Photovoltaics for Businesses – Cost, Subsidies, and Payback 2026
19/04/2026
If your business pays over €800/month for electricity, read this before doing anything else. Solar panels for businesses offer some of the best returns in Greece.
Cost & Savings by Size
| Size | Cost | Annual Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kW | €12,000–€15,000 | €2,500–€3,000 | 4–6 years |
| 20 kW | €22,000–€28,000 | €5,000–€6,000 | 4–5 years |
| 50 kW | €50,000–€65,000 | €12,000–€15,000 | 4–5 years |
| 100 kW | €90,000–€120,000 | €22,000–€28,000 | 4–5 years |
Real-Life Example
A 40-room hotel in Crete paid €2,200/month for electricity. It installed a 30kW system with Longi panels and a Victron inverter. Cost: €32,000. With an ESPA subsidy of 50%: €16,000 personal contribution. Annual savings: €8,000. Payback period: 2 years!
💡 Tip: Businesses with high daytime consumption (hotels, factories, supermarkets) have the best returns because they consume electricity exactly when the sun produces it.
Which Businesses Benefit Most?
- 🏨 Hotels & restaurants — high daytime consumption
- 🏭 Industries & warehouses — consistently high consumption
- 🌾 Agricultural farms & greenhouses
- 💈 Clinics & offices — steady consumption throughout the week
- 🛍️ Supermarkets & shops
Subsidies for Businesses 2026
- ✅ ESPA: up to 50% for SMEs
- ✅ Net Billing: selling surplus energy to the grid
- ✅ Tax depreciation: deduction as a business expense
FAQ
Do I need a permit for a business installation?
Yes, a permit from RAE (Regulatory Authority for Energy) is required for systems over 10kW. The installer handles the process.
Can I deduct the business as an expense?
Yes! The installation cost is deductible as a business expense, reducing income tax.
How large a system do I need?
It depends on your consumption. Send your latest electricity bill and we'll give you an accurate estimate.