Cheap electricity is a thing of the past. Large energy consumers will hardly be able to rely on subsidies forever to continue producing their products. Then? Photovoltaic systems are now a good option and many entrepreneurs with small or medium-sized businesses, as well as large companies, are investing in solar power plants. Specialists in this sector claim that photovoltaic power generators are a solution for permanently reducing electricity costs, and there are a number of other benefits.
We are looking for the expert opinion of Dr. Eng. Dimitar Beleliev – a professional with nearly 30 years of experience as a manager and investor in the energy sector. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the largest Bulgarian enterprise for the maintenance of large capacities in the energy sector – “Central Energy Repair Base” EAD, and the founder of “AmonRa Energy” – one of the established centers for products and solutions in solar energy:
Investments in solar power plants have been steadily increasing over the past 10 years. High electricity prices have accelerated this process. In addition to reducing electricity bills and energy independence, photovoltaic systems lead to improved electricity quality and revenue. At current electricity prices, an investment in photovoltaics pays off in an average of 4 years for households, and 2 years for businesses. Otherwise, an 8-9-year period is considered a normal return on investment. With good design and sufficient roof space, a photovoltaic can cover 100% of electricity consumption. Such an investment also provides security. In Western Europe, a battery pack is almost mandatory for a solar system. When there is a surplus of energy, it accumulates, when there is consumption, it gives it away.
The search
of solar equipment has stirred the market and already exceeds supply many times over. This applies to the three main segments: Residential (photovoltaic systems on the roofs of housing cooperatives), Commercial (for enterprises, shops, commercial premises) and Utilities (megawatt power plants and parks for the purpose of energy production). Production and deliveries cannot meet the same pace of increased demand, they are delayed, which can lead to loss of funds and even termination of projects. However, we have made our solar business strategy so that we do not experience a problem with deliveries. Those who need their solar system to be built qualitatively and on time are looking for us to help them in this difficult task.
The implementation
of a photovoltaic project must be carefully considered, as it is related to investment costs and subsequent operation. First, you must carefully select an equipment supplier, assessing what quality he offers. The next step is to choose a designer. A common mistake is to skip this stage, and the correct operation of a photovoltaic system depends a lot on its design. And once you have a ready project, you can start looking for a contractor with recommendations and experience. It is best to go on site, to seek feedback from the company’s clients. The price should be neither too high nor too low – in both cases there is something suspicious. It is mandatory to have a warranty and post-warranty service contract. The standards for solar panels and inverters are at least 10 years.
In our warehouses
in Sofia, Thessaloniki and Bucharest there are over 300 types of components. They cover the entire spectrum of elements necessary for the construction of a power plant that works with solar energy. In photovoltaic panels we also maintain diversity, mainly relying on: JA Solar – in terms of volume they are in the top 5 of global manufacturers; Canadian Solar – a huge company, listed on the North American stock exchange, one of the technological leaders in photovoltaics worldwide; ZnShine – offers innovative graphene coatings for places with serious dust. These brands are in the first pillar of global solar energy and according to the Bloomberg New Energy Finance ranking they are 100% “bankable”. The inverters that “AmonRa Energy” offers are from SunGrow (the largest manufacturer in the world, with guaranteed quality, especially for large power plants), SAJ (number one for houses and in pump inverters for irrigation), Growatt. In terms of roofing systems, we are seeing the strongest interest in the Dutch brand Esdec – the largest supplier of roofing structures in the world, as well as in Spanish manufacturers.
We also offer fuel cells, batteries, structures and components for assembly, connection and installation. Not only do we stock equipment from these world-class brands, but we also provide 24/7 service support and training for installers to work with them.
The experience in Bulgaria
indicates that investments are being made in large-capacity power plants that are in the field. In our opinion, this is a mistake. First, because balancing is extremely difficult with RES. It is one thing to install 300 megawatts on the roofs of Sofia, and another – throughout the country, to be consumed in Sofia. This brings a lot of losses and unnecessary balancing. Second, with power plants in the field, arable land is destroyed. In Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, solar systems are only on the roofs. In Greece, Spain, Italy, the sun is 30-40% stronger than in Bulgaria, but even there most solar installations are on the roofs. Investments in such solar power plants are profitable for both small businesses and households. Certain investors rather profit from a large power plant. The state must support investments in small and medium-sized rooftop power plants for end customers and businesses – in cities, industrial zones, on the roofs of enterprises. This way, the benefits will be for everyone who consumes energy from a renewable source.
Company profile
“AmonRa Energy” was established in 2020 and is already the largest company in the Balkans for the supply of solar equipment. In addition to Bulgaria, it is present in Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania. This wide scope of action allows them to offer the best world equipment at the best prices. The company is a logical extension of the activities of “Central Energy Repair Base” EAD – an enterprise with 75 years of experience in the energy sector. They also have a subsidiary that specializes in installations. The focus is on small and medium-sized projects up to 5 megawatts – for houses, industrial buildings, shopping centers, enterprises.
The benefits for business and industry
- One-time investment with 100% return;
- Lowest cost of electricity;
- Reducing the company’s electricity costs;
- Efficient use of roofs and adjacent areas;
- Free raw material for electricity production – solar energy;
- Independence from rising electricity prices.
