Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Athens
Basking in 300+ days of sunshine a year, Athens is primed for clean, limitless power—and HEP is here to turn that light into lasting value. Our team designs and delivers tailor-made solar installation solutions that slip seamlessly onto rooftops, terraces, and commercial sites, transforming idle space into high-performing energy assets. From the first site survey to the final flip of the switch, we handle every detail with precision, transparency, and a passion for sustainable progress.
By choosing HEP, you’re not just cutting electricity bills; you’re joining a city-wide movement toward energy independence and a lighter carbon footprint. We source premium panels, optimize for the Mediterranean climate, and integrate smart monitoring so you can watch your savings grow in real time. Ready to let Athens’ legendary sun power your home or business? Reach out today and see how effortlessly bright the future can be.
FAQs
Is Athens’ climate actually good enough for solar panels to perform well?
Absolutely. Athens enjoys more than 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, giving it one of the highest solar irradiance levels in Europe (annual average ≈ 1,600 kWh/m²). Modern photovoltaic (PV) modules convert this abundant light into 1,400–1,650 kWh of electricity per installed kilowatt each year, which is 30–40 % higher than the EU average. This means a 5 kWp household system in Athens can typically cover 70–100 % of an average family’s annual electricity demand.
What permits and paperwork do I need before installing a solar PV system in Athens?
For most residential and small-commercial rooftop systems up to 10 kWp, the process is streamlined: 1. Net-metering application to the grid operator (HEDNO/ΔΕΔΔΗΕ) with basic site drawings. 2. A small-scale building permit exemption (‘Έγκριση Εργασιών Μικρής Κλίμακας’) filed electronically through TEE. 3. Notification to the municipality if you are within a designated archaeological or historic area; extra approval may be required by the local Ephorate of Antiquities. Larger systems (>10 kWp) or ground-mounted arrays need an Environmental Impact declaration and an electrical installation licence from RAE. Our engineers handle every step, so homeowners only sign the final application packets.
Are there financial incentives or net-metering programmes available in Greece?
Yes. Greece’s nationwide Net-Metering Scheme (Ministerial Decision ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΑΠΕΕΚ/15084/382) lets you offset the electricity you export against what you consume, with a 25-year settlement period. Excess credits roll over monthly and annually. In addition, the new ‘Φωτοβολταϊκά στη Στέγη’ (Solar on Roofs) subsidy covers up to 75 % of system costs for households and up to 60 % for small businesses, plus an extra bonus for adding batteries. Low-income families may receive a 100 % grant. Interest-free “Green Loans” from partnering banks can finance the remaining share, making payback periods as short as 4-6 years.
How long will the whole installation take from first visit to grid connection?
A standard 5–10 kWp rooftop project follows this timeline: • Site audit & quotation: 1–2 days after you call. • Engineering design & permit filing: 5–10 working days. • HEDNO approval: 4–6 weeks (fast-track for systems <6 kWp is often 2–3 weeks). • Physical installation: 1–2 days for panels, inverter, wiring, mounting. • Inspection & meter swap by HEDNO: 1–3 weeks after installation. Total calendar time: typically 6–10 weeks. Our turnkey service coordinates all parties so homeowners don’t have to chase paperwork.
What maintenance does a solar system need and how long will it last?
PV systems are largely maintenance-free. In Athens’ dry climate, light rainfall removes most dust, but we recommend a professional cleaning once or twice per year to gain up to 5 % extra output. Remote monitoring alerts us to any inverter or string faults instantly. Inverters may need a firmware update or fan replacement after 10–12 years. Quality panels carry 12–15 year product warranties and 25–30 year performance guarantees (≥ 80 % of initial output). Overall system life expectancy is 30 + years, and all major components are recyclable through PV Cycle Greece.
Can solar panels be installed on heritage or traditional buildings common in Athens?
Yes, with careful design. For neoclassical, listed, or tile-roof houses inside the historic centre, we propose: • Terracotta-coloured or slate-grey frame modules that blend with roof tiles. • Low-profile mounting systems (<10 cm above tiles) invisible from street level. • Building-integrated PV (BIPV) glass or pergola installations in courtyards. We collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and local Ephorate to secure the required aesthetics approval. In many cases a reversible mounting solution without roof penetration—a ballasted aluminum rail—is sufficient, allowing full compliance with preservation guidelines while still enjoying renewable energy savings.