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Installing a solar PV system enables you to generate your own clean, green electricity directly from the sun. This not only reduces electricity bills but also CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases. The financial advantages of installing a PV system are also enhanced in many markets by local incentives, e.g.:
- Investment subsidies/tax credits (the authorities refund part of the cost of installing the system)
- Feed-in tariffs (feed-in tariffs work by guaranteeing a long-term premium payment for electricity generated from renewable sources and fed into the grid).
- Net metering (the electricity utility buys PV electricity from the producer under a multiyear contract)
Photovoltaic solar installations are most commonly used as a source of energy in regions with high irradiation levels and available incentive programs. Today's main markets are in Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy and France) and the west coast of USA, while new markets are emerging around the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. An increasing number of countries are offering incentive programs and subsidies for home and business owners who want to invest in solar energy as a source of environmentally friendly energy, and/or as part of a financially sound investment. Important customer segments include residential, commercial and utility applications.
REC has sales offices in key PV markets and we work only with experienced and qualified partners globally. To find more information about your nearest dealer, please refer to our product section under How to buy.
The purchase of a solar system is a significant long-term investment. The single most important factor to look for is quality. The solar system will be on a roof-top or on the ground producing electricity for 30 years or more, and all the components selected in the solar system must be durable, robust and of high quality.
Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in the number of module manufacturers in the market, and thus the quality of modules may vary. It is important to make sure that the modules you buy are from a high-quality manufacturer and have the guarantees and certificates that apply in your country. A standard module should carry a 25-year power output warranty and certificates such as TÜV for Europe or CEC/CSI for the USA.
Other features to look for are efficiency rate, meaning the percentage of light energy that is converted to electricity and the energy payback time of the module, i.e., the time required for a solar module to generate the same amount of electricity spent during its manufacturing process.
REC modules are recognized as high performance modules manufactured with uncompromising quality. For more information about the REC modules please refer to our Modules section.
There are numerous companies that sell and install solar modules for different applications. Their expertise varies and you should look for certain key attributes: Check out how long the installer has been in the industry and how many installations they have completed. Ask for customer references and find out which vendors they are working with. The size of the company also matters, since bigger companies tend to have more buying power and are able to offer better prices and service support.
REC works with experienced solar companies worldwide. The company representing REC in your area will assess your facility, based on available surface area on the roof or ground, electric bills and solar incentives. With this information the solar company will develop a preliminary offer. This will be followed by a detailed offer that, if accepted, will lead to the installation of your new photovoltaic system.
A solar system is considered a safe and steady long-term investment. The local authorities in some countries offer incentives that make the investment profitable by rewarding owners with a fixed rate feed-in tariff for the amount of electricity your installation ”feeds” into the electrical grid. You can also finance your purchase through long-term loans, operating leases, bank loans, home improvement loans and mortgage refinancing. Contact one of our sales offices to discuss the various financial options open to you.