MagazineHM #56 presents an interview with Vincent Vangeel, manager of Solcor Portugal.
Vincent Vangeel is the Manager of Solcor Portugal, a partner company of HM Consultores specializing in photovoltaic solutions. He holds a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Management from the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon and in Business Engineering from KU Leuven University. He began his journey with Solcor through Solcor Chile and played a crucial role in bringing Solcor Portugal to the country in 2019.
Interview
1. The year 2024 marks the first decade of activity for Solcor, an international company active in Portugal, Chile, and Colombia. Over these 10 years, how do you assess the evolution of the national market’s maturity regarding solar energy?
Over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution in the national solar energy market. Portugal has established itself as a European leader in the adoption of renewable energies, and the market’s maturity has paralleled this growth. Awareness of the importance of solar energy has significantly increased, driven not only by the need to diversify the energy matrix but also by the recognition of the associated economic and environmental benefits.
2. In recent years, investing in solar energy has become commonplace. Do you believe companies are more aware of the benefits of this renewable energy for their competitiveness and sustainability?
Absolutely. In recent years, investing in solar energy has become a common practice among companies. The benefits of this renewable energy are increasingly valued by decision-makers, leading companies to consider it not only as a sustainable option but also as a strategy to enhance their market competitiveness. Significant reductions in operational costs, greater predictability of electricity costs, and improved corporate image are just some of the advantages driving this trend.
3. European funds like Portugal 2030 and the PRR recognize investment in renewable energies as eligible expenses for some supports. Moreover, they maximize the enhancement of some incentive systems. Has aligning your services with the priorities of European funds contributed to the increased demand for your services?
Solcor Portugal has been at the forefront of this movement towards energy sustainability. Our clients, by including renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in their investment plans, align with the priorities of these major funds. The market has been positively steered towards these investments, significantly increasing the demand for our services. Access to financial support and incentives has encouraged companies to seek renewable energy solutions, and we are prepared to help them fully capitalize on these opportunities.
On the other hand, supports can also have a counterproductive effect. They are available sporadically and sometimes focus on specific sectors. This fact leads entrepreneurs to delay investments in renewable energies for months or even years, waiting for the ideal support to invest.
4. How does Solcor quantify and monitor the environmental impact of its projects?
At Solcor, we place great importance on assessing and monitoring the environmental impact of our projects. When a client installs a photovoltaic power plant with us, they begin consuming 30% to 50% of their electricity without greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from day one—considering that the direct emissions from the plant are zero. We use specific methodologies and tools to quantify the environmental impact, particularly GHG emissions, from the planning phase to the implementation and operation of solar systems. Furthermore, once the plants are operational, our clients have access to a personalized platform where they can monitor real-time energy consumption from the plant and immediately access data related to energy costs and revenue from the sale of excess energy.
5. Put yourself in the position of a businessman interested in investing in solar panels. What initial steps would you recommend to evaluate the viability of the investment?
For a businessman interested in investing in solar panels, one of the main factors to consider is whether this investment is viable for the company. As with any investment, it becomes more attractive if the return on investment time is short.
For an investment in photovoltaic energy, it is essential first to identify a suitable location for the panel installation—whether on the building’s roof or on the ground—with ample area and minimal shading. It is also important to analyze the company’s current electricity costs and determine the level of savings this investment will bring, associated with the reduced or null costs of energy purchase once the investment is paid off.
This study is conducted entirely by our engineering team, and at the time of the commercial proposal, we present technical-financial indicators essential for making an informed decision.
At Solcor Portugal, we prioritize close contact with the client, from the initial study development, through the system installation, to the selection of the energy surplus buyer.
Energy is a very relevant topic for all companies, and we are talking about a medium-term investment, so it is important to consult solar energy specialists like Solcor Portugal to obtain personalized guidance and ensure the implementation of an efficient and scalable solution.
