IKEA to sell solar systems to Dutch homeowners
IKEA has launched its solar service for homeowners in the Netherlands. With two options and low prices for complete solar energy systems, IKEA is working towards enabling as many people as possible to make their home more sustainable.Customers planning to purchase a solar panel system can do so online, or see the panels for themselves in “Solar Shops” within IKEA stories. The first “Solar Shop” opened on July 5th in IKEA’s Barendrecht store in the Netherlands; other Dutch IKEA locations will follow in the coming months.
Removing obstacles
The new product range follows on a comprehensive pilot project with solar energy systems for homeowners running in 2014 and 2015 in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands.Lisen Wirén, Sustainability Manager for IKEA Netherlands explains “More and more Dutch homeowners show an interest in private power generation.” However, many homeowners find solar panels to be costly and difficulty accessing accurate information about solar, and difficulty identifying a reliable service provider. Our new range of home solar systems for the roof aims to overcome these challenges.”
Options
At this site, IKEA customers can use a solar panel calculator that instantly indicates what options are available, the cost and how much money they will save by installing solar.Customers can choose from two different systems: one based on fully black mono crystalline panels with 285 Wp (Watt peak) maximum power per panel, and one with cheaper blue poly crystalline panels 270 Wp.Including an inverter and monitoring system, complete installation and extensive warranty, prices for an average system with 10 mono crystalline panels start from €4,000 while prices for a 10-panel poly crystalline system start from €3,645. These inclusive prices include a 15% IKEA FAMILY reduction*.
IKEA is working with Solarcentury for the design, cost estimate and installation of the home solar systems.
Energy neutral
IKEA aims to inspire its customers with smart products and solutions that save energy, reduce water use and waste. “Together we provide a more sustainable life at home”, according to Lisen Wirén. “Furthermore, with an average-sized 10 solar panel system, customers can easily save up to 500 euros per year, generating their own electricity”.Currently IKEA Group generates more than half of its energy demand from renewable sources. This means the company is on track to reach its target of becoming 100% energy neutral by 2020.IKEA UK launched its “Solar Shops” for UK customers in April earlier this year. The solar service is now available in five stores, and online, and will be available in all UK stores by the end of 2016.
