Your questions
on solar energy answered

Absolutely. On average, every square meter in Germany gets 1,100 kWh of solar radiation every year. That is definitely enough to produce cost-effective energy.

* This applies to Germany only. Other countries may be different.

Of course nobody can predict what will happen years or decades in the future. However, photovoltaic technology offers a high degree of certainty. The assumed output values are based on many years of experience with the technology and weather conditions in Germany.

The EEC has fixed the feed-in tariff for every kWh of energy generated for the next 20 years. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s output guarantees and comprehensive insurance protection for the systems prevent any unpleasant surprises to the greatest extent possible*.

* This applies to Germany only. Other countries may have different arrangements.

The tariffs are fixed for the year of the start-up and for a further 20 years. This means that the owner of a solar plant should consider starting operations in the first months of a year resulting in a longer funded time period.*

* This applies to Germany only. Other countries may have different arrangements.

According to the EEC, the tariff will be reduced gradually. In 2012 this reduction is based on the overall performance of the systems installed in the previous year that generate power using renewable energy sources. How the feed-in tariff will develop after that is not yet clear. The legal framework should be complete and passed in the next few months. The future of solar power will always depend on the extent of the feed-in tariff. Bit as soon as grid parity is reached, self-generated power will pay off even without state funding.*

* This applies to Germany only. Other countries may have different arrangements.

Quality suppliers of solar modules extend the usual product warranty by guaranteeing the output values – usually 80% of the original output capacity for 20 to 25 years, in some cases 90% for ten to 22 years.

As things currently stand, life expectancy of new photovoltaic systems with their high-quality materials like aluminium, glass and silicon can be 30 years or more – and with very little maintenance required.

Even if the occasional media report argues to the contrary: independent tests prove that a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system takes around two years on average to save the energy that was consumed during its production and will be needed to recycle it.

In other words, throughout its lifespan a great deal of energy will be saved - and every kWh of saved energy also means less CO2 in the atmosphere. On top of that are the benefits for the environment in the immediate vicinity. A solar power plant produces its energy without steam, fumes, noise or irritating activity.

This reference value relates to the amount of CO2 a fossil-fuel-fired power plant emits in order to produce the same amount of energy. These emissions are approx. 0.6 kilograms of CO2 per kilowatt-hour of power generated - accordingly, every kilowatt-hour that is generated through solar power saves this amount. To calculate the annual CO2 saving, the annual output is multiplied using the factor 0.6 kg.

Grid parity is the point at which the production costs for solar power sink to the price that energy firms charge for power generated by conventional means. Since the cost of solar modules is continually sinking, this point in time is coming closer. Experts expect grid parity to be reached very soon. From this point on, investment in a photovoltaic system will be financially worthwhile without subsidies.

High-quality materials such as silicon, glass and aluminium are used to construct solar modules. The substructures are usually made of aluminium, steel and stainless steel. These materials can easily be recycled and used to produce new modules and systems. A recycling rate of 95% of the materials used is possible. As a result, there is less waste in connection with a considerably improved energy balance.

SYBAC Solar gives you many different opportunities to aid the environment while benefiting from lucrative yields. We offer owners of large roofs, conversion sites and other suitable areas, the opportunity to implement a solar power plant for themselves as a general contractor. Alternatively, we lease suitable areas for longer time periods to implement our own solar projects.

Each of our solar parks is a little private company, in which you as an investor can secure a stake. This could be in the form of a direct investment. An interesting alternative for smaller investments are closed-end solar funds, which we either set up ourselves or which take part in our larger projects. The annual yields from power production determine the extent of the dividend.

We increasingly also set up energy cooperatives and citizens’ solar projects, in which citizens of a region or community form a partnership to develop a solar power plant.

Of course, the extent of tax benefits really depends on the individual circumstances of the investor and the type of investment selected. It is generally the case that particularly the start-up losses associated with establishing a solar park can be offset against income from other sources, thus reducing the tax burden. The most interesting items that speak in favour of such an investment are the financing costs and especially the write-downs. Through diminishing balance depreciation, high book losses can be generated at the beginning.

Furthermore, under certain circumstances solar park companies have the right to write down 40% of the setup costs in one amount up to two years before construction begins thanks to the investment deduction allowance. In general, 20% of the amount invested can be offset as a special write-down within the first five years*.

You should talk to your tax advisor about your various options.

* This applies to Germany only. Other countries may have different arrangements.

Building a solar power plant is a complex task. Careful planning is crucial for future earnings. Only when all the necessary specialists work together perfectly, solar plants can be realised within the specified time frame. In this regard, experience is the key to success.

SYBAC Solar is one of the pioneers in the still young German solar industry and one of the largest companies in Germany when it comes to the implementation of large-scale solar power plants. The advantage for you: We manage and handle every aspect of your project, including planning, building and maintaining your system. We can also guarantee the highest possible quality on every step of the way.