Plug and play photovoltaic: is it really worth it?
In recent years, plug and play photovoltaics has established itself on the market as one of the most interesting innovations for starting to produce solar energy in a simple, rapid way and with a minimum investment. Thanks to the evolution of solar technology and increasingly favorable regulations, today installing a plug and play photovoltaic panel has become a gesture accessible to anyone, from families in apartments to small commercial businesses.
One of the most common questions among those who are thinking of adopting this solution is whether it is actually so convenient from the point of view of saving on the bill. Let’s see together what a plug and play photovoltaic system consists of, what benefits it can offer and for whom it is useful.
What is a plug & play photovoltaic system?
A plug and play photovoltaic system is a kind of portable photovoltaic system, which you can use by placing it on the balcony, in the garden or on the facade of the house without the need for authorization. The principle is the same as that of “plug & play” electronic devices: just connect it to a domestic power outlet to immediately start producing electricity.
Plug and play photovoltaic kits are generally composed of one or more plug and play photovoltaic panels, an integrated micro-inverter and a support structure. The connection to the electrical system is via a common Schuko socket, to directly feed the energy produced into the domestic network.
How to install a plug and play photovoltaic system?
What distinguishes a plug and play photovoltaic system is the simplicity with which you can install it.
For plug and play photovoltaic panels with power less than 800W, in fact, the regulation provides for simplified installation, without the need for special authorizations. The only mandatory requirement is a communication to the energy distributor, useful for reporting the presence of the new system and allowing any adjustments to the meter.
The system connects directly to a power outlet and immediately begins to produce energy. However, we specify that if the power exceeds 350W, while remaining under the 800W limit, a fixed connection to the electrical system is required. In these cases, you will need to avail yourself of the advice of a qualified electrician, who will have to draw up the electrical diagram and provide the declaration of conformity, increasing times and costs.
Furthermore, for those who live in historic centers or buildings subject to landscape restrictions, you will have to check in advance whether any municipal permits are needed. The same applies to condominiums: the installation of a plug and play solar panel on the facade or common areas must always be agreed with the administrator and, in certain cases, approved by the condominium assembly.
How “plug and play” is it really?
If we talk about “plug & play photovoltaic” an image of simplicity and practicality certainly comes to mind. In part this is true, but we must clarify to what extent it is really “plug & play” and where, instead, we need to take a little more care.
For systems up to 350 W of power, which can be connected directly to a power outlet, the term “plug and play” is practically literal: you place the panel on the balcony, connect the cable to the outlet and start producing energy.
We must add, however, that already above 350 W (while remaining under the 800 W limit that defines a plug & play system according to ARERA), some non-negligible technical aspects come into play:
- A fixed connection to the domestic electrical system is required, arranged by an electrician;
- You will have to present the electrical diagram and the declaration of conformity of the system to the distributor;
- In the case of installation in protected buildings or in historic centers, municipal authorizations are required to avoid altering the aesthetics of the property;
- In condominiums, the placement of the panel must often be agreed with the condominium assembly.
Pros and cons of plug and play photovoltaic panels
Considering the above, the concept of plug and play is certainly valid, but it also brings with it some disadvantages and limitations, to be evaluated based on your expectations regarding photovoltaics.
Talking about the pros:
- Ease of installation, at least for systems under 350 W;
- No contractual constraints: it is not necessary to stipulate contracts with the GSE or other bodies and it does not enter into the classic incentive mechanisms;
- Savings: compensation on the bill, even if minimal compared to a traditional photovoltaic system.
Looking at the cons, however:
- Limited power: a plug & play system is unlikely to cover the entire domestic energy needs. We are talking about an indicative production of 300-600 kWh per year;
- No profit for excess energy: the energy not self-consumed is fed into the grid without an economic return;
- Strict regulations above 350 W;
- Risk of incorrect installation, if carried out independently without technical skills.
Is plug and play photovoltaic worth it?
Plug and play photovoltaic is certainly an interesting first step to approach the world of solar energy. However, if you want to exploit the maximum potential of this technology and drastically reduce your bill costs, “traditional” photovoltaic panels remain the most efficient and convenient choice in the medium-long term but also in the immediate future, especially by virtue of the numerous incentives available today for:
- the installation of a “traditional” photovoltaic system, whether domestic or business
- the economic compensation connected to the self-consumption quota generated by a “traditional” system and the simultaneous valorization of the excess energy fed into the grid.
Nowadays, in fact, a “traditional” photovoltaic system enjoys increasingly shorter payback times. These must also be weighed in light of incentives, often non-repayable, available to those who install a new photovoltaic system.
If you are looking for a company that is expert in the construction and also in the management and maintenance of quality photovoltaic systems, rely on Southenergy, a company from Puglia that has been in the renewable energy sector for 17 years
The areas of activity in which Southenergy operates range from the design and construction of turnkey photovoltaic systems, to the enhancement of pre-existing systems through repowering and revamping activities aimed at improving installed capacity, preserving projects at 360° also through crucial activities such as O&M (operation and maintenance), due diligence, asset management, monitoring and digital energy.
Discover the Southenergy service network, the efficiency of our photovoltaic systems and the turnkey solutions that we have reserved for those who have already chosen us: visit the section of our website dedicated to some of the projects we have completed
FAQ Plug and play photovoltaic
What is a plug and play photovoltaic system?
A plug and play photovoltaic system is a solar system composed of one or more photovoltaic panels equipped with micro-inverters and connects directly to an electrical outlet, without the need for complex interventions or special authorizations for limited power.
What are the advantages of a plug and play system?
The main advantage is the ease of installation, even if it is commensurate with minimal bill compensation compared to a “traditional” system. It is an ideal solution for those who live in an apartment or for those who want to start producing clean energy without large investments.
Do I need a permit to install a plug and play photovoltaic system?
For small systems (up to 800 Watts), in many municipalities a building permit is not required, but it may be necessary to communicate the installation to the energy distributor through a simplified procedure. It is always advisable to find out about local rules before proceeding.
Where can a plug and play photovoltaic system be installed?
Plug and play systems can be installed on balconies, terraces, gardens or flat roofs, as long as they are well exposed to the sun. In any case, check the regulations and constraints related to the specific installation site.