Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our services.

Why do solar panels usually shut down during a power outage?

Because standard PV inverters are grid-connected and are required to shut down (anti-islanding) in case of grid failure. This is a safety measure so that no voltage can get onto the public grid while technicians are working on it. In addition, most inverters also technically need a "reference grid" to synchronize to. If you want solar panels to continue generating (safely) during an outage, then additional hardware/configuration is needed: an inverter/battery system that can form an island grid (grid-forming), an (automatic) changeover/transfer switch and a backup group(s)/critical loads distributor.

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In 2025, an average system of 10 solar panels (about 3,700 Wp) will cost between €4,500 and €7,500, including installation and inverter.
The exact price depends on several factors, such as the choice between micro inverters or a string inverter, and the complexity of the installation.

At SunCharged we work exclusively with high-quality materials and Tier 1 solar panels from reliable manufacturers. This ensures quality and a system that suits your home and needs. In addition, you benefit from the 0% VAT rate on both the panels and the installation.

For an average Dutch household with an annual consumption of 3,000 kWh, approximately 8-10 solar panels (370-400 Wp per panel) are ideal.
The exact calculation depends on your specific energy consumption, roof orientation, tilt angle, and any potential shade.
At SunCharged, we make a personal analysis of your situation and energy consumption to determine the optimal number of panels. We take into account future developments such as electric driving or a heat pump.

Modern solar panels last an average of 25 to 30 years and often deliver 80-85% of their original power after 25 years. The inverter usually has a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years and may need to be replaced in the interim.

At SunCharged, we only select solar panels with excellent warranty conditions: at least a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year power warranty. So you invest in a system that performs reliably for a long time and provides returns for years.

Solar panels remain a wise and sustainable investment. You generate your own energy, reduce your energy bill and are less dependent on fluctuating energy prices.

The payback period is currently often between 5 and 7 years, but this depends on factors such as your energy consumption, roof orientation and current energy prices. Thanks to the net-metering scheme, the return is still favorable now; after phasing out, you can further optimize your own consumption with a home battery.

Yes, in 2025 you can still fully utilize the net metering scheme.
This allows you to offset the electricity you feed back into the grid one-to-one with the electricity you consume.
From 2027, this scheme will be gradually phased out, making a home battery more attractive. At SunCharged, we're happy to advise you on the best timing for your investment in solar panels and possibly a home battery, taking into account this changing regulation.

When you generate more electricity than you use, the surplus is fed back into the electricity grid.
Until 2027, you'll still benefit from the full net metering scheme, where this feed-in is offset one-to-one with your consumption.
After 2027, you'll receive a feed-in tariff that is lower than the supply rate. A home battery then becomes more interesting to increase your self-consumption. At SunCharged, we can advise you on the optimal balance between solar panels and battery storage for your specific situation.

Since 2023, the 0% VAT rate applies to both the panels and the installation, which provides a direct saving of 21%.
There is no longer a national purchase subsidy, but some municipalities still offer local subsidies or sustainability loans with low interest rates.
At SunCharged, we closely monitor all subsidy opportunities and inform you about schemes in your municipality. We can also help you apply for any subsidies or financing options.

In most cases, you don't need a permit for solar panels on a sloped or flat roof.
Exceptions are monumental buildings, protected city views, or when the panels protrude far.
For apartments, permission from the VvE (homeowners association) is often required. At SunCharged, we always check the local regulations for your specific situation and help you, if necessary, with obtaining the right permits or permissions, so you don't have to worry about that.

A standard solar panel takes up about 1.7 m² of roof area (approx. 1.7 x 1.0 meters).
For a system of 10 panels, you therefore need about 17 m² of available roof area.
At SunCharged, we use advanced design software to accurately map your roof. We optimize the layout taking into account any obstacles such as skylights or chimneys, and if necessary, choose panels with a higher power output to maximize the use of the available space.

Monocrystalline solar panels offer the highest efficiency (up to 22%) and are ideal if your roof space is limited.
They are slightly more expensive but deliver more power per square meter.
Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but slightly less efficient (15-17%). For most households, we recommend monocrystalline panels because of their better performance and aesthetics. At SunCharged, we only select panels from A-brands with excellent warranty terms and reliable performance, so you can enjoy your solar energy worry-free for years to come.

In the Netherlands, solar panels produce an average of 850-1,000 kWh per kWp (kilowatt peak) installed capacity per year.
A system of 10 panels (3.7 kWp) therefore produces approximately 3,150-3,700 kWh per year.
The exact yield depends on your roof orientation (south is optimal), tilt angle (30-40 degrees is ideal) and any potential shade. At SunCharged, we make an accurate yield calculation for your specific situation using professional simulation software, so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, solar panels also work in cloudy weather, although the yield is lower.
Modern panels can utilize diffuse light well and still produce 20-30% of their maximum capacity on cloudy days.
In the Netherlands, about 60% of the annual yield is realized in the summer months (April-September) and 40% in the winter months. At SunCharged, we take into account the Dutch climate and seasonal patterns in our calculations, so you get a realistic estimate of the annual yield.

Solar panels are virtually maintenance-free.
Rain washes away most of the dirt, especially on roofs with a slope of 15 degrees or more.
On flat roofs or in areas with high pollution, an annual cleaning with demineralized water can increase the yield by 5-10%. Also, regularly check if your inverter is still working properly via the monitoring app. At SunCharged, we offer optional maintenance contracts where we periodically inspect and clean your system if necessary, so you're always assured of optimal performance.

