Photovoltaics for a family house: is it worth it in 2026?

Panel prices have fallen while electricity prices stay high — so photovoltaics has become a normal part of new builds and renovations. Let's look at real numbers without marketing promises.

How much a system produces

In Czech conditions, 1 kWp of installed capacity produces roughly 950–1,100 kWh per year. A typical home system of 6–10 kWp covers a significant share of a family-of-four's consumption — most in summer, least from November to February.

What it costs

State subsidies are currently available for PV with a battery, cutting the purchase price significantly — we'll help with the conditions.

Battery: yes or no?

Without a battery you directly use only 25–35% of production (the rest flows to the grid at a low buy-back price). A battery raises self-consumption to 60–80% and protects against short outages. At today's battery prices and subsidies, a battery setup usually makes more sense.

The strongest combination: PV + heat pump

A heat pump consumes electricity — panels produce it. In transitional seasons (spring, autumn) PV can cover much of the heating, and water heating all year round. Surpluses can be routed into the water tank (a "virtual battery"), raising production use practically for free.

Realistic payback

With sensible sizing, a subsidy and a heat-pump combination, payback typically comes to 7–10 years — with panels lasting 25+ years. Beware of overpriced phone "specials": what matters is the quality of the inverter, mounting and wiring.

Roof considerations

• Ideal is a south to south-west pitch of 30–40°; east–west works too.
• The covering should be healthy before installing PV — panels on a worn-out roof are a trap (removal during re-roofing costs tens of thousands).
• The truss must carry the extra load — we assess this during an inspection.

Building or renovating with us? We'll prepare the house for photovoltaics (conduits, inverter and battery space, board sizing) and deliver the whole installation turnkey.