Frequently Asked Questions
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01 What do solar panels cost?
The cost of solar panels varies from one roof to another. It depends, among other things, on the number of solar panels and your living situation. Want to know more? We can tell you more about the possibilities, the total investment and your savings in a no-obligation consultation!
02 What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Efficiency is the amount of sunlight that can be converted into energy. Actually, by this we mean what solar panels give you financially. This can be different on each roof (due to location, inclination or shading). We can calculate this accurately for you. Request a free consultation.
03 What is a feed-in fee?
If you feed back more electricity each year than what you take away, you will receive a lower fee for the surplus you produce. This is the feed-in fee. The exact amount is determined by your energy supplier. More information can be found here.
04 What is the balancing scheme?
If you generate power that you are not using at that time, you feed it back to the energy grid. It is then offset against the electricity you purchase. This is called net-metering. The same price applies as for your electricity. More information can be found here.
05 How does the Energy Savings Loan work?
An Energy Savings Loan allows you to borrow money on favorable terms to make your home more sustainable. The interest is usually tax deductible. There is 0% interest for households with a joint income below 60,000 euros. More information can be found here.
06 Is a home battery interesting?
If you have solar panels, a home battery can be very interesting. It allows you to store the surplus from your solar panels and use it at times when your solar panels are producing too little or no energy. Currently, there is no home battery subsidy available yet. But this is expected to come and home batteries will become more and more interesting towards the future!
07 What does smart home living mean?
Smart home living is the use of home automation to upgrade the comfort, sustainability and safety of your home. For example, you can automatically control lighting, heating and ventilation to prevent unnecessary energy loss. The home battery, including smart energy management, is a trend that will break through in the coming years.
08 How many solar panels do I need?
This depends on a number of factors. Namely: your power consumption, the area of your roof and the capacity of the solar panels. A technical inspection offers more insight into this. Curious about the possibilities? Request a free consultation.
09 How many solar panels on flat roof?
On average, a solar panel takes up an area of 1.5 m2. For a flat roof, you can take into account an area of 2.5 m2 per panel, including shadow fall. The slope angle of your roof affects the energy yield, but even on a flat roof a solar panel can be placed at an angle of 10 degrees. This gives you minimal yield loss compared to an optimal angle of 35 degrees. For more information, contact us.
10 How does a solar panel work?
Solar panels generate electricity for your central energy. The solar cells in the panel convert sunlight into electricity (direct current). An inverter converts direct current into usable alternating current. Alternating current is what you use in your household. Therefore, an inverter is an important part of your solar panel installation.The technical name for a solar panel is PV panel. PV stands for “photovoltaic” and converts photo (light) into volts (electricity). The complete system of solar panels is called a PV system. Want to know more? Contact.
11 What are the benefits of solar panels?
Saving in energy costs is perhaps the biggest benefit of solar panels. They are also sustainable, good for your home value and CO2-saving. Moreover, they are the first step towards (partially) self-sufficient living. We can tell you much more about this in a free consultation!
12 How many solar panels per m2?
This depends on the type of inverter and the maximum power. This determines the maximum you can connect to 1 group. Of course, the inverter must be matched to the solar panels. Here the capacity (WP), the slope and orientation of the roof and location play a role. Our installers know exactly how to deal with this. Please contact us for more information.
13 What types of solar panels are there?
In the Netherlands we currently know of 4 different types of solar panels: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, Amorphous (thin film) and Glass-glass. The efficiency differs per panel, from low to very high. Our advisors will be happy to tell you more about this. Get in touch.
14 How do solar panels save on energy costs?
Your investment in a PV system will pay for itself within a few years. After that, you can enjoy free electricity for years! In addition, you save on your energy bill from the moment of installation. This is because you immediately use the energy from the solar panels on the appliances that are turned on in your home. Schedule a consultation for more information.
01 Where to place air conditioning outdoor unit?
Where the outdoor unit can be placed depends on your living situation. It is important that the unit be free. If you know which room the indoor unit will be in, then the location for the outdoor unit can be determined. Here the installer must take into account various factors, such as sunlight. For personal advice, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
02 When air conditioning maintenance?
It is not mandatory to have air conditioning maintenance performed. However, we do recommend it for continued operation. Your air conditioner may suddenly start making more noise, cooling less well or cause energy costs to rise. Signs that your air conditioner is in need of maintenance. Ask about our maintenance contracts! Contact.
03 Which air conditioner do I need?
Air conditioners come in different brands, sizes and types. It depends on your needs, which air conditioner is suitable. There are many good A brands available, such as Daikin, LG and Mitsubishi. It is especially important to pay attention to capacity. Cooling capacity is calculated based on room content and heat factor. For an average home in the Netherlands, the rule of thumb is that you need about 30 to 40 watts of cooling power for every cubic meter. During a home inspection, we can tell you exactly which air conditioner is right for you. Please contact us for advice.
04 Which air conditioner is the best?
A fixed air conditioner is always the best choice. It allows you to properly regulate the temperature in your home and does not cause noise pollution. There are two versions: single-split unit (one room) and multi-split unit (multiple rooms). Daikin is known as a high-quality brand. In addition, LG and Mitsubishi, among others, are also well reviewed. The Sustainable Boys works with several A-brand air conditioners. If you have a preference, that’s fine. And if not, we are happy to give you advice! Get in touch.
05 Which air conditioner for bedroom?
If you want to cool only the bedroom, you can choose a single-split air conditioner. The indoor unit should be placed as high in the room as possible. In addition, good ventilation is important. Of course, the air conditioner should also be quiet. Compared to a mobile air conditioner, a fixed air conditioner hardly makes any noise. Which is nice for your sleep. The modern air conditioners of the brands we work with have various functions, including a silent sleep mode. We are happy to advise you on the best air conditioner for your bedroom. Please contact us.
06 How many air conditioners on 1 outdoor unit?
Multiple indoor units can be connected to 1 outdoor unit. This is also called a multi-split air conditioner. This air conditioner is especially suitable for cooling or heating homes/offices with multiple rooms. Because you can then control the temperature separately for each room. Want to know what the options are for your home or office building? Get in touch.
07 Does air conditioning also work in winter?
An air conditioner provides a pleasant indoor climate all year round. In summer, the system brings heat from inside to outside. During the winter months, this happens the other way around. Heating your home with an air conditioner can be done down to outside temperatures of -15 degrees. Contact us for more information.
08 Can I heat with an air conditioner?
Most air conditioners can cool and heat. Especially when combined with solar panels, heating with an air conditioner is smart. High gas prices make it cheaper than gas. Questions or more information? Contact.
09 How much energy does an air conditioner consume?
This depends on the type of air conditioner and the cooling setting. You can read all about this on the website of Milieucentraal.
10 Does my air conditioner use solar energy?
You can use the electricity generated from your solar panels to cool or heat your home with an air conditioner. Here you don’t have to worry about your energy bill. This is because the electricity for the air conditioner comes from your panels. Want to know more? Get in touch.
11 Why no subsidy for air conditioning?
Unfortunately, the Sustainable Energy and Energy Saving Investment Subsidy (ISDE) is not valid for air conditioners. The main reason is that the government sees hybrid heat pumps and other systems as more efficient in reducing natural gas consumption. You can, for example, get subsidies for insulation or glass. Contact us for more information.
12 Is an air conditioner energy-saving?
Combined with your solar panels, an air conditioner saves energy. How much you can save depends on the type of air conditioner, its efficiency, its power and how it is used. Want to know more? Get in touch.
13 Which is cheaper: heating with air conditioning or gas?
An air conditioner is the cheapest way to heat your home. Cheaper than your central heating boiler. This is due to the high prices of gas. By heating your home (partially) with an air conditioner, you use less gas. How much you can save depends on the prices for gas and electricity, the type of air conditioner and its capacity. We would be happy to tell you more about this in a consultation. Get in touch.
01 How much can I save with a heat pump?
On average, you will save about 25% to 50% on your energy costs. Of course, this depends on your personal situation. We are happy to make a calculation based on your current gas consumption and insulation value, among other things. Then we can calculate your energy savings. Focused on now and the future. Please contact us.
02 Which heat pump do I need?
That’s a question we often get. The most commonly chosen heat pump is the all-electric (air/water) heat pump. Which type you need depends on your current gas consumption, number of square feet of your home, insulation value and many other factors. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation with a sustainability plan.
03 How many solar panels for a heat pump?
Buying a heat pump in combination with solar panels is always a good idea. This way you benefit from a double yield and can even produce 100% green electricity. On average, you need between 7 and 12 solar panels for a heat pump. Of course, this is an estimate and not the same for everyone. We would be happy to make an accurate calculation for you. Get in touch.
