cost benefits of self-consumption solar panel installations can be seen in less than 7 years.
As we stated, location is key. Castilla la Mancha is the leading solar panel cost-efficiency region in Europe, but on a global scale, cost-effectiveness and time ratios are improving.
High quality industrial competition
Germany is one of the countries with the most well-known companies in the sector. The quality of German solar panel production is above that of other countries in the continent and is considered to be one of the best in the world.
One of the reasons behind this is due to the prized history that its companies possess in a sector which for many others is a recent development from this century.
To continue with the example, the company Kaseel Solar was founded at the start of the 20th century in Hesse. Its investment in innovative technology led it to become the specialist company that it is today, working in different areas of this sector, from engineering to the production, development, and sale of solar panels.
In its catalogue we can see some examples of the aforementioned in their product ranges. This is primarily due to them developing solar panel models which can be adapted to the needs of their customers, and not the other way round, as was the case for customers for years previous.
In fact, among its main objectives today is self-consumption, primarily due to interest in lowering energy bills being a big attraction when offering their products.
Kaseel Solar solar panels are also available in a range of different models, in accordance with the energy needs required by their customers.
State support and long-term investment
The European Union has short-term renewable goals, some for the 2020s and others for 2030 and 2050.
In order to facilitate these goals being met, individual and business investment in solar panels is being encouraged. Subsidies and state support are also being invested in to increase interest, meaning that owners can enjoy the benefits of these installations at a reduced financial cost.
Two main subsidies have been identified, which can be applied to the installation cost and which can be used as an incentive for State taxes.
There are a range of conditions which may affect this state support, but in some cases, there may be up to 50% savings when investing in solar panels.
In the short-term, a financial benefit is important, in the long-term,these solar installations are even more promising.
The installation of solar panels will have an effect on house prices. Market researchers say that home-buyers are currently willing to assume 15% more on their investment if the property is installed with solar panels.