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home.
This essential component lasts an average of 10-15 years, shorter than the panels themselves (25-30 years).
A quality inverter costs between €800 and €1,500, depending on the power. At SunCharged, we only install inverters from top brands like SMA, Fronius or SolarEdge, with extended warranty (standard 5-10 years, optionally extendable). We also advise you on smart monitoring options so you can always track the performance of your system.

Yes, you can store your self-generated solar power in a home battery.
This becomes increasingly attractive as the net metering scheme is phased out (from 2027).
With a battery, you increase your self-consumption from 30% to 60-80% and are less dependent on the electricity grid. At SunCharged, we offer integrated solutions where solar panels and home batteries are perfectly matched. We can also make your system 'battery-ready', so you can easily add a battery later when it becomes financially more attractive.

In many cases, an adjustment to the meter box is necessary for solar panels.
You need a free group for the inverter and a smart meter that can record feed-in.
For larger systems (>5 kWp), a heavier connection may be required. At SunCharged, we assess your meter box in advance and advise on any necessary adjustments. If necessary, we also arrange the installation of a smart meter through your network operator and ensure that everything is installed safely and according to the latest NEN standards.

A south-facing roof is optimal, but solar panels on east- or west-facing roofs are still very profitable with only 10-20% less yield.
East-facing panels produce more in the morning, west-facing more in the afternoon and evening.
This spread can even be beneficial for your own consumption. At SunCharged, we make an accurate yield calculation for your specific roof orientation and advise on the optimal layout. With modern, efficient panels, almost any roof orientation (except north) is suitable for a profitable solar panel system.

Absolutely! Flat roofs are excellent for solar panels.
We then place the panels on lightweight mounting systems at an optimal angle (usually 10-15 degrees) and orientation (preferably south).
The great advantage of a flat roof is that we can position the panels perfectly for maximum yield, regardless of the orientation of your home. At SunCharged, we use special ballast systems that do not damage your roof covering and provide sufficient stability, even in strong winds.

At SunCharged, we only select solar panels with excellent warranty conditions: at least 12 years product warranty against manufacturing defects and 25 years power warranty (at least 80% of the original power after 25 years).
For the inverter, you get 5-10 years warranty, depending on the brand.
In addition, we offer 10 years installation warranty on our work. All these warranties are fully documented and transferable when selling your home. This ensures you have a worry-free investment for the long term.

A micro-inverter is a small inverter that is placed under each individual solar panel, instead of one central inverter for the entire system.
This is particularly beneficial in shade situations or different roof orientations, as each panel can function independently.
They also offer detailed monitoring per panel and a longer lifespan (up to 25 years). Although they are slightly more expensive than a central inverter, they can increase the total yield by 5-25% in suboptimal situations. At SunCharged, we advise on the most suitable type of inverter based on your specific roof situation.

Technically, it is possible to take solar panels with you when you move, but in practice, this is often not the most practical or cost-effective option.
The de-installation, transport, and re-installation cost about 50% of a new system.
Moreover, solar panels increase the value of your home by an average of 80% of the original investment. At SunCharged, we usually advise leaving the panels behind and taking the value into account in the selling price. We can, however, ensure a professional transfer with all documentation and explanation for the new owner.

Yes, shade can have a significant impact on the yield of solar panels.
Even partial shade on one panel can reduce the yield of an entire string (series-connected panels) by 25-40%.
At SunCharged, we perform a detailed shade analysis and offer solutions such as power optimizers or micro-inverters that minimize the effect of shade. These technologies ensure that each panel functions independently, limiting the impact of shade to only the shaded panel. We always design your system with potential shade situations in mind.

When choosing an installer, it's essential to look for certifications like Zonnekeur or InstallQ, which guarantee that the installer meets strict quality requirements.
Also, check online reviews, ask for reference projects, and compare multiple quotes.
Don't just focus on price, but also on the quality of the materials used, warranty conditions, and after-sales service. At SunCharged, we only work with certified technicians, offer extended warranties, and are known for our personal service and support, even long after installation.

Standard solar panel systems automatically shut off during a power outage.
This is a safety measure to prevent electricity from being fed back into the grid while network operators are working on repairs.
If you also want to use your solar panels during a power outage, we can equip your system with a special backup provision or a home battery with island operation. At SunCharged, we're happy to advise on the various options to increase your energy security, so you also have access to your self-generated energy during power outages.

Modern solar panel systems come with advanced monitoring via a smartphone app or web portal.
This allows you to see in real-time how much energy your system produces, what your historical yield is, and in some cases, how much you consume.
The monitoring also alerts you to any malfunctions or underperformance. At SunCharged, we install a standard monitoring system that gives you easy insight into the performance of your solar panels. We can also remotely monitor this data and proactively contact you if we detect any deviations, so you're always assured of optimal performance.

Not automatic. Standard (grid-connected) PV inverters shut down during a power failure, because they need a stable grid to synchronize to. Generation can continue if your system supports 'island mode'/emergency power: an inverter that can form its own stable local grid (grid-forming) during the outage and run solar panels in a backup configuration, often so that the battery can recharge and feed (limited) consumption.

Because standard PV inverters are grid-connected and are required to shut down (anti-islanding) in case of grid failure. This is a safety measure so that no voltage can get onto the public grid while technicians are working on it. In addition, most inverters also technically need a "reference grid" to synchronize to. If you want solar panels to continue generating (safely) during an outage, then additional hardware/configuration is needed: an inverter/battery system that can form an island grid (grid-forming), an (automatic) changeover/transfer switch and a backup group(s)/critical loads distributor.