With electricity prices soaring and a growing need for energy efficiency, many households are exploring alternative solutions to reduce their bills. One potential game-changer that’s gaining popularity is the ready-to-connect solar kit, a simple solution that promises to help homeowners tap into solar power without a hefty upfront cost or professional installation. But do these kits actually deliver on their promises of lower electricity costs? Let’s dive into the details.
These plug-and-play solar systems are marketed as easy-to-install kits, usually featuring one or two solar panels, an inverter, and the necessary accessories to get you started. You don’t need to install these systems on your roof — they can be placed on the ground, hung from a balcony, or attached to a facade, offering flexibility in installation.
But what can you realistically expect from these systems in terms of electricity savings? Let’s explore how three popular models compare.
The Best-Performing Kits
The Beem Solar Kit
Beem, a French company, offers a ready-to-connect solar kit that can be mounted on the ground or fixed to a wall. Priced at €780, the kit generates 300 watts of peak power, providing an estimated annual production of 320 kWh. According to Beem, this kit can contribute to reducing your electricity bill by around 15% annually, although this figure does not account for heating needs.
The beauty of this kit is its simplicity, with no need for prior installation permits as long as the setup doesn’t exceed 1.80 meters in height. The online simulator provided by Beem helps calculate the number of kits required to match your energy consumption needs, making it accessible for anyone looking to dip their toes into solar energy.
The Sunology Solar Kit
Next, we have Sunology, a company offering a solar station that promises to reduce electricity bills by up to 17%. For €749, this 400W peak-powered kit produces around 550 kWh annually. It’s also designed to be scalable, meaning you can combine multiple kits for higher output.
Sunology markets their product as a French-made solution, with impressive build quality and easy-to-use features. This kit is perfect for anyone wanting to boost their energy savings without overhauling their entire system.
The Supersola Solar Kit
Supersola, a Dutch company, provides another affordable plug-and-play solar solution. Their kit, priced at €699, has a peak power of 310W and is estimated to produce 360 kWh per year. The company claims that their kit can reduce electricity consumption by 15%, making it another solid option for consumers looking to lower their bills.
While the price is attractive and the installation is easy, it’s important to note that the kit doesn’t come with a battery to store excess energy for later use. This could limit the savings potential, especially during cloudy or non-sunny periods.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
The savings from these solar kits can be substantial, but it’s important to temper expectations. These kits can help reduce your electricity bill by 5-15% annually. For example, Beem’s 300W kit could save around €55 per year, while Sunology’s 400W kit might save you €95 annually.
That said, these figures assume that you’re using the generated electricity during the day, when your solar panels are actively producing. Maximizing self-consumption is key here, as excess power that isn’t used right away will be sent to the grid — and you won’t be paid for it.
However, considering the average household’s yearly consumption, these savings are modest. If we look at France’s average yearly electricity consumption of about 4,679 kWh (based on 2016 figures), the return on investment could take anywhere from 8 to 14 years, depending on the kit you choose.
Is This a Good Investment?
It’s clear that while ready-to-connect solar kits offer a simple, lower-cost entry into solar power, the return on investment is slower compared to more traditional, larger solar systems. If you have the space and budget for a full solar installation, you might find a better return on investment in the long run.
For those with limited roof space or those who want to experiment with solar energy without committing to a big investment, these kits are a great starting point. They offer a way to reduce your electricity bills and dip your toes into renewable energy without needing a major overhaul.
Ultimately, the success of these kits depends on your ability to optimize energy usage. They work best when you’re at home during the day to take full advantage of the solar energy generated. If you’re looking for a more substantial impact on your electricity bills, a larger installation might be worth considering down the line.
Final Thoughts
Ready-to-connect solar kits may not provide a dramatic reduction in your energy costs, but they do offer a practical and affordable way to start using solar energy. Whether you’re looking to make small savings or simply experiment with renewable energy, these kits provide a great introduction to what solar power can do for your home.
