Month: June 2022

If you are also considering installing photovoltaic panels for domestic use, below you will find all the documents and permits you need. These do not apply to thermal panels, which can be installed by a plumber or a specialized company.

Urban Planning Certificate

The urban planning certificate can only be requested by the homeowner from the local town hall and is issued within a maximum of 30 days, with a validity between 6 and 24 months from the date of issue (depending on the purpose and complexity of the investment).

To obtain the Urban Planning Certificate, you will need the following documents:

• Standard Request;
• Ownership documents, cadastre, land book extracts;
• Copies of the sales-purchase contract, inheritance act, and land registration certificate;
• Copy of ID card/identification document;
• Proof of payment for the issuance of the urban planning certificate. The fee is calculated based on the land area: 5 Lei for an area up to 150 square meters, up to 14 Lei for areas of 1000 square meters.
• Cadastral plan at scales 1:500 and 1:2000, and topographic location plans (2 copies each) issued by the Land Registry and Cadastre Office;
• Plan of the current situation and the proposal for the photovoltaic system;
• Brief memorandum summarizing the purpose of the request.

Environmental Agreement and Environmental Approval

Both documents are issued by the National Environmental Protection Agency/Agenția Națională pentru Protecția Mediului (NEPA/ANPM), the Central Public Authority for Environmental Protection, or the Territorial Public Authority for Environmental Protection, within 30 days.

To obtain the Environmental Agreement (fee of 4000 lei, without VAT), you will need:

• The application for obtaining the Environmental Agreement;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Site Plan attached to the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Zoning Plan;
• Proof of payment for the initial evaluation of the request.

To issue the Environmental Notice (fee of 1000 lei, excluding VAT) you will need:

• Notification;
• Draft Plan;
• Proof of publication of the Notice and the Draft Plan in the Mass Media.

Approval from the State Inspectorate in Construction (ISC)

The fee for the Approval from the State Inspectorate in Construction is paid subsequently, with a value of 0.25% of the investment value, and it is issued within 30 days. The documents required for its issuance are:

• Application for requesting the approval;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Architectural Technical Memorandum;
• Zoning Compliance Plan;
• Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• DTAC Project (2 copies);
• Copy of the owner’s Identity Card;
• Proof of property ownership/lease.

Sanitary Permