Today we show you a different article.
More than an article, we would say an interview with one of our clients, Amber.
In this publication Amber tells us about her experience with us, detailing issues such as:
- Why he decided to install solar panels.
- Why you chose SolarMente and not another solar company.
- How was the installation process.
- Have you noticed more savings after installation?
- What stands out about our service and what you would improve.
When and why did you decide to install solar panels?
I had always thought about installing solar panels. At the time I bought the house I have now, there were several investments to make and solar panels were the first thing I wanted to do.
I wanted to do it to save money, right from the start, so it made more sense to change this before changing the kitchen, for example. And since I still had some money saved, I really thought of it as an investment.
Have you noticed a significant difference in the before and after installation?
Yes, very much so.
Now in winter I am saving at least 100 euros a month. I am paying 50 euros a month in electricity living in a house. Before the panels I could go up to 150 euros a month.
Did you install a battery?
I still don’t have a battery.
With SolarMente we decided that the system would be like this and that the moment I wanted a battery, it could be easily installed.
In fact, I think by the time I add a battery, I won’t even need more plates to fill it. I have the right amount of plates. I would just need to buy and install the battery and that would be enough.
The decision not to add a battery at that time was mainly budget driven. I had just bought the house and the budget for solar panels including a battery was too much for me. So I said to myself that I would opt for the panels first and then save up for the battery.
Why did you choose SolarMente?
It was funny! I am Dutch and so is the CEO of this company.
At some point, in a Facebook group of Dutch people in Catalonia I saw a message from ⚡Wouter Draijer explaining something about solar panels in response to a question someone asked.
That’s where I looked it up and I thought SolarMente was cool because it’s a young company. It’s a startup working with blockchain in solar energy, which interested me a lot, and it’s also Dutch. Believe it or not, even though I’ve been in Spain for 10 years now, it helps me a lot in technical matters to be able to speak in my own language.
I connected with Wouter and he told me to talk to Koen Hoogteijling, the account manager (also Dutch). The conversation has always been very smooth.
What was your experience like in relation to the first contact?
I liked it, it was very sincere.
We talk quite a lot, in a very direct way, always by Whatsapp or call.
I didn’t have to wait a week for an offer, which is what happened when I contacted other companies.
I made a comparison to evaluate prices and the number of boards each company recommended. Many told me that I needed more. On the other hand, SolarMente told me “don’t worry, you don’t need so many panels”.
I didn’t feel I was being sold more product than I needed.
How was the installation process?
First a person came to see where the plates and cables would be placed. He said they would call me when they came to install it.
Then four or five days later they contacted me again, which was quicker than I expected. While I was working, they installed and squared everything up without a problem.
I also think I was lucky with SolarMente. I wanted a specific system, but they called me and explained that it would take several weeks, even months! They recommended another manufacturer and assured me that it was the same in terms of quality and could be installed sooner. I was given a choice and went for the quicker option.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the whole process and why?
An 8.5. It’s not a 10 because the website says that you pay a single price and it includes everything.
I had to pay separately for the subsidy as it is another company that manages it, which means an extra cost of 100 euros that I did not expect. It would have been better if this price had been included in the published price to really have the final price. There is no deception there, but there is a lack of information.
Would you recommend SolarMente for the installation of solar panels?
No doubt about it.
In fact, I am recommending them especially here in the area, in Vilacolum. There are many second homes of foreigners.
I have some acquaintances here who want solar panels and I tell them that I have done it with SolarMente.
Honestly, the fact that I can speak Dutch helps a lot. The neighbours who are Belgian have also told me that they find it interesting and asked me which company I set them up with.
Here we have a small block with 13 houses that share a garden, so my neighbours see the boards and it’s very useful too. Whenever we see each other he always asks me how it works.
What would you highlight from your experience with the company?
When I had doubts, resolving them was as easy as sending a Whatsapp.
I know that any questions I might have would be answered the same day. Only once I had technical problems, the App failed and I wrote to Koen, who referred me to the technical service of the brand of the system I installed. I did indeed contact them and within 4 hours it was fixed.
Everything is very smooth. Any problem I have, I know I can call and they will help me. It wasn’t like with other people “it’s sold, it’s over”. They take after-sales very seriously.
Anything you would like to add?
I am looking forward to adding the battery, which I will do in a few months, because with the battery my house will be almost 90% self-sufficient.
It’s very funny at the beginning when you have the badges because you’re looking every 5 minutes at the mobile app to see things like that:
“If I put the washing machine on now, is the consumption below what I am producing?
It’s like child’s play. I see how the energy production fluctuates and it makes me angry that I can’t save the energy produced during peaks. Once I install the battery, I won’t have to worry about running the washing machine during daylight hours. With solar panels, you have more awareness and control over your consumption.
Do you want to reduce the cost of your electricity bill thanks to solar energy?
Installing solar panels will save you a significant amount of money every month. And if not, look at Amber who has managed to reduce her electricity bill by at least 100 euros in the colder seasons.
We are talking about an investment that will be with you for at least 25 years and that will not only save you money, but will also reduce greenhouse gases, contributing to the care of the environment.
At SolarMente, we will tell you what you need right from the start. The right amount of solar panels to supply your energy consumption.
To get started, simply click on this link, enter your address and monthly energy costs and our team will contact you.
Are you up for it?
