Interview with Albert Bergadà, industrial engenner specialized on energetic efficiency

Only two weeks ago in Finques Feliu we explained in our community cheap and effective measures against climate change at home.

Today, we interviewed Albert Bergada industrial engineer specialized in energy efficiency and sustainability who took part in the recent webinar: "Solar energy, savings and sustainability in your home" organized by Finques Feliu which you can access here.

Bergada is linked to Movinhood, a partner of Finques Feliu.

1. Finques Feliu (hereinafter FF): What is renewable electricity and is it a solution to the high price of energy?

Albert Bergada (hereinafter AB): Renewable energy production stem from infinite sources of energy, the main ones are wind, sun and water, from these three elements arise: wind, photovoltaic and hydraulic energy.

In the medium term, they will be the solution to the high price of energy that worries us all so much because they will make us less dependent on other technologies and raw materials, such as gas, which now makes the price of electricity very expensive.

2. FF: What is the cost of generating electricity by installing solar panels for self-consumption right now? Is there any economic aid to install renewable energies?

AB: The costs have fallen a lot in recent years.

For a single-family house, the costs can be between 4,000-6,000€ for a nominal 2kW installation. This installation can generate more than half of the energy needed to run the house.

For an owners community, it is difficult to give a ratio, since there are several variables that can change the price, but the investment per neighbor can be between 1,500 and 3,000€. In this case, the installation can generate between 15% and 30% of the energy required by each dwelling and up to 50% for the common services of the building.

Currently, there are very important aids to install renewable energies, both from the Generalitat de Catalunya and from the different City Councils.

3. FF: What could be the amortization period of an installation of this type?

AB: Given the low costs of the installation and the very high current energy prices, the payback period of a photovoltaic installation of self-consumption is between 3 and 5 years, right now.

If on top of that we can apply some subsidy/support, the amortization drops below 3 years.

4. FF: Are there administrative facilities for homeowners' associations to bet on renewables?

AB: Yes, the administration is increasingly facilitating the procedures.

FF: What is the way to give the green light to the installation of photovoltaic panels in a community?

AB: First of all a feasibility study must be carried out, analyzing the available space on the roof, electrical consumption of the building (neighbors and scale) and IBI fees paid by the owners, if we want to ask for aid in this respect.

Once we have this feasibility study, which will incorporate a budget, if the community decides to go ahead, the installation can be executed in weeks.

After the execution, it will be necessary to make legalization procedures of the installation as well as agreements with the commercializing companies.

All this is handled by the administrator of the property, who is advised by specialist companies such as MOVINHOOD.

FF: How much does it cost to carry out the relevant feasibility study?

AB: The study has no cost for an individual or a community of owners.

FF: What exactly does MOVINHOOD?

AB: MOVINHOOD advises individuals, communities of owners and companies on sustainability and energy.

We analyze and optimize our clients' electricity and gas billing, carry out energy efficiency studies, advise and manage the installation of solar panels and offer other sustainable products.

Right now, we have an agreement with FINQUES FELIU to advise all their communities in all these aspects, which we believe can bear very good results.

 8 FF: What is your assessment of the webinar you did together with FINQUES FELIU and ADYMUS?

The webinar caught the attention of many people and there was a lot of interest in it. I think that we all put some light on the current state of the electricity market and what we can do to not depend so much on it, being also more sustainable. And I think it was clear that it is easier than many people think.

9. FF: To sum up, what are the main leal changes that have occurred in the Fifth Book of the Catalan law in relation to the installation of renewables?

Royal Decree 28/2021 has legislated the modification of Arts. 553-25, 553-26, 553-30, 553-42, 553-43 and 553-44 of the fifth book of the Civil Code of Catalonia.

Basically, it has been sought to simplify the whole current regulatory issue to promote and facilitate agreements in the communities of owners in order to install infrastructures aimed at seeking greater energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings.

This amendment seeks to regulate legal quorums below the qualified majorities, therefore, going from 4/5 parts (80%) to simple majorities (more than 50%).

It also regulates the possibility of being able to have installations in areas of private community use, such as terraces or roofs of private use of an owner and even regulates what can happen if an owner has private installations in common areas and the community later wants to make a community one.

I would advise our readers to contact with their administrator to get more specific advice on these regulatory changes, they are professionals and specialists in conducting all these issues in the communities of owners.

Thank you very much Mr. Bergada for your clarity, sure that now many readers see a more realistic way to green and competitive energy.