As a resident of Sønderborg Municipality, you have access to the digital tool SolarSim, which makes it easy to get started.
Solar panels on the roof can feel a bit like having your own vegetable garden. But instead of growing tomatoes, you harvest energy from the sun. There is a special satisfaction in producing your own free electricity while knowing it contributes positively to the climate.
Go solar for a reason
For many people, solar panels are about finances, climate, or self-sufficiency – or a combination of all three.
With solar panels, you can produce part of the electricity you use yourself and reduce your energy bills.
If you produce more electricity than you consume, you can sell the surplus to the shared electricity grid.
Solar panels make it possible to use the roofs we already have to generate renewable energy – and thereby reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
This makes solar energy one of the most effective ways you can contribute to Sønderborg’s goal of a CO₂-neutral energy system.
Can I install solar panels?
If you are considering installing solar panels, there are some basic requirements your home must meet.
In most cases, you can install solar panels without a building permit if:
- the panels are mounted at the same angle as the roof
- they are placed at least 2.5 metres from the property boundary
- they do not increase the building height beyond the allowed limits
- the building is not listed as protected (otherwise municipal approval is required)
- the installation complies with any local planning regulations
If you meet these criteria, you are ready to receive a recommendation through SolarSim.
Use SolarSim
SolarSim is a new digital tool that provides an independent assessment of whether solar panels are a good option for you – with no sales and no requirement to provide contact details.
Sønderborg Municipality has purchased access to the tool for one year. Access is available until 15 April 2027.
The tool works by asking you to enter your electricity consumption, whether you have an electric vehicle or a heat pump, and how many people live in your household. You then locate your home and select where on the roof the panels can be installed.
You will receive a complete business case based on your home, including the recommended number of panels, a possible battery solution, estimated costs, payback time, and CO₂ savings.
Once you have completed SolarSim, you can save or print a PDF with the recommendation. You are then ready to take the next step.
Try SolarSim here
From recommendation to action
With your SolarSim recommendation, you are one step closer to installing solar panels.
Before you start, ensure you have the necessary approvals in place.
You can do this by sending your SolarSim PDF recommendation to Sønderborg Municipality’s Building and Housing Department:
E-mail: byg-bolig@sonderborg.dk
Phone: +45 88 72 40 82
After that, you’re ready to contact a supplier.
It is a good idea to obtain multiple offers so you can compare both price and solution.
Good luck with your solar project!
FAQ
- installation, repair, or replacement of solar panels (including battery solutions)
- installation and work related to solar thermal systems
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Questions about SolarSim
If you have questions about the tool or your calculation, you can contact Erik from SolarSim:
E-mail: erik@solarsim.dk
Questions about solar panels in general
For general advice, you can contact SparEnergi:
E-mail: ens@ens.dk
Phone: +45 33 92 67 00
Questions about regulations and local planning
If you have questions about permits, local plans, or your property, you can contact Sønderborg Municipality, Building and Housing:
E-mail: byg-bolig@sonderborg.dk
Phone: +45 88 72 40 82
Can I trust SolarSim’s results?
SolarSim provides an independent, professionally based assessment of whether solar panels are financially viable for you. The calculations are based on up-to-date data on prices, consumption, and production.
However, it is important to note that there will always be some uncertainty. The actual results may vary depending on factors such as your real consumption and changes in electricity prices and tariffs.
The results should therefore be seen as a qualified estimate to support your decision – not as a final offer.
Financing options
Green loans
If you need financing for solar panels, it is a good idea to contact your bank. Many banks offer green loans with favourable terms for energy improvements such as solar panels.
Tax deduction for home improvements
You may also be able to use the Danish home improvement tax deduction scheme for parts of the work. This includes:
The deduction applies to labour costs – not materials.
Subsidies
Currently, there are no subsidy schemes available for private solar panel installations.
Which type of solar panels should I choose?
For most homeowners, standard solar panels (monocrystalline) will be the best choice. They offer high efficiency, long lifespan, and require less roof space.
Other types exist, but in practice, factors such as placement, roof angle, and system sizing are more important.
The key is to choose a solution that fits your roof and your electricity consumption. SolarSim provides a strong starting point, which you can bring to a supplier.
The final solution should be agreed with a supplier, who can advise based on your specific home and needs.
Once you have received an offer, you can return to SolarSim and update the prices in your calculation. This allows you to check whether the financial case still holds – regardless of which type of solar panels you choose.