Solar and performance
How well does solar work in every season and climate? We explain how modern solar technology delivers reliable energy, wherever you are.
Solar panels generally last about 30 years. Even after that, they can still produce electricity—just at a slightly reduced rate. With proper care and quality installation, solar panels are a long-term investment that provides clean energy for decades.
Yes, absolutely! Even if you don’t own your home, you can still benefit from solar energy.
There are plenty of options like this. In many places, community solar (also known as energy community) lets tenants subscribe to a nearby solar project and receive credits on their electricity bills—no rooftop panels required. Energy sharing is a right in Europe, where your neighbour can share their excess rooftop solar energy directly with you. There are also options like solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) that can work for rental properties, as long as the landlord is on board. In some countries, virtual net metering makes it possible for tenants to benefit from solar power generated somewhere else and still save on energy costs. You can click here to hear the story of an energy community in Greece that benefits from the scheme.
The key is cooperation—when tenants, landlords, and solar providers work together, everyone can enjoy the benefits of clean energy.
Yes, solar panels are designed to be durable and need very little maintenance. As long as they are installed correctly and follow local building rules, they can last on average about 30 years and work well in all kinds of weather. The solar industry also follows proven best practices to make sure solar PV systems run smoothly and reliably. Learn more.
If your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, there are a few ways to use it:
- Store it in a battery to use later (for example, in the evening)
- Sell it to the grid, for example, through net billing or a feed-in tariff (think of them as fixed-price contracts), depending on your country, to receive credit, discount, or money back
- Share it locally, in some places, through community energy programmes and energy sharing, meaning you could supply power to neighbors or local businesses
Yes, if your system includes battery storage, you can use stored energy when the sun isn’t shining or even during power cuts. In ‘island-mode’, some solar systems can provide limited power during grid outages, and you can check with your installer whether this option is right for you.
A home battery stores extra energy produced by your solar panels during the day. Instead of sending that unused energy back to the grid, the battery keeps it so you can use it later—like in the evening or during a power cut. This means you can rely more on your own solar power and less on electricity from the grid, helping you save money and increase your energy independence. Some batteries also let you monitor how much energy you're storing and using in real time.
Yes, and they are getting better all the time. Most solar batteries are made from materials like lithium, which can achieve recycling rates higher than 90%. In fact, Europe is investing in battery recycling and setting high sustainability standards to make sure battery production and reuse are as clean and ethical as possible. The EU Battery Regulation, adopted in 2023, aims to create a more sustainable and circular battery economy, covering these key considerations.
Building a solar park involves several key phases:
- Site selection – Developers identify land with strong solar potential, grid access, and minimal environmental or zoning conflicts.
- Development & permitting – This includes securing land rights, conducting environmental studies, engaging stakeholders, and applying for permits.
- Procurement – Developers purchase solar panels, inverters, and other components.
- Construction – The site is prepared, structures are installed, and systems are connected to the grid.
- Commissioning – The system is tested and brought online.
- Operations & maintenance – The solar park is monitored and maintained to ensure optimal performance.
- End of life – After 30+ years, the site may be repowered or decommissioned, with components recycled or reused. As solar parks are temporary installations, the land can be restored to its original condition.
Some sites are hybrid, meaning they include battery storage or are co-located with wind or agricultural use, enhancing land use and grid flexibility.
Permitting varies by country, but generally includes:
- Land use/zoning permits
- Environmental impact assessments
- Building and electrical permits
- Grid connection agreements
- Cultural or heritage reviews, if applicable
In some European markets, renewable energy projects may also need approval under national energy plans or community consultation processes. Each step ensures the project is safe, compliant, and aligned with local interests.
Yes, solar is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative energy technologies. Solar panels are now more efficient, cheaper to produce, and more durable than ever before. This means you get more electricity for every euro invested in solar, making solar a better investment in the long run.
Solar farms boost energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and increasing local clean energy production. They can help stabilise the electricity grid through distributed generation, which reduces transmission bottlenecks, and hybrid systems with storage that provide power even without sunlight. Inverters also help regulate voltage and frequency on the grid. With careful planning and digital signals, solar farms can become active contributors to grid management, not just passive energy sources.
As the cheapest form of electricity available, solar can help reduce electricity costs by replacing more expensive energy sources. Solar generation peaks during hot months when demand for air conditioning and data centre cooling is high. Meeting more of this demand with solar, along with storage for use at night, keeps the prices lower and avoids the use of alternative methods to make or save power.
Most roof types can work with solar panels, but a few things help determine how suitable your roof really is:
- Direction and tilt – South-facing roofs (in the Northern Hemisphere) usually get the most sunlight.
- Shading – Trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce how much energy your system produces.
- Roof type – Whether it’s flat, tiled, shingled, or metal, there are mounting systems to suit most materials.
- Condition – It’s best to install panels on a roof that’s in good shape and has at least 10–15 years of life left.
If your roof isn’t the right fit, there are still options—like ground-mounted systems, energy sharing, or joining a community solar project nearby. To get the best advice, it’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified solar installer. They can assess your roof and help you find the right solution.
