Frequently Asked Questions

In reality, the opposite is true. Thanks to recent advances in PV technology, reduction in solar panels’ prices and substantial government incentives, investment in a solar energy system today is one of the MOST lucrative and secure investment options available.

For example, with Virtue Solaris special offers, one can invest as little as €1,700 in a high quality PV system, which will provide up to 35% annual return on investment. This investment is completely SECURE due to feed-in tariff incentives provided by the government, and due to long term guarantees on power performance of PV panels and other PV system components.

More on return on investment in PV at Virtue Solaris.

Yes, solar panels in Malta can be a good investment. Malta has high levels of sunlight and is one of the world’s leading countries for solar energy production. Solar panels can help to reduce your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and provide a renewable source of energy. The government also offers a number of incentives and subsidies to encourage people to install solar panels, so it can be a cost-effective option.

Yes, a solar panel can run a fridge, but the size and capacity of the solar panel required to do so would depend on the wattage of the fridge, as well as on other factors such as whether the system is grid-connected, hybrid or off-grid.

Virtue Solaris offers great options for grid-connected, hybrid, and off-grid systems.

PV panels offered by Virtue Solaris are certified to withstand extreme windloads of up to 2400Pa, which is approximately equivalent to a force of 240 kg per square meter!

Such solar panels can resist direct impact of huge hail balls of up to 5cm in diameter, thrown at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Of course, resistance against wind also depends on the quality of materials and workmanship of the installation.

Virtue Solaris PV systems utilize only the highest quality hot dip galvanized steel or anodized aluminium mounting brackets, which are designed to withstand windspeeds of up to 52 m/s. This is more than a hurricane-force wind speeds that have never been recorded in Malta!

Yes, solar panels can survive hail. Solar panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hail. The front cover of solar panels is made of specially treated tempered glass, which is designed to withstand impact from hail. Solar panels offered by Virtue Solaris are rigorously tested and certified to withstand static and dynamic loads including extreme wind pressure and impact of hail. Latest models of solar panels offered by Virtue Solaris have been tested under most rigorous conditions, and have scored amongst top performing solar panels under PV Evolution Lab’s Reliability Scorecard.

No, solar panels do not work at night. Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity. At night, when there is no sunlight, solar panels are not able to produce electricity.

Yes, it is possible to run a house on solar power alone. However, it depends on the size of the house and how much solar energy is available. In some cases, certain appliances may require a backup source of power, such as a battery storage unit.

Whilst solar panels do not specifically attract lighting, it must be borne in mind that lightning is a powerful force of nature that can strike the highest point in an area exposed to thunderstorm, regardless of whether there are solar panels or not.

If a solar panels system is not installed properly, currents induced by lighting strikes can potentially damage the solar PV system.

Solar panels systems installed by Virtue Solaris incorporate latest protection technology, including proper protective earthing (PE), overcurrent protection, current leakage protection, arc fault protection and surge protection that can minimize possibility of of damage in an event of a thunderstorm. That said, it is always a good idea to have insurance coverage for a solar PV system.

Most PV systems offered by Virtue Solaris have a payback period of around 3 years. This means that the investment would fully pay back for itself in only 36 months, and after that solar panels will continue to generate revenue over many years to come!

Indeed PV panels offered by Virtue Solaris have a certified and guaranteed performance benchmark over 25-30 year period.

No, solar panels do not need to be serviced directly. However, the solar panel system as a whole needs to be checked and maintained regularly. This includes checking the wiring, connections, and mounting hardware, as well as cleaning the panels periodically to ensure optimal performance.

Yes, solar panels can reduce, and sometimes totally eliminate energy bills in Malta. Households with solar panels can expect to reduce their electricity bills by up to 100%. This can be achieved through net metering, which credits households for the electricity they generate from their solar panels and consume from the grid, as well as from self-consumption of solar energy produced by solar panels. What’s more, solar panels can increase residential property value for Maltese properties by 5% and more!

Yes, solar panels can save a lot of electricity in Malta. Malta has some of the best conditions in Europe for solar installations due to its very sunny climate.

