Plug-in Solar Panels vs. Traditional Solar Panels: A World of Difference in Efficiency
Starting this week, plug-in solar panels can be purchased in Flanders and will be usable from mid-April. But are these so-called plug-and-play panels really worth the investment? And are they safe? Lizz De Walsche, CGO at EnergyVision, compares plug-in solar panels to traditional rooftop solar panels in a fact-check. “You get far more benefits with solar panels on your roof.”
Fact: You save more with EnergyVision’s free solar panels
“As a consumer, it is much more beneficial to opt for EnergyVision’s free solar panels, especially in combination with our ‘Cheap Power Own Sun’ energy contract. To start, the installation and management of our solar panels are completely free, whereas two plug-in solar panels and an inverter can easily cost €1,000.”
€300 difference
“In addition, you can save up to €400 per year on your energy bill through our solar energy contract. This is based on the March rate sheets analyzed by the V-Test, the VREG’s energy contract comparison tool. With rooftop solar panels, you can more easily power your entire household with green energy. Experts predict that plug-in solar panels will only save you about €100 per year due to their limited capacity of 800 watts—the legal limit to prevent grid overload. That capacity is just enough to run, for example, a microwave or two to three computers.”
“For those who have to mount them on a north-facing wall, plug-in panels are not a good idea. Their efficiency is also lower on an east- or west-facing wall, where they can only be used early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense.”
Fact: Your home increases in value with rooftop solar panels
“The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) largely determines the value of your home. A renewable energy solution like solar panels has a positive impact on your EPC score, which in turn increases your home’s value.”
Fact: Plug-in solar panels pose higher risks
“Plug-in solar panels carry more risks than standard rooftop solar panels. Their capacity is limited to 800 watts, and exceeding that threshold could lead to a short circuit or, in the worst case, a fire. Since plug-in solar panels can be installed by users themselves, extra caution is needed to ensure they don’t come loose and fall during strong winds.”
Fact: Plug-in solar panels wear out faster
“Consumer organization Test-Aankoop also warns that solar panels installed at ground level, such as on a balcony, can wear out more quickly. As a result, they may only last five to ten years instead of several decades. They are not only more vulnerable to shocks, but their cables are also more prone to damage—for example, if someone trips over them.”
Fact: Balcony solar panels are not always allowed
“Mounting solar panels on your balcony may not always be permitted. If you live in an apartment building, you need approval from the Association of Co-Owners (VME), and in most cases, also from the municipality.”
Conclusion: Plug-in solar panels are a good option for apartment residents
“Plug-in solar panels may have a lower efficiency than rooftop panels, but they are still a good solution for those without access to a roof. Apartment residents and renters can still save on their energy bills this way.”
Conclusion: EnergyVision will not expand its offering with plug-in solar panels
“EnergyVision is committed to helping families transition to renewable energy and reduce their energy bills. That’s why we continue to install rooftop solar panels—because this is where we can make the biggest impact for consumers. The efficiency and financial return of rooftop panels are simply far greater than those of plug-in solar panels.”
