Solar panels surprised the Rantanen family – electricity even during rain
First came the heat-storing fireplace, then air source heat pumps. Then, oil heating was replaced with ground source heat pumps and finally, solar panels appeared on the roof of the house in February 2016.
"We have a good understanding between us. Aki says to me: "Let's renovate the way you want, as you understand these things better", Helene Rantanen laughs.
The couple decided to acquire solar power after they noticed that running the ground source heat system consumed a lot of electricity. They were also aware that as electricity distribution fees and taxes may rise in the future, own solar power would always be free. The Rantanens estimate that their electricity bills have been reduced by about EUR 400 – 500 a year, but the most important factor for them in the investments is the environmental perspective.
The couple decided to acquire solar power after they noticed that running the ground source heat system consumed a lot of electricity. They were also aware that as electricity distribution fees and taxes may rise in the future, own solar power would always be free. The Rantanens estimate that their electricity bills have been reduced by about EUR 400 – 500 a year, but the most important factor for them in the investments is the environmental perspective.
"Our energy is clean and generated locally. Although there are just the two of us living here, we have scaled the equipment so that it meets the needs of a family of several people."
Charting solar panels started by wading through websites as well as newspaper and magazine articles. In the end, we found a company nearby whose turnkey service gets high praise from the Rantanens. Contact requests were answered promptly, and after placing the order, solar power flowed into the house within two weeks.
"It is always a joy to watch professionals at work. Everything worked as promised. That is good, because as a meticulous person I would not stand for dawdling," says Rantanen.
In six months, the electricity generated by the 3.6 kW solar power equipment has covered the Rantanens needs well when they have learnt to for example use washing machines during sunny weather. What is also nice is that the Rantanens have been able to sell their surplus electricity to Caruna's electricity network. In six months, the surplus has amounted to about 1,000 kilowatt hours.
"The biggest surprise was that the equipment generates electricity even in rainy weather – I thought full sunshine was always needed. I am very satisfied," says Helene Rantanen.
The power of the solar panels has been a pleasant surprise to Helene and Aki Rantanen: there has been enough self-generated electricity to even sell the surplus.