Here's how it works: from application to solar roof in 10 steps.

We love clarity. Because we can imagine that all the information on solar roofs, subsidies and panel options can sometimes make you lose track of things. Here we show you in 10 steps how we get from your application to a sustainable solar roof.

1. Introduction

Your application for a solar roof of at least 3000m2 comes to us. And then?

We make an appointment at your location. Before one of our roof experts visits you, we perform a global analysis in advance. We look at your roof via satellite images and take stock of whether the energy network in the neighborhood can handle the extra solar yield.

After we look at the roof together, we sit down and, above all, listen to you. What are your wishes and what are your expectations? We always work with customized solutions, but roughly there are two paths you can take: rent out your roof for solar panels or start a roof project with support from Novar. If you rent your roof to us, you will receive a fixed monthly rental income for 16 years. If you start your own project, the yield is higher, but you also help invest in the construction and maintenance.

2. The proposal and agreement

After the initial meeting and interview, our team goes to work for you. Your regular roof expert consults the requirements with our technical engineer and together we look at the possibilities. On this basis, we make a customized proposal. In it we agree the duration of the project, the requirements and the monthly yield of the panels for you.

We understand that this is a decision you may only make once. Large sums of money are involved, and you want to properly cover any potential risks. That's why we take the time to go through things at your pace. We have our own in-house specialists and cooperate with independent constructors, insurers and financiers. So we can always provide you with the right information. Would you prefer to have the proposal checked yourself? No problem! We will gladly put you in touch with independent parties.

Is everyone satisfied and are the agreements clear? Then we sign the agreement together. You can think of this as a declaration of intent. When we can start building depends on a number of external factors. We discuss these in the next step.

3. Building insurance

When you install a solar system of size on your roof, you have a reporting obligation toward the building insurer. For example, the insurer may have specific requirements regarding the installation. By actively involving them up front in the process, we increase the chances of a quick realization. The solar system on your roof is our responsibility, so the insurance of the solar system is also our responsibility.

4. Construction check

To see if your roof is suitable for solar panels, an independent engineering firm evaluates the roof structure for safety and suitability. They do this for construction purposes. Good news: practically any roof on which the sun shines during the day is suitable. And if your roof turns out to be unsuitable, for example because of asbestos or a construction that is too weak, we will assist you technically and financially to make your roof solar ready after all!

5. SDE subsidy

It is not yet profitable enough in the Netherlands to build a solar roof without subsidies. That is why the government developed the SDE subsidy in 2011. The subsidy closes the gap between the market price of the energy supplied and the cost price of renewable energy. It has been possible to apply for the SDE subsidy only once a year since 2020. After submission, the RFO needs 13 to 26 weeks to assess the application. Should the application, for example due to budget exhaustion, not be granted, we have to wait a year until the next round opens. Important to know: so far, all of Novar's applications for the SDE subsidy have been awarded immediately.

6. Capacity of the grid operator

Before construction can begin, it is important that the solar roof can be connected to the energy grid. This is because we feed some of the power generated back into the public grid. There is a chance that the grid operator will have to build an increase in load or even a new connection. It is therefore important that we contact the grid operator at an early stage to discuss the possibilities.

7. The construction and realization of the solar roof.

Yes, we are getting started! We are starting the preparatory work for construction. Consider roof access and fall protection. The type of location determines the approach. For rooftop projects, the difference is mainly between installing panels on flat roofs or on pitched roofs. During installation, we ensure that all activities under the roof can continue unhindered. So there is no loss of production. In short: you operate under the roof, we are on top of it. We are busy for an average of 1 month: from the start of construction to the final screw.

Is the construction finished? Then the switch on the solar roof flips! From that moment on, you create a win-win situation: long-term attractive returns for you and sustainable energy for your immediate environment.

8. Completion inspection

When your solar roof generates several weeks of renewable energy, an independent company comes to inspect the quality of the installation on numerous points. They make a detailed report of, for example, the type of panels, the cables over the roof and safety. Are there any defects or areas for improvement? Then we solve them. In this way we guarantee a high-quality solar power system. Safe and profitable!

9. Evaluation

Together with your roofing expert, you sit down. We evaluate all the previous steps. How did the process go? Were there any bottlenecks? Could we have done anything differently? We will communicate with each other weekly throughout the process, but we always experience an evaluation moment as something pleasant and constructive. This way we learn every day!

10. Management

Your solar roof is now transferred from your regular roof expert to one of our asset managers. Our colleagues take care of the management and necessary maintenance of all Novar parks. From a distance, we monitor the performance of your solar roof 24/7. If we see that a panel is working less well, due to dirt, for example, we will come by to fix it. This is how we keep the solar farm in top condition for at least 16 years!