Frequently asked questions
The questions expats in Northern Portugal ask us most often about solar, batteries, paperwork and installers, answered honestly.
Is solar still worth it in Northern Portugal after the VAT change?
Solar panels remain worthwhile in Northern Portugal, but payback periods have extended to 8 to 11 years after VAT on residential solar rose from 6 percent to 23 percent in mid-2025. Before the change, typical paybacks were 6 to 8 years. The Blueprint uses your actual EDP bill and the correct 23 percent rate, so the number you see is the number you get.
Do I need a battery to go solar?
Not always, and not necessarily the size your installer will push. A battery makes sense if you are out during the day (so you cannot use peak production), if you want backup power during grid failures like the April 2025 blackout, or if your region has unreliable evening supply. If you are home during the day and the grid is reliable where you live, a smaller battery or no battery may be the honest answer. The Blueprint includes a clear yes or no recommendation for your specific case.
What is DGEG registration and do I have to do it myself?
DGEG is the Portuguese energy regulator. Every grid tied solar installation must be registered with DGEG and your distributor (usually EDP Distribuicao). The paperwork is in Portuguese and the process takes 30 to 90 days. Many installers leave it to you. The Blueprint explains the steps in plain English and we review your installer's plan to confirm who is handling it.
How is Northern Portugal different from the Algarve for solar?
The Minho receives roughly 30 to 40 percent less solar irradiance than the Algarve. National online calculators use averages that flatter the north. We use PVGIS data for your specific postcode, so your estimated production reflects actual local conditions, not a national average that overstates savings by a third.
Will my solar work during a blackout?
Grid-tied solar systems in Portugal are legally required to shut down the moment the grid fails, even when the sun is shining. The exception is a hybrid inverter with battery storage configured for islanding mode. This is what caught thousands of homeowners out on 28 April 2025. If blackout resilience matters to you, tell us and we will size the system and battery accordingly.
Are you an installer? Do you take commission?
No. We are independent advisors and homeowners in Ponte de Lima, not affiliated with any single installer or manufacturer. We charge a flat fee for the Blueprint, and the two or three installer names we recommend are chosen on merit for your specific project. You pay them directly. We work for you, not them.
What does the free solar guide actually contain?
The 2026 guide is a PDF written for expats in Northern Portugal. It covers how solar works in Portugal, the DGEG process in plain English, the VAT change and what it means for payback, battery sizing rules of thumb, red flags in installer quotes, and a checklist for your first conversation with an installer. About 18 pages, no fluff.
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