ir. J.H.C. Zijlmans

It all started with lots of questions

In early 2010, the Dutch government introduced grants for alternative solar energy. This made us think, and it generated lots of questions: is solar energy something we might want? How do we get started as a residential customer? Who supplies, assembles and installs solar panels? What types of solar panels are available?

What else will we need? What are the costs for panels and ancillary items? What is generated in kWh? What sorts of grants are available? What are the costs/benefits: the required payback period and depreciation? Who to go to, to complete the forms? Who is going to connect the panels to the meter cupboard?

Additional problems
Then there was also the problem that the gutters and roof were worn after 35 years. The renovation needed to be carried out at the same time as the installation of the solar panels.

One total solution

After presenting this to Solinq, one total solution was offered. Apparently there are solar panels that can be fitted between (and not on) the roof tiles; so they are integrated with the tiles, which saves tiles and looks much better. This does require excellent communication between the roofer and the fitter.

 Expert advice
The Solinq fitter advised us on the type of solar panel and completed the forms for the grant. Together with the roofer he made an estimate of the total size of the job, and worked out the best way to run the connection from the roof to the control unit. If required, he can also submit a request to the current energy supplier about the options for feeding electricity back to the grid and placing an additional kWh meter.

Clear quote

The result was a detailed quote (with several alternatives for the type of panel) for the total job with the execution all in one hand. Plus a schedule of the total time the project would take, in consultation with the roofer.

Veni Vidi Vici: volt!

Veni: the engineers and the roofer arrived. Vidi: they took a look at the job and planned everything. Vici: they worked until the job was finished. Volt! we celebrated with a bottle of champagne, on a beautiful day. As the power consumption in the house was very low, we could see on the electricity meter that the consumption had dropped. Not because we had consumed too much alcohol, but because the collectors were providing more electricity than was needed in the house at that time!

Positive results

The future will tell how all this pans out statistically. For now the information, advice, quote, order and execution were all part of a total process that ended with a positive result and without any discord. The fact that our Solinq contact regularly inquired if everything was running smoothly, made us feel very positive. They were also very curious to see the statistics. In short, very involved professionals who are dedicated to their business.