Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Athens
Beneath the bright Attic sun, HEP turns rooftops and open spaces across Athens into power plants that pay for themselves. Our team of licensed engineers handles every step—from site assessment and permitting to precision mounting and grid connection—so you can sit back and watch your meter spin backward. With premium panels, smart inverters, and neat cabling that respects your property’s aesthetics, our solar installation solutions are built to thrive in Greece’s harsh summers and unpredictable winters alike.
Choosing HEP means choosing lower energy bills, predictable returns, and a tangible commitment to a cleaner Athens. We monitor each system 24/7, provide detailed performance reports, and back all components with industry-leading warranties. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking energy independence or a business aiming to slash operating costs, we’ll tailor a renewable energy plan that captures more of the sun, and less of your budget.
FAQs
How much electricity can a typical rooftop solar system in Athens generate?
Athens enjoys roughly 1,700–1,800 kWh of solar irradiation per square metre each year, meaning a well-oriented 1 kWp photovoltaic (PV) array can produce 1,350–1,500 kWh of electricity annually. A common 5 kWp residential system therefore generates about 6,500–7,500 kWh per year—often enough to cover 70–100 % of an average household’s consumption. Precise yields depend on roof orientation (south-facing is best), tilt (15–30 °), shading, module efficiency, and inverter quality.
What incentives or subsidies are available for installing solar panels in Greece?
Residential and small-business owners can currently benefit from: • Net-metering: Surplus electricity exported to the grid is credited against your consumption for 25 years, substantially lowering bills. • The “Photovoltaics on Roofs” programme: A one-off grant covering up to 45–60 % of the cost for systems ≤10 kWp combined with batteries (percentages vary by income bracket and family status). • 0 % VAT for small PV systems installed on primary residences (valid through 2025). • Low-interest ‘Green Loans’ offered by several Greek banks. Local and EU programmes change frequently, so we will review all active schemes and prepare the necessary paperwork before installation.
How does net-metering work and what savings can I expect?
Under the HEDNO net-metering scheme, your bidirectional meter records energy imported from and exported to the grid. Every three-month billing cycle, exported kWh are subtracted from imported kWh. If exports exceed imports, the credit is carried forward for up to three years. You still pay regulated charges (grid, public utilities) on the net amount, but the energy component can drop to zero. A correctly sized 5 kWp system usually offsets 70–90 % of the electricity cost, giving payback in 4–6 years and internal rates of return above 12 % at today’s prices.
What permits or approvals are needed before installing a PV system in Athens?
Most rooftop systems up to 10 kWp fall under the simplified ‘small-scale works’ category and do NOT require a full Building Permit. We handle: 1. Structural adequacy sign-off from a civil engineer. 2. Submission of an ‘Electronic Building Identity’ update (if required). 3. Connection application to HEDNO (includes single-line diagrams & warranty certificates). 4. Environmental exemption declaration (automatic for systems ≤500 kWp on existing buildings). After HEDNO’s approval, we schedule meter replacement, sign the net-metering contract with your supplier, and then can energise the system. The whole process typically takes 4–8 weeks.
How much maintenance does a solar PV system need and how long will it last?
Solar PV has no moving parts, so maintenance is minimal: • Visual check & cleaning 2–3 times a year to remove dust, pollen, or bird droppings (Athens’ dry summers can reduce yield by 3–5 % if panels stay dirty). • Annual electrical inspection (thermal imaging & IV-curve) to confirm proper operation. • Inverter firmware updates every few years. Modules come with 25–30 year performance warranties (≥80 % output at year 25) and can last 35 years. Grid-tied string inverters are warrantied for 10–12 years, extendable to 20. With routine care, the system should deliver trouble-free power for decades.
Can I add battery storage or an EV charger later, and is my system scalable?
Absolutely. We design each installation with expansion in mind: • Hybrid inverters or AC-coupled battery inverters can be installed up-front or retrofitted later, allowing you to add lithium-ion storage (5–30 kWh) when prices or your usage profile justify it. • Spare roof or carport space can host extra PV modules; the net-metering contract can be amended up to the 10 kWp residential limit, or higher for commercial properties. • Dedicated DC or AC circuits for future EV chargers can be pre-wired, enabling hassle-free integration when you purchase an electric vehicle. Discuss your medium-term plans with us, and we’ll size cables, conduits, and inverter capacity accordingly to avoid redundant costs.