Why install in Southern Europe

Solar energy has gained immense popularity in Europe, with Germany leading the way. However, it's worth noting that the sunnier southern regions, such as Spain and Portugal, lag behind Germany in total installation capacity. Spain ranked second in Europe with 8.2GW capacity but when it comes to residential plugin installations, the capacity drops. Portugal was not among the top ten, indicating a great potential considering its location. To help you learn more, we will explain why installing solar kits in Southern Europe is a great investment and how much you can save.

Comparison of solar production in Europe

Germany, with an average of 487 hours of sunshine per year, surprisingly leads Europe in solar energy capacity. This leadership is driven by high power prices, strong government support and public awareness for renewable energies. You can also find more information about favorable policies in Germany from our previous blogs. Although Germany doesn't have abundant sunshine hours compared to Southern Europe based on the research from Hotspot Energy, the electricity price is much higher at a rate of  €0.40/kWh, leading to a considerable savings per year and relatively shorter earnback period. As a result, installing in Germany is a good investment, demonstrating that even regions with lower solar potential can achieve remarkable solar energy adoption with the right support.

In contrast, Southern European countries like Spain and Portugal, which enjoy higher levels of solar irradiance, have a natural advantage in solar energy potential. The abundant sunshine in these regions makes solar energy systems more efficient and cost-effective. The extended periods of sunshine, often up to 15 hours per day during the summer time, result in higher energy production compared to other European countries, leading to quicker returns on investment and reduced energy bills.

By leveraging their high amount of sunshine hours, Spain and Portugal can surpass Germany's achievements in solar energy adoption, contributing significantly to Europe's renewable energy goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

Germany

All analysis in this article will be based on the European Commission’s PV GIS database, using a 20 degree slope as one of our best sellers uses, the Performance 800 solar kit with a 20° mount, that has a 30-year-warranty to help you produce during all seasons for the next 3 decades.

This solar kit can produce on average 1,010 kWh per year. Thus, the savings per year reach €404 with an average electricity cost of €0,40/kWh. That said, you can earn back the investment in a short time and enjoy free electricity for longer years. The average cost over 30 years is just €0,042/kWh. Compared to today’s average of €0,40/kWh the cost of your self produced solar energy is almost 90% off compared to the cost of grid energy today.

Spain

As a main reference, our Robinsun Performance solar kit costs €799 in Spain and comes with 2 Aiko solar panels with a power output of 445 Wp each. This solar kit can produce on average 1,600 kWh per year. Taking this into consideration, the savings per year reach  €416 with a cost of €0,26/kWh. That said, you can earn back the investment within 2 years and enjoy free electricity for the following 28 years. The average cost over 30 years is just €0,027/kWh. Compared to today’s average of €0,26/kWh the cost of your self produced solar energy is just 10% of the cost of grid energy today.

Portugal

In Portugal’s case, our all Robinsun solar kits enjoy the benefit of a reduced VAT rate of just 6%, following local laws to promote renewable energies. This makes solar kits even more affordable. Our Robinsun Performance solar kit costs €699 in Portugal with the same power output. The solar kit produces 1,555 kWh per year. Savings per year increase to €358 with the cost of €0,23/kWh. Similar to Spain, you earn back your investment within 2 years and enjoy 28 more years of free electricity. The average cost over 30 years is €0,024/kWh.

From Solar Power Europe, we saw that the Netherlands ranked third among Europe. With slightly more population (The Netherlands: 17.1 million, Portugal: 10.4 million), the Netherlands achieved much greater installation capacity than Portugal. Portugal not being in the top 10 somehow indicates that it’s not progressing much in either commercial or residential solar installations, which further proves superb potential with its rich sunshine resource.

Conclusion

Installing solar kits in Southern Europe is a smart investment due to the region's ideal geographic location and abundant sunshine. Countries like Spain and Portugal can achieve a quick payback time of less than two years and an average cost per kWh below €0,03. This represents a significant reduction in current electricity prices, offers long-term savings and protects you against fluctuating electricity tariffs and taxes.

Compared to Germany, both Spain and Portugal have very short earnback times below 2 years and a long-term tariff reduction of 90% off. If German families install solar kits in their houses, why not install them in Spain or Portugal with the same success?

At Robinsun, we offer top-quality solar kits designed for various installations, whether you have a balcony, a garden, a pergola, or a tile roof. Our products come with long warranties, ensuring reliable performance for decades. If you're unsure which model to pick,  contact us through email, WhatsApp, or call us directly.

Investing in solar energy is not only economically beneficial but also aligns with broader environmental and sustainability objectives. Make the switch to solar today and start enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy.