- The Netherlands
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There are several different menu cards. Choose a buildingtype down below and instantly start with the sustainable options!
Generate your own electricity, so you never have to look at your energy bill again. Isn’t that like music to your ears? There are several possibilities, from solar panels to solar windows. Please note: for older buildings, regulations apply in many cases. Is your building not suitable, because your monumental roof is visible from the public space, for example? Then find out if you can generate electricity together on someone else's roof. This can be arranged via the postal code scheme.
Solar panels are a sustainable way to generate your own electricity. On average, solar panels last 25 years while they usually pay for themselves rather quickly. The most common panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which we call PV panels. These are usually installed on roofs. Other alternative places for your roof are pergolas and carports. These solar panels come in different varieties, such as blue and matt black. The PV panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. You also need an inverter, which is a small cabinet in your house that converts the generated direct current into alternating current that we use in homes.
In most cases, solar panels are placed on the roof of your house, with a frame over the existing roof on which the solar panels are placed. This frame makes it possible to ventilate under panels, which improves the efficiency.
Nowadays it is also possible to integrate solar panels into the roof. The panels are mounted watertight, so no roof tiles need to be placed underneath them. This will make the panels stand out less than if they were placed on the roof tiles. This is a good option if you are planning to replace your roof soon.
Nowadays it is also possible to apply solar cells between glass plates. This type of glazing allows light to pass through in addition to the generation of energy. This form of generation is relatively expensive.
Solar panels are a sustainable way to generate your own electricity. On average, solar panels last 25 years while they usually pay for themselves rather quickly. The most common panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which we call PV panels. These are usually installed on roofs. Other alternative places for your roof are pergolas and carports. These solar panels come in different varieties, such as blue and matt black. The PV panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. You also need an inverter, which is a small cabinet in your house that converts the generated direct current into alternating current that we use in homes.
Solar panels that look like roof tiles: they exist! The panel is integrated into the roof tile. This solar tile resembles a modern shiny roof tile and is therefore not always permitted on historic buildings. These roof tiles are particularly suitable for smaller roofs, such as those of a fort watchman’s house, or for roofs with many interruptions (such as chimneys or windows). It can be difficult to accommodate many solar panels on such roofs, but the solar tile can easily be placed around them. Moreover, these tiles are increasingly permitted in protected townscapes and villages because they are less conspicuous than regular solar panels.
A relatively new technique for the generation of electricity is solar slates. These panels are processed into panels with a shape and structure similar to stone slates. The efficiency of these slates is lower compared to a standard PVC panel but usually better preserves the character of the building.
Solar panels that look like roof tiles: they exist! The panel is integrated into the roof tile. This solar tile resembles a modern shiny roof tile and is therefore not always permitted on historic buildings. These roof tiles are particularly suitable for smaller roofs, such as those of a fort watchman’s house, or for roofs with many interruptions (such as chimneys or windows). It can be difficult to accommodate many solar panels on such roofs, but the solar tile can easily be placed around them. Moreover, these tiles are increasingly permitted in protected townscapes and villages because they are less conspicuous than regular solar panels.
Thin-film solar panels (also called CIS panels) are deep black, which makes them look better than other types of panels. Thin-film solar panels have a lower generation efficiency per surface area than standard solar panels. However, they are a lot cheaper, which makes it possible to install more of these solar panels. In addition, the panels can generate more energy per installed capacity. These are a good choice in cases where there is more surface area than needed in terms of energy generation.
Thin-film solar panels (also called CIS panels) are deep black, which makes them look better than other types of panels. Thin-film solar panels have a lower generation efficiency per surface area than standard solar panels. However, they are a lot cheaper, which makes it possible to install more of these solar panels. In addition, the panels can generate more energy per installed capacity. These are a good choice in cases where there is more surface area than needed in terms of energy generation.
If your building does not offer opportunities to generate your own green energy, you can opt for a green energy contract. With a green energy contract, you usually only receive electricity that comes from windmills and solar panels. Your gas will be compensated and this will soon make you more sustainable. By purchasing your electricity green, your electricity consumption will become a lot more sustainable in one fell swoop. There are many different energy suppliers that offer green electricity. But never forget, the less you consume, the lower your emissions.
If your building does not offer opportunities to generate your own green energy, you can opt for a green energy contract. With a green energy contract, you usually only receive electricity that comes from windmills and solar panels. Your gas will be compensated and this will soon make you more sustainable. By purchasing your electricity green, your electricity consumption will become a lot more sustainable in one fell swoop. There are many different energy suppliers that offer green electricity. But never forget, the less you consume, the lower your emissions.
"We hebben het dak op het fort waterdicht gemaakt. Ook gebruiken we een grote houtsnipperkachel om het fort én water van de douches te verwarmen. We hebben een groen energiecontract en zijn CO2 neutraal."
Koos Lucas, Eigenaar B&B Fort Bakkerskil
If you don't have a (suitable) roof for solar panels yourself, you can invest in sustainable projects at an external location near you via an energy cooperative. This is possible via the postal code scheme. Together with other participants in the cooperative, you invest in, for example, a solar park or solar panels on a large agricultural roof. The generated electricity will benefit your energy bill.
If you don't have a (suitable) roof for solar panels yourself, you can invest in sustainable projects at an external location near you via an energy cooperative. This is possible via the postal code scheme. Together with other participants in the cooperative, you invest in, for example, a solar park or solar panels on a large agricultural roof. The generated electricity will benefit your energy bill.
When you have made the switch to solar panels, you need an inverter to be able to use the electricity. Installers often offer solar panels that include an inverter. Choose a high-quality inverter and ask about the warranties.
The installation of solar panels involves looking for the most optimal position in relation to the sun, but also for the building. Of course, it can happen that not all panels are oriented the same or that during the day, shade falls on one of the panels due to a tree or a chimney. Normally, solar panels are connected in series, which means all panels perform as well as the least favourable panel. What a waste! By adding an optimiser, the panels are read individually and you benefit from each panel in the most optimal way.
If your building has many windows that need to be replaced, choose a combination of insulation and energy generation. With a power window, a thin coating is applied over the surface of the glass that can transfer the energy from the sun to the edges of the glazing. Solar cells are integrated in the edges of these windows, which convert the energy into electrical energy. There are also variants in which sun blinds can be operated between the glass panes, which keeps the inside cool and while energy is generated!
When it is not possible to install solar panels on your building but you own a piece of land, a field setup can be an option. This is a relatively expensive way compared to solar panels on the roof, as an entirely new construction has to be made. There are also smaller variants where ballast trays for roof constructions are used on the ground.