Solar PV systems can provide an opportunity to save significantly on electricity bills, and can significantly reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity in the winter. However, their efficiency will be reduced since there is less sunlight available. In addition, clouds and dust can cover the solar panels, reducing their ability to generate energy.

Yes, in stock at Virtue Solaris, buy it online today!

Whether you have a boat, a camper, a rural room or a summer retreat without connection to electrical grid, or any place where connection to the grid is unreliable, we do offer a range of Bluetti’s unique portable off-grid solar generators that will give you a solution for your off-grid power needs.

Yes, we do! Check out out some options for

In actual fact, some of the earliest commercial PV systems installed back in 1970s still generate electricity to this day.

Some of the PV panels offered by Virtue Solaris are certified to provide not less than 80% of their initial rated power output even after a staggering 30 year period!

It can work as follows:

• As a conventional grid-tied PV system, where excess power produced by PV panels is stored for own consumption;or
• As a grid-tied system but with emergency power backup to important loads when grid power is not available; or
• As a pure off-grid system that can provide constant power to any circuit not connected with the main grid supply.

The battery comes with an incredible 10 year warranty, and a guaranteed design life of over 6,000 charge-discharge cycles. That’s more than 16 years if used daily!

Solar panels typically last around 30 years and more. Depending on exact model and brand, high quality solar panels offered by Virtue Solaris have 25 – 30 year performance warranties.

The cost of solar panels in Malta varies depending on the type of solar panel and its size. Generally, a typical single phase 4.04kWp PV system would cost around €3,220 after government grant, with the average prices for solar panels systems ranging from about €800 to over €1,000 per kW of installed capacity, depending on exact specifications.

Check out Virtue Solaris solar panels offers for more information

The cost of a single solar panel in Malta can vary based on the type, size and brand of the solar panel. Generally, the cost for a single panel of a standard solar panel ranges from around €200 to over €400. If you need just one, two or more solar panels of a specific type for your DIY solar project, check out our range of “loose” solar panels available form our Malta stock for immediate order online!

The cost of solar panels in Malta will depend on the size, type, and quality of the system you choose. On average, a typical 4kW grid connected solar system can cost anywhere between €6,000 and €8,000, including installation. But the net amount of investment one would need to pay would be much less than that value, due to government grants and incentives available.

The average cost of a typical single phase PV system in Malta is around €3,220, after government grant, and can vary between about €800 to over €1,000 per kWp of solar panels installed, depending on actual set up, mounting arrangements, length and passage of cables, and choice of equipment. 

Check out our latest PV offers here. Due to various financing options available, it is often possible to acquire a top quality solar panels system with no upfront cost and virtually for free!

Solar power works very well in Malta because this Mediterranean island nation receives an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine every year – making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. Solar power is an attractive option for people living in Malta because it does not rely on fuels or emissions, is cost effective and can be easily integrated into existing energy systems. Solar panels are widely used on rooftops across the island to harness the sun‘s power and generate electricity. This electricity can then be used to power electrical appliances and lighting within homes and businesses. Solar–powered hot water systems are also popular in Malta, providing a cost–effective and efficient way to generate hot water without the need for chemical fuels or energy.

Maltese government offers various financial incentives and government grants for those who want to install solar panels on their properties. These incentives are designed to help reduce the upfront costs associated with the installation of a solar energy system, making it more accessible and affordable for consumers. Coupled with other available financing incentives for solar panels in Malta, it is sometimes possible to acquire solar panels with no upfront investment and virtually for free!

Contact Virtue Solaris for more information.

Yes, 4.04 kWp is generally enough to offset average power consumption of a typical family household in Malta. However, energy consumption is highly specific to each household, and it is often the case that in order to completely offset energy consumption, a larger, or smaller PV system with or without battery storage may be required. You can always refer to us for free consultation regarding your energy needs and a perfect solar system to address your specific requirements!

One should also consider that peak energy consumption tends to occur in the evenings, when solar power may not be sufficient, whilst peak solar generation happens around mid-day, when household consumption may not be too high. Therefore consumption and energy generation do not coincide in time, which implies that some of the excess solar energy ends up being exported to the grid, whilst at other times, household would still need to import electricity. In order to maximise as much as possible the use of own produced solar energy, one would need to consider a battery energy storage system, which would store excess solar energy generated during the day, and release this energy on demand in the evening, or at times when solar power may not be sufficient.

Yes, buying solar panels in Malta is definitely worth it. Malta has some of the best conditions for solar power in Europe, with an average of around 3,200 hours of sunshine every year and a high level of solar radiation. Additionally, the cost of electricity in Malta is moderate, making solar a more attractive option than other forms of energy.

Finally, the Maltese government offers generous incentives to homeowners who install solar panels, including grants, tax credits, and net-metering. All of these factors make investing in solar a great option for homeowners in Malta.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about PV, and one that has often misguided many consumers into unnecessarily spending more money on higher powered panels they do not really need.

Indeed a PV system consisting of higher powered panels does NOT necessarily provide an overall better value compared with a system consisting of less powerful panels. More often than not, the opposite is true!

Firstly, it is worth noting that under current regulations, the maximum permissible power output of a PV system allowed on a single phase is limited to 3.68 kW AC. This means that no matter how many solar panels one would wish to install on single phase, the combined OUTPUT power of the inverter SHALL NOT exceed 3.68 kW.

Moreover, another regulation states that the maximum size of a PV system connected to an inverter should not be more than 20% larger than inverter’s rated AC output. Therefore if a single phase inverter’s power is limited to 3.68 kW (AC), the maximum DC power of solar panels cannot exceed 4.416 kWp (DC).

For the sake of an example, this maximum power can be approached by having either 11  solar panels rated at 400Wp (DC) each (4.4 kWp), or 8 panels 505Wp each (4.04 kWp).

Although higher-powered solar panels tend to take up less space, they also tend to be more expensive than solar panels with lower power rating.

At the end, whether one uses 400Wp panels or 505Wp panels, the power output of the equivalent PV system would still be the same!

Malta’s climatic conditions including exposure to high temperatures, wind and high levels of humidity, as well as close proximity to the sea present a challenge to quality and reliability of solar PV systems. Under such demanding conditions, only the top quality solar panels with the highest efficiency, low temperature coefficient, high degree of environmental protection for electronic components, and robust frames, should be used.

Virtue Solaris offers its customers some of the best quality solar panels from Bloomberg Tier 1 manufacturers such as AE Solar and HT-SAAE brands, which have been proven to be particularly suited for Malta’s demanding conditions.

These solar modules feature high efficiency ratings, advanced cell technology capabilities and reliable power output, apart from superb mechanical and electrical protection and durability. Virtue Solaris carries premium solar panels that boast great durability and a great warranty period.

1. Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: These are the solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
2. Charge Controller: This regulates the amount of electricity coming from the PV panels, ensuring the batteries don’t get overcharged.
3. Battery Bank: This stores the electricity generated by the PV panels so it can be used later when the sun isn’t shining.
4. Inverter: This device converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the PV panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is used in homes and businesses.
5. Wiring & Accessories: This includes cables, connectors and other components needed to safely connect the components of the PV system.
6. Monitoring System: This device allows you to track the performance of your off-grid PV system.

Virtue Solaris offers complete off-grid PV systems for residential and commercial applications, including unique solutions that combine lateste LiFePo4 batteries, pure sine wave inverters, MPPT charge controllers and battery management systems, all in one unit. Contact us today to learn more.

Solar Energy for Homes

PV panels in Malta are particularly suited to residential rooftop installation for energy self-sufficiency. Solar energy generated by rooftop PV systems allows homeowners to generate free electricity from the sun during daylight hours. This can lead to savings on electricity bills as well as reduced reliance on the grid. Households can also benefit from attractive government incentives that range from direct grants on the purchase of home PV system and battery energy storage, to feed-in tariffs for solar energy sold to the grid.

Solar Energy for Businesses

Malta’s abundant sunshine provides ample opportunities for commercial businesses to benefit from solar power. Businesses can install larger solar systems on the roof, replacing or reducing their reliance on grid electricity and mitigating their energy bills, and benefiting from attractive feed-in tariffs.

Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage

With the increasing availability of battery storage technology, rooftop PV systems can act as independent micro-grids. This allows for storage of the electricity generated during daylight hours to be used at night when energy from the grid is typically more expensive. This is referred to as ‘demand response’ and allows homeowners and businesses to save money while reducing their reliance on the grid.

In reality, some PV systems offered by Virtue Solaris require NO upfront investment at all. For example, it may be possible to acquire a quality PV system WITHOUT any deposit, and with monthly repayments starting from as low as €49.

What’s more, the value of monthly repayments would, in most cases, be equal or less than the value of savings in electricity bills. Thus under some conditions, it is possible to install a high quality PV system virtually for free!

Excessive heat, strong winds, hail, snow, dust, debris, and bird droppings can all damage and degrade solar panels, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, or lightning strikes can also cause irreparable damage to solar panels.

When the battery storage system is full, solar panels will divert any excess energy generated back to the utility grid. This process is called “net metering” and it ensures that homeowners are not wasting the energy their panels are producing.

If you own a property with a roof, no matter how small, PV panels are simply a must.

A typical PV panel takes up only about 1.5 – 2.3 square metres of space, and a decent domestic PV system can take up as little as 20 square meters of space.

That’s typically less than the size of an average washroom, a yard, or roof terrace.

Virtue Solaris offers its customers tail made solutions for EVERY roof. In some cases, PV panels can be elevated on a custom-made structure, which would allow continuous use of the roof for any activity, be it roof garden, a BBQ space or simply the place to hang one’s laundry!

The average cost of a typical single phase PV system in Malta is around €3,220, after government grant, and can vary between about €800 to over €1,000 per kWp of solar panels installed, depending on actual set up, mounting arrangements, length and passage of cables, and choice of equipment. 

You can check out latest Virtue Solaris offers on home solar systems in Malta.

The cost of 20 solar panels in Malta depends on several factors, including the type of solar panel and the brand, as well as the size and power output of the panels. Generally, prices for solar panels in Malta range from about €800 to over €1,000 per kW of installed capacity, with 20 panels providing between 8 and 10 kW of installed capacity. Get our latest offer for a 20 solar panels system here!

It is important to avoid obstructing the panels from direct sunlight, as this will reduce their efficiency. Additionally, solar panels should not be exposed to heavy dust, dirt, or other particles, as this could also reduce their effectiveness.

Virtue Solaris offers its clients a unique battery storage solution based on high voltage lithium ion batteries produced by renown electronics manufacturer Huawei.

These batteries can accumulate surplus energy produced by a PV system during the day, and release this stored electricity for consumption during the night, or at any time when PV energy is not available. Over time, this solution invariably leads to considerable financial savings, since the household becomes virtually self-sufficient when it comes to energy needs.

On average, a typical Maltese household spends around €1,200 in energy bills each year. That’s a staggering €24,000 over a 20 year period!

Think of what you can do with an extra €24,000 in your pocket. Perhaps an extra holiday break each year? A gym membership for all the family all year around? Replace that old car with a new, fuel-efficient one, or perhaps an electric vehicle?

Possibilities are endless. PV panels can make them a reality.

We often hear that “My roof is partially shaded by surrounding properties. PV panels would not work.”

Virtue Solaris offers many solutions for partially shaded spaces. These solutions range from strategic placing of PV panels in such a way so as to maximize exposure to sunlight, to splitting PV circuits into multiple MPPT strings to ensure that one shaded part of the array does not affect the performance of another part, to fitting each solar panel with optimizers that effectively mitigate partial shading effects.

We also have a special offer package specifically catering for such situations.

We do professional shading analysis utilizing specialized software that allows us to estimate precisely the performance of any PV system, even one that is partially shaded.

No, solar panels should not damage your roof. Most solar panel systems are designed to be installed on existing roofs without causing any damage. However, it is important to work with a reputable installer to make sure that the system is properly designed and installed, as poor installation practices can cause damage to your roof.