1. My business is located in northern Spain — is it still profitable to install a solar PV system?
All of Spain receives significantly more solar radiation than most of Europe. Specifically, northern Spain averages around 1,000 equivalent sun hours per year — a level only matched in parts of southern Germany, which nonetheless leads in solar self-consumption installations, including with batteries.
Therefore, although it depends on your exact location, the key factor in assessing the profitability of a solar system is your energy consumption profile — in other words, what time of day your main usage occurs.

2. How do I know if my roof is suitable for a solar PV system?
Check the following factors:

  1. The building is not protected under heritage laws.
  2. There is sufficient free space.
  3. The space is free from shade (trees, parapets, chimneys, HVAC units, etc.).
  4. If it’s not clear, consider whether installations can be relocated.
  5. Analyze the roof’s tilt and orientation. Flat roofs allow flexible orientation; for pitched roofs, south-facing is ideal. East-west dual-pitch roofs are also good, especially if extended solar hours are needed.
  6. Check the roof’s load-bearing capacity — this can be found in the building’s structural plan. If you don’t have one, share details about the structure (trusses, beams, etc.), and we’ll advise you.
  7. Make sure the roof is NOT made of asbestos cement (uralita). If it is, it must be replaced first.

3. Will installing solar panels cause roof leaks?
The anchoring systems we use include sealing measures to waterproof any roof penetrations. At Entiba Energy, we take both system performance and building integrity very seriously — we offer two years of free maintenance.
Leaks may occur due to the roof type (walkable or not) or its prior condition. For non-walkable roofs, secure walkways must be used to avoid damaging the surface. If the roof already has leaks, we recommend waterproofing it before installation.

4. Can I expand my system later if I need more power?
Yes, as long as you have available space for more panels. You may also need to upgrade or add another inverter. If you anticipate increased consumption soon, it’s best to oversize the system slightly from the start.

5. Will the building get hotter since the panels absorb solar energy?
Quite the opposite — panels absorb sunlight to convert it into electricity, preventing it from reaching the roof, which keeps it cooler. It’s also important to leave a small gap between the panel and the roof to allow airflow and prevent heat buildup that could reduce efficiency.

6. Where should the inverter be installed? Can it be outdoors? Does it need ventilation?
There are many inverter types — most are weatherproof. They can be installed under the panels for sun and rain protection. Larger models are fully encapsulated and suitable for outdoor use.
Indoor installation is also possible but requires good ventilation to avoid heat and humidity buildup.
In general, choose a location that is accessible, ideally shaded and dry, with good Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring, and as close as possible to minimize cable losses.

7. What happens if it snows? Can the panels be damaged? What about hail?
If properly installed with a robust structure, snow won’t damage the panels, though they won’t generate power while covered.
Hail can be a risk if it’s large and intense, like in recent events in Texas, but such occurrences are rare in Spain. In any case, comprehensive insurance can cover this risk.

8. Can I install solar panels in a heritage-protected area?
Yes, but you’ll need approval from the heritage authorities. The project must include careful exterior design and propose architectural integration of the panels into the building and its surroundings.