Here you will find some useful tips that can help you make the right decision, in case you are considering installing solar panels on the roof of your house or building. Here's a list of things you need to do to make green energy more affordable.
We suggest that you read these instructions carefully and keep in mind that you should find experienced technical partners and look for a bank that finances this type of project with favorable conditions.
1. LOCATION
Define the province, city, street name and the number or coordinates of the location provided in Google Maps. Be sure to indicate whether the solar power plant is planned for roof installation or ground mounting.
The location is a key factor, with this the solar radiation that will allow estimating the future energy production will be determined.
2. UTILITY BILLS
Scan all the available monthly electricity bills paid in the last year, this will be necessary to be able to size the photovoltaic system.
3. PLAN OF THE BUILDING
In the event that the solar plant is for installation on the roof, it is necessary to have a CAD plan of the house/building available or the documentation that includes information on the construction of the roof, available area, inclination and finishes.
The provider will review the information and obtain the satellite location if necessary. This information is important because it allows identifying the appropriate conditions for the installation, such as: the capacity of the ceiling to support the weight of the panels and its structure.
4. IMAGES/VIDEO CLIPS
The next step is to take photos or videos of the building from the ground and the roof that indicate the height of the building in relation to its surroundings (other buildings, trees, surrounding hills, etc.) and images that show the type and quality of the roof finishes, as well as the existence or not of obstacles (badly built areas, shaded areas, etc.).
Determining the presence of shadows and obstacles is relevant, because they could affect the production of solar panels.
5. DESIGN OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT AND OBTAINING PERMITS
This is where you can catch your breath. Now you are ready to hire a provider. Make sure you make an informed decision. Find a company with experience installing solar panels on various types of buildings. You will need to hire a supplier to make a model of the PV system layout. This will help you for production calculations and to determine the profitability of the project. The supplier will prepare the preliminary design, the basis on which the permits for the installation and connection to the electrical system will be obtained.
6. GET THE FINANCING FOR THE SOLAR PLANT
This is the right time to look for offers to finance the construction of your solar power plant. Now that you have all the information and know exactly how much it will cost to install your solar power plant, you can apply for a special line of credit dedicated to investments in renewable energy. Make sure that the term is adequate and that the credit installment is covered with the savings in the electricity bill. In addition, it verifies that loan disbursements take into account the different installation phases and that a grace period is included, in accordance with the installation plan.
Remember that Banco ProCredit offers you financing to install your solar panels with attractive conditions. Write us for personalized advice at: Asesoria@procredit-group.com
7. OBTAINING THE PERMITS FOR THE NET BALANCE
Once the financing is obtained, the supplier will present the project feasibility documents to the distribution company to obtain construction approval. Once installed, the connection request is submitted to the distribution company, which makes sure that the connection point meets all the technical and safety requirements to grant the bidirectional meter with which the complete electricity supply agreement is signed. net metering. The agreement is signed between the consumer and the local distribution company. During this process you will have the accompaniment of the panel provider.
In practice, it has been seen that providers usually carry out the installation simultaneously with the processes for obtaining permits and thus reduce waiting times for connection to the network.
What does the Net Balance mean?
The net balance system allows you to inject into the electricity grid the energy produced by a solar panel system that you cannot consume during the day, in order to be able to use that excess at another time.
This system uses a bidirectional meter that allows counting the amount of energy consumed from the network as well as the energy delivered. At the end of each billed month, a balance is made and in the event that your network consumption is higher, you will pay only the difference. If the energy you deliver to the network is greater, you can accumulate it to be deducted from your electricity bills for up to two years.
8. APPLICATION FOR TAX BENEFITS
Natural and legal persons may access the accounting deduction of 100% additional to the value of the investment in clean technologies. These benefits apply to renewable energy and other clean investments.
Where can I find the financial support I need to install my own solar power plant?
Banco ProCredit is a leader in the promotion and investment in renewable energy resources for both companies and the residential sector.
The bank's team of experts is available to answer all your questions about financing the installation of solar power plants. In addition, we have created certain agreements with companies that have experience in this field and we offer adequate financing.
Financing Examples Table
*Prices are calculated with estimates according to market averages, the final price will depend on the selected provider.
*The annual production could vary according to the location of the plant to be installed.
*The recovery time is projected according to the average consumption in Ecuador and the average rates in the country for the residential, industrial and commercial sectors. If the rate is higher than the one indicated in the calculation, the investment recovery period will be shorter.
*The financing takes into account a grace period of 3 months (for installation), payback period and a discounted interest rate.
*The financing does not apply to solar panel brands: JA Solar, Jinko, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, Longi, Risen and Astroenergy, since these are currently on the bank's exclusion list, due to allegations of forced labor in its factories in China.
Why choose Banco ProCredit?
Banco ProCredit's green portfolio represents 20% of the total portfolio, which adds up to a total of more than USD 100 million.
Banco ProCredit cooperates with international funds (GCPF, OeEB, IFC), thus providing financing for environmentally friendly investments.
At Banco ProCredit we have installed solar panels in our headquarters, with which we cover approximately 15% of the internal use of electrical energy.
Energy efficiency is one of the pillars of the ProCredit Group's operations; The member banks of the group have installed a network of charging stations for electric vehicles and have a fleet of sustainable vehicles.
