FAQ
Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Photovoltaics
The estimated performance guarantee of solar panels for a photovoltaic system is 25 to 30 years and the lifespan of an installation is 40 years. Solar panels have a degradation rate of about 0.40% per year, which means that after 25 years of use, their efficiency will decrease by 10%.
The return on investment of a solar system depends on factors such as geographical location, the orientation of the covered area, and electricity consumption. Typically, however, the payback period for a PV system should be between four and eight years.
Photovoltaic panels are designed to work even in rainy and cloudy weather, although logically production is reduced compared to a completely sunny day. Days of lower production are compensated by days of higher production.
On the contrary. Solar panels work best in moderately hot temperatures, namely below 25 degrees. Beyond this temperature, the heat degrades production. This is why satellites or stations at the poles are equipped with solar panels. The property of crystalline silicon cells makes the panels produce more energy in the summer due to the large number of hours of sunlight; In winter, on the other hand, they produce energy for fewer hours, but with greater efficiency.
Yes. We are a complete EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) player: study, supply, installation, connection, commissioning and monitoring. Our photovoltaic systems are delivered on a turnkey basis.
Absolutely. Our multi-support projects (roof, parking lot, ground, façade) are designed as integrated solar ecosystems, controlled via a single EMS (Energy Management System).
At Enerdeal, all installations are certified to ensure the highest safety standards. This means that each installation complies with legal requirements and consists of high-quality, certified components. The operation of a solar power plant causes no harm to people or the environment.
No. The environmental footprint of a complete system of solar panels, inverters, cables,... made in Asia is very low and the impact of transportation is negligible. We are talking about 12 to 18 months of energy payback for this system installed in Belgium, France or Luxembourg. This means that in 15 months of use, even with limited sunlight, the system (including the panels that account for more than 60%) has produced as much energy as it took to produce it (grey energy) and supply it in Europe. The source is reliable because it comes from Fraunhofer, an independent German organization. View
A properly selected and designed photovoltaic system should operate smoothly for at least 25 to 30 years. The right choice of a photovoltaic installer and photovoltaic components of the highest quality, from a proven photovoltaic wholesaler, is a guarantee of many years of system efficiency and significant electricity savings.
Before installation, we study your profile as a consumer and the suitability of the available surfaces such as the location of the building, the shape and slope of the roof, as well as the degree of shading must be taken into account when estimating the power of the installation. The stability, condition and tightness of the surface, for example, must be taken into account.
Yes. EDP-Enerdeal has an As-a-Service offer that allows its customers to invest nothing for a positive impact from the first year. We adapt our model (CAPEX, leasing, Power Purchase Agreement) to your investment priorities.
Energy flexibility
An Energy Management System (EMS) continuously optimises production, the consumption of electricity produced by the grid when the price is low, storage in one or more batteries and, if necessary, the resale of the electricity produced when the price is high. AI anticipates peaks and maximizes profitability.
Return on investment depends on several factors specific to your site:
Factors that influence ROI:
• Your consumption profile and power peaks
• The presence of existing solar installations
• Your supplier’s capacity rates
• Price volatility in your local market
• Access to balancing markets (FCR, aFRR, mFRR)
Sources of revenue and savings:
• Reduced capacity charges (peak shaving)
• Savings on electricity purchases (arbitrage)
• Revenue from grid flexibility services
• Reduced exposure to price volatility
To get an accurate estimate of your ROI, we conduct a free 360° analysis of your site, including your energy contracts, consumption history, and technical constraints. Contact us via the contact form.
Yes, with an EMS and a battery, your business can become an active player in balancing markets and generate additional revenue.
The different markets available:
- FCR (Frequency Containment Reserve): Instant reaction, highest revenue
- aFRR (automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve): Automatic activation in seconds
- mFRR (manual Frequency Restoration Reserve): Manual activation, more flexible
Technical prerequisites:
- Sufficient storage capacity (usually minimum 100 kW)
- EMS system capable of reacting to network signals
- Response time adapted to the target market
- Certification and prequalification with the network operator
Our support: Enerdeal manages the entire process: sizing of the installation, certification, integration into markets and continuous optimization of strategies to maximize your revenues.