04 From what year is a heat pump mandatory?
Starting in 2026, a hybrid heat pump will be the standard for heating new homes. In 2022, the government announced that households will then no longer be allowed to buy a new central heating boiler. Heat pumps are also increasingly encouraged for existing homes, for example with financial benefits. Want to know more? Get in touch.
05 Do I get a subsidy on a heat pump?
Homeowners and business users can take advantage of the Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Saving (ISDE) for taking saving and sustainable measures in their existing home or business premises. Exactly how much subsidy you will receive depends on a few factors. Before purchasing your heat pump, check whether you are eligible. In general, you can assume an amount between € 1,000 and € 3,000. Get in touch.
06 How does a heat pump work?
The operation of a heat pump is best compared to an inverted refrigerator. The heat pump extracts heat from a natural source, such as the outside air. The outdoor unit absorbs the energy, raises the temperature and moves it to heat your home. To do this, the heat pump uses electricity. Want more information? Contact.
07 Why choose a heat pump?
Purchasing a heat pump to make your home more sustainable has several benefits. For example, you will save on energy costs every month, you will have lower CO2 emissions and the value of your home will increase. If you ever want to sell the house, the chances of a quick sale are also much higher. In addition, many modern heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. This makes them a suitable year-round solution. Are you interested in a heat pump? Contact us for sustainable advice.
08 What types of heat pumps are there?
In the Netherlands, we have different types of heat pumps that heat your home in a sustainable way. Which type is right for you depends on your home and living situation. At De Duurzame Jongens you can choose between a hybrid and all electric heat pump. Please contact us for personal advice.
09 Which heat pump is most suitable?
This depends on a number of factors, including your home insulation and living situation. For newly built homes, a water/water heat pump is often the best solution, while in existing construction, the air/water heat pump is usually more suitable. Please contact us for personal advice.
10 Which heat pump for underfloor heating?
The most suitable is an air-water heat pump. Here, the lower the water temperature of the underfloor heating, the higher the efficiency. Contact us for tailored sustainable advice.
01 How many KW of home battery do I need?
An average household consumes about 10 kW of electricity per day. This requires a solar panel installation of about 4 kW. In this situation, a home battery with an output of 4 to 6 kW is ideal. We are happy to help you choose the best home battery for your home. Please contact us for tailored sustainable advice.
02 What does a home battery cost?
The capacity of a home battery determines its price. The higher the storage capacity, the more battery cells are needed. A 14 kW home battery is naturally much more expensive than a 3 kW battery. We would be happy to make you a proposal. Get in touch.
03 How does a home battery work?
A home battery is part of a system that usually consists of a battery, an inverter and solar panels. It allows you to store the production surplus from your solar panels and use it at times when your solar panels are producing too little or no energy. Want to know more? Get in touch.
04 How many solar panels needed drill home battery?
With a home battery, you can use about 60-70% of your generated solar energy on your own, provided the battery has the right capacity. It is best to have a battery of 1 or 1.5 kW per kW of solar panels. So if you have an average solar installation of 4 kW, it is ideal to buy a home battery with a capacity of 4 to 6 kW.
05 Do I get a subsidy on a home battery?
Currently there is no subsidy available for home batteries in the Netherlands yet. But this is expected to come and home batteries will become more and more interesting in the coming years! Since this year (2023) you already benefit from the zero VAT rate. Contact us for personal advice.
01 What does a home charging station cost?
Having your own charging station at home or in the office is a smart investment for the future. The exact costs depend, among other things, on the location of the charging station and which adjustments to the meter box are required. A general indication is therefore difficult. Please contact us for a quote.
02 Is my meter box suitable for a charging station?
Every meter box is suitable for a charging station. However, there is a difference between 1-phase charging and 3-phase charging. This has to do with the charging speed. You also need a separate power group so that your charging station always continues to work. Even in the event of a power outage.
03 Which is cheaper: charging at home or charging on the road?
Usually charging at home is cheaper than charging on the road at public charging stations. Charging on the road varies by provider. At home, you pay the kilowatt-hour price directly to your energy provider. Combined with solar panels, this is the best choice.
04 Which charging station is best for home?
It is important to pay attention to the load capacity. At The Sustainable Boys, we only work with quality A-brands. We are happy to find out which charging station is most suitable for you. Please contact us for personal advice.
05 Do I get a subsidy on a charging station?
There is currently no subsidy in the Netherlands for individuals who want a home charging station. As a company, however, you can claim subsidies for electric charging stations, including the MIA, KIA and Vamil schemes. Please contact us for personal advice.
