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High energy costs are turning more and more Spaniards to solar panels

On a chilly sunny morning in a small town east of Madrid, Ester Banalez stands outside her home as technicians climb onto the roof to install 16 solar panels that she hopes will help reduce her electricity bill over one third.

Solar panel installation companies in sunny Spain say more and more people are calling for such home systems to avoid the cost of jumping energy as demand for gas to power the post-pandemic recovery runs counter to smaller than usual supplies.

“We have seen electricity bills rise and people are talking about whether we will have supply problems, so I decided it was the right time (for solar panels),” Banales said.

Demand is rising in many European countries, according to Otovo, the Norwegian company that took over the Banale residence.

“In the case of Spain, we say that where we had an interested customer last year, we now have three,” said Inigo Amoribieta, who is in charge of Otovo’s Spanish operations.

Electricity bills have risen by almost 12% on average in Spain since 2018 and based on a single fee were 50% higher in the first two weeks of November compared to the same period last year, according to the consumer association FACUA.

Facilities like the one in Banale include a converter so that solar energy can be converted into electricity, which can be used.

All this equipment is not cheap – she paid about 7,600 euros – but she estimates that it will be depreciated soon.

The Spanish organization for renewable energy APPA estimates that if prices remain at their current high levels, home solar systems can save 40-60% on annual electricity bills. With government subsidies of about 900m euros and combined with tax breaks, the cost can be amortized over five years, according to APPA.

Source: AMPE

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Source From: Capital

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