You've probably seen it on the Internet, in shops or on TV: more and more brands are offering «plug and play» solar panels. In other words, you plug it in and it produces electricity that you can use straight away. So what do you think of these solar kits? Are they better than photovoltaic panels that you put on your roof? We explain everything.
Contents:
What is the difference between a solar kit and a photovoltaic roof panel?
Unlike conventional panels, the «plug and play solar kit» system requires no connection to the electrical panel and no professional intervention.
You unpack your kit, position it in a sunny spot (garden, terrace, balcony) and plug it into a domestic socket. The electricity produced is immediately fed into your domestic 220V grid, automatically reducing your consumption of electricity from the grid. You can also connect a battery to store the energy for later use.
Most kits offer between 300W and 800W of power, with the option of connecting several units to increase production.
Because it's so easy to set up, more and more private individuals in Luxembourg are adopting this solution to try out photovoltaic energy, without too many technical or financial constraints.
Why choose a plug and play solar kit in Luxembourg?
Although many aid is available for installing solar panels some owners have specific roofing requirements:
- Their roofs are not strong enough to bear the weight of solar panels
- The slope or exposure of the roof is unsatisfactory to ensure good photovoltaic production throughout the year
- They do not have sufficient funds to finance the remaining costs.
Solar kits generally meet these requirements. Homeowners in Luxembourg spend a few hundred euros to install one in their garden or on their balcony or terrace, in order to reduce their electricity bill with a minimum of constraints.
So, in theory, you don't need to apply for any specific authorisation to install one, except in protected districts or sectors (in terms of architecture).
Solar kit vs. roof-mounted panels: which to choose?
The choice between a plug and play solar kit and a rooftop photovoltaic installation really depends on your objectives, your finances and your situation. There really is no wrong solution: each type of panel is aimed at a different market. Here's a comparison by way of example:
| Criteria | Plug and play solar kit | Roof-mounted panels |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Between €400 and €1,200 | Between €8,000 and €25,000 |
| Installation time | 30 minutes | 1 to 2 days |
| Power | 300W to 800W | 3kW to 15kW (or more) |
| Annual production | 300 to 500 kWh | 3,000 to 15,000 kWh (or more) |
| Annual savings | 120€ à 320€ | 1.000€ à 4.800€ |
| Return on investment | 3 to 4 years | 4 to 6 years (with state subsidies) |
| Service life | 15 to 20 years | 25 to 30 years |
When should I opt for rooftop solar panels in Luxembourg?
Roof-mounted installation is recommended if :
- You own a home: With a well-facing roof (south, south-east, south-west) in good structural condition.
- Your electricity consumption is high: Large family, electric heating, swimming pool, electric vehicle, etc.
- You're aiming for energy autonomy: With the aim of covering 60% to 80% of your annual electricity consumption.
- You have a comfortable budget: Investment capacity of between €10,000 and €20,000 for a complete installation.
- You want to resell the surplus: With the option of selling surplus electricity to Creos or Enovos.
You can also benefit from several thousand euros in government grants: apply for a free simulation here.
Our Renov.lu tip : For many households in Luxembourg, the best solution is to start with a plug and play solar kit to discover self-consumption, then move on to a roof-mounted installation if the results are convincing. The two solutions are not mutually exclusive!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plug and play solar kit and how does it work?
A plug and play solar kit is a photovoltaic system that you plug directly into a household socket without the need for professional intervention. The electricity produced is immediately fed into your 220V grid, automatically reducing your consumption of the grid. These kits generally offer between 300W and 800W of power and can be installed in the garden, on a terrace or balcony.
How much does a plug and play solar kit cost in Luxembourg?
Plug and play solar kits cost between €400 and €1,200, depending on the wattage chosen, i.e. 10 to 20 times less than a roof-mounted installation. They offer annual savings of €120 to €320, with a return on investment of 3 to 4 years. This solution is ideal for testing solar self-consumption without major investment.
Do I need authorisation to install a plug and play solar kit?
In theory, no special authorisation is required to install a plug and play solar kit in Luxembourg, except in architecturally protected districts or sectors. Installation does not require connection to the electrical panel or the intervention of a professional. You can install it yourself in 30 minutes on your property.