How do I know how much my solar panels generate?

What about the costs and returns of solar panels?

Earning money back with solar panels

A Zonnefabriek system with 12 solar panels can save you about €565 annually. Solar panels last an average of 25 years. Calculate your return.
24 maart 2015 16:35
Last updated on 29 april 2025 16:39
Reading time 2 min
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A Zonnefabriek system with 12 solar panels can save you about €565 annually. Solar panels last an average of 25 years. Calculate your return.

A Zonnefabriek system with 12 solar panels already saves you around €565 per year at current electricity prices. A solar panel lasts on average 25 years—so just do the math! Use our tool to get an estimate of how many panels would fit on your roof and how much you could save.

Are solar panels a good investment?

With interest rates on savings accounts being very low, solar panels are currently a great investment. The return on investment is higher than bank interest, making it wiser to invest in solar panels than to save. Additionally, energy prices are steadily increasing. It’s smart to generate your own electricity and reduce your dependence on energy suppliers.

When will I earn back my investment?

You will have earned back your investment in about 8 to 9 years, while a system typically lasts 25 years. That means at least 15 years of free electricity. And if you move in the meantime, solar panels increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers—giving you a direct advantage on the housing market.

What do solar panels cost?

The cost of solar panels has dropped significantly in recent years, thanks to subsidy programs in Germany and large-scale production of high-quality panels in China. The early-stage issues have been resolved, and prices have stabilized, making solar panels more attractive than ever. Of course, there are differences in quality and price, and Zonnefabriek always chooses quality with a solid price-performance ratio.

What is the return on solar panels?

Today’s solar cells have an efficiency of about 18–22%, meaning they convert roughly 18–22% of incoming sunlight into electricity. With recent technological advancements, the price of solar cells has dropped significantly, making solar energy highly competitive with conventional electricity. You can calculate your return on our calculator page.

Hessel van den Berg
Hessel is technical manager at Zonnefabriek. He regularly reports on current developments in the world of sustainable energy. Hessel has a talent for translating complex information into crystal-clear blogs.

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