Common questions
there are many questions about solar energy, panels and installation as well as financing. The below section sums up a few of those questions, we are asked by our customers.
Why choose Future Solar?
Our distinctive edge lies in the three Cs: Customer, Climate and Colleagues. Each aspect is central to our operations, ensuring we deliver excellence at every turn.
Are solar panels worth installing?
Solar panels are worth installing for reducing electricity bills, increasing energy independence, and contributing to environmental sustainability. They offer long-term savings and have low maintenance costs. Government incentives and decreasing installation prices enhance their appeal, making them a financially viable and eco-friendly option for many homeowners. They also offer customers a way to upgrade their homes and increase the property value.
Would solar panels work in winter?
Yes, photovoltaic panels work in winter as they convert sunlight into electricity. Their efficiency can even increase in cooler temperatures. However, their overall energy production might decrease due to shorter daylight hours and potential shading from snow accumulation, which requires occasional cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Is it a good time to consider solar panels?
Yes. There’s never been a better time, because there’s no indication that energy bills will go down any time soon. Throughout Switzerland prices have risen. In Zug alone prices have risen 59,4% in the last 2 years. On the other hand, technology of solar panels is now mature. Future Solar, solar panel company from canton Zug, recommends its customers to generate their own energy and rely less on imports.
Switzerland is not known for its sunshine…
It’s radiation that is needed. When solar radiation hits the solar panels, a flow of electricity is created. On the other hand, Future Solar offers a commercial warranty in its maintenance package, should there be downfall of 20% or more on the yearly radiation, versus expectations. In other words, for those around canton Zug, Future Solar will compensate its customers for the energy bill should the sun not shine.
Do I need a planning permission my solar system installation?
No. In most cases, you need a planning information, which Future Solar handles. Planning permissions are necessary when you live in a listed building.
How much will a solar installation cost?
It’s likely to start at 19’500.- CHF for a 10 kWp installation, price after subventions. The final price will depend on the size of the installation and the extras you select. Future Solar offers a variety of batteries, EV charges a monitoring systems.
What’s the payback period?
You could break even in as little as 6 years. This had dropped significantly, as energy prices have raised significantly. Future Solar energy consultant will present your personal payback period in the non-binding offer.
Can I sell the excess to local electrical company?
Yes, you can sell and the amount will depend on your locations. The Future Solar consultant will inform you on the expected price you will get. For instance in Zug, you will get 20.9 Rp per kWh a price that is lower than the price you’d pay which is 33,44 Rp per kWh, as the buy price includes infrastructure and support overheads.
Will a solar energy system affect the value of my house?
Yes, houses that have aesthetically pleasing solar installations will benefit from improved energy efficiency levels (e.g. Minergie) and from higher expected market values. Future Solar brings all black modules, aesthetical optics and top notch technology in its solutions, to maximize the value of your home.
Are there grants or subventions available?
Yes, these will depend on the installation you choose and on your “gemeinde”. You can consult these on energiefranken.ch, but rest assure that Future Solar consultants will advise you accordingly.
Should I get a battery system?
Yes, if you cannot maximize the use of solar energy during the day. Future Solar consultants will advise you, based on your objectives.
Should I get an EV charger?
Yes, if you have an electrical or hybrid vehicle now, or if you plan to get one in the next 5 years. Future Solar consultants will advise you on the reasons that an EV charger is more efficient and safer than a regular outlet plug.
Should I get a monitoring system?
Yes, if you have an EV charger or state of art Heat Pump. Monitoring Systems will allow you to more efficiently redirect energy produced by solar panels to your car or heating systems.
What is happening at the house visit?
The Future Solar consultant will collect your requirements and assess the potential for your house to produce solar energy. If Future Solar is not able to make you an offer, then the house visit is free of charge.
Why are the house visits charged?
Usually 250.- CHF should the customer not proceed with Future Solar within four weeks after receiving the offer. This happens so you as a customer do not pay for visits to customers that are not serious about a potential solar system. Future Solar is a customer centric company, hence this decision to keep its offers competitive and customer focused.
Can I cool my home with solar panels?
Yes, it is a strong use case for solar systems. Energy can power a reversible heat pump, or even allow you to install an air conditioning system. Cooling your home in the summer, guilt free and cost free. Future Solar consultants can advise on the partnerships we have in your gemeinde.
Do I need to clean my panels?
Panels are self-cleaning if they have been installed at a pitch above 15 degrees that allows for runoff. However, we do recommend a panel clean if you have experienced; dusty conditions, have issues have issues with birds droppings, have issues with tree sap.
Future Solar maintenance package includes a pressure cleaning every 2 years.
How about those cloudy days?
Solar panels will still generate electricity during cloudy weather, rain or any other period of indirect sunlight, just not as efficiently. Maybe 20% of the regular amount. Future Solar consultants will present an estimate for the year, taking into account those expected cloudy days.
How is payment carried out?
Unless stated otherwise, 50% are invoiced with the signature of the contract, and the remaining 50% are invoiced with the installation.
Responding to customer requests, since both invoices are usually less than two months apart, Future Solar offers its customers 500.- CHF discount when 100% are paid with the signature of the contract.