Solar panels in residential communities

Certain legal requirements must be met. Firstly, it is necessary to apply for the corresponding municipal permits, such as licences for minor or major works, depending on the magnitude of the project and local regulations. In addition, it is common to need to submit a technical report or a project drawn up by an authorised installer detailing the characteristics of the installation. This document guarantees that the installation complies with safety and efficiency standards.

Solarea Tech takes care of all the necessary permits, facilitating the process so that the community can enjoy their photovoltaic system without complications.

It depends on factors such as the size of the installation, the energy consumption of the community, electricity tariffs and subsidies received. In general, the payback period is usually between 6 and 10 years. This is due to the savings on electricity bills, as the community significantly reduces its dependence on the conventional grid by using energy generated by the solar panels.

With proper maintenance, solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, which means that the community can enjoy more than two decades of savings after the installation has paid for itself.

Yes, solar panels can be used both to power communal areas and to supply energy to individual dwellings. This is achieved by setting up a collective self-consumption system that distributes the energy generated according to the needs of the community.

For example, shared services such as lifts, corridor lighting and garages can be the first to benefit from solar energy, while the surplus can be distributed among the neighbours participating in the project.

It depends on the energy consumption of the community and the size of the required installation. As a rule of thumb, it is estimated that 10-15 m² of space is needed for each kW of installed power. This includes not only the space for the solar panels, but also the access and support structures needed for the installation.

In the case of small rooftop communities, it is possible to optimise the available space by using high-efficiency panels that generate more energy in a smaller area. A prior feasibility study is essential to determine whether the available space is sufficient to cover the community’s energy needs.

There are various grants and subsidies available to promote self-consumption in neighbourhood communities. In Spain, the European Union’s Next Generation funds offer significant financial incentives for renewable energy projects, including the installation of solar panels. These grants can cover an important part of the initial cost, making the installation more affordable for communities.

In addition, some autonomous communities offer tax rebates, such as discounts on the Real Estate Tax (IBI) or the Tax on Construction, Installations and Works (ICIO). It is also possible to access specific financing programmes that facilitate payment in easy instalments.

At Solarea Tech, we take care of advising and managing these aids so that your community can make the most of the savings opportunities.

The maintenance of solar panels is essential to ensure their efficiency and prolong their useful life. Our service includes cleaning the panels to remove dust, dirt, leaves and other debris that can reduce sunlight collection. Depending on the location and environmental conditions, this cleaning may be necessary between two and four times a year.

Periodic technical checks are recommended to ensure that all system components, such as inverters, cabling and support structures, are in good condition.

With proper maintenance, the community can maximise energy savings and enjoy an efficient PV system for decades.

Yes, they can be expanded if in the future the community needs to increase its energy generation capacity. This is especially useful in communities where energy consumption grows over time or where more neighbours decide to participate in the project.

To facilitate future expansions, it is recommended that the initial installation be designed with this possibility in mind. This includes providing additional space for new panels and ensuring that inverters and other components can handle the expanded capacity.

En Solarea Tech, diseñamos sistemas escalables que se adaptan a las necesidades presentes y futuras de tu comunidad.

When more energy is generated than is consumed, the surplus can be fed into the electricity grid and is economically compensated through discounts on the electricity bill, as established by the self-consumption regulations in Spain. This compensation system allows the community to obtain economic benefits for the energy generated, even in the months of lower consumption.

Another option is to store the surplus using batteries, allowing it to be used at times of peak demand or when there is no sunlight, such as at night. This solution is especially useful for communities seeking to maximise their energy independence.