A combined EMS (Energy Management System) and battery storage system reduces your energy costs in several ways:
- Peak Shaving: The system discharges the battery during peak consumption, reducing capacity charges that can be a significant part of your bill
- Market arbitrage: EMS prioritizes the consumption of grid-generated electricity when prices are low and aims for resale on the grid when prices are high
- Maximizing self-consumption: If you have solar panels, the system stores excess production to use later, avoiding buying expensive electricity from the grid
- Real-time optimization: EMS continuously analyzes market prices, your consumption needs, and local production to make the best economic decisions
Typical lifespan: Batteries used in industrial BESS systems have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on usage and management strategies. The EMS (Energy Management System) plays a crucial role in optimizing charge/discharge cycles to extend battery life.
Factors that influence longevity:
- Depth of Discharge (DoD): Intelligent EMS Limits Deep Discharges
- Operating temperature: systems include thermal management
- Number of cycles: Strategic optimization avoids unnecessary cycles
- Quality of components: we select first-class equipment
End-of-life management:
- Possibility of "second life": reuse in less demanding applications
- Recycling: batteries are recycled according to European standards
- We support our customers in the responsible management of the entire life cycle
Warranties: Manufacturers typically offer 10-year warranties with a guaranteed residual capacity of 70-80%.
Technical operation
Over time, photovoltaic efficiency changes. The efficiency loss of PV panels is about 0.4% per year, which means that after 25 years of use, their efficiency will decrease by 10%. Proper care and maintenance will give you the opportunity to perform at peak performance for decades.
Photovoltaic modules are made up of cells that convert solar energy into electricity. The direct current generated in this process passes through an inverter and is converted into alternating current, the one we use every day in our homes and workplaces.
Roofs, car parks, facades, land or agricultural areas: our structures adapt to each site. Each panel requires an area of about 2 m² and should be exposed to the sun as much as possible - i.e. there should be no shade where you decide to install the panels, otherwise the energy production will be affected.
A PV panel is made up of silicon cells that convert light energy (photons) into electricity. Silicon is one of the most common chemical elements in the earth's crust and is an excellent semiconductor of electricity, which is why it is used to make microprocessors, for example.
In addition to the panels of a photovoltaic system, a key component is an inverter. It is used to transform direct current into alternating current. It is thanks to it that it is possible to use energy to power devices used in offices or factories.
Studies conducted by independent research institutes in Europe show that fires in PV systems are rare and account for less than a fraction of a percent of all cases. With properly executed design and proper installation, PV systems are very safe. Therefore, when choosing a supplier and designing PV in your company, you should be guided by the company's experience and it is worth investing in high-quality components from proven manufacturers and checking their compliance with the applicable requirements.
Yes, absolutely. Asian manufacturers, and particularly Chinese ones, largely dominate the global photovoltaic market. According to Bloomberg, the world's top 50 solar panel manufacturers are all Asian, with a Chinese majority (source).
Almost all of the world's major solar projects use Chinese panels. China's top 10 manufacturers offer top-tier quality thanks to:
- Extensive automation of their production
- Regular quality checks by recognised European certification bodies, including TÜV (Germany's leading global body)
That said, this Chinese dominance does not mean that European panels are of inferior quality. Both origins can offer excellent performance.
Not necessarily. The profitability of a solar installation depends on three main factors:
- Sunshine: It varies by a maximum of 2 between Northern and Southern Europe
- The installation cost: Broadly similar throughout Europe
- The price of electricity (including network fees): Can vary by up to a factor of 3 depending on the country
Case in point: Without any subsidies, a photovoltaic system is more cost-effective in Germany (where electricity is very expensive) than in Abu Dhabi, despite much more sunshine. The reason? The price of electricity in Abu Dhabi is extremely low, which significantly reduces the savings made.
Conclusion: Strong sunlight does not automatically guarantee better profitability. The local price of electricity plays an equally decisive role.
Maintenance
If you opt for our maintenance service, the supervision of your photovoltaic installation will be entirely the responsibility of Enerdeal, thanks to a monitoring tool that alerts us immediately in the event of a failure and sends a team to the site to solve the identified problem. This is our core business.
An annual inspection of the operation of your system is necessary. Regardless of this, a cleaning of your solar panels is to be planned every 2 to 5 years. The frequency will depend on a number of factors, such as tilt, location near dusty areas.
A photovoltaic power plant is an investment that is important to take care of. In order to ensure optimal performance of a photovoltaic system, good maintenance is essential. This ensures energy efficiency and extends the service life of the plant components and thus a better return on investment. Systematic and planned maintenance of the system brings measurable savings.
As part of a maintenance contract, Enerdeal provides businesses with access to an app where you can continuously monitor the efficiency of your PV system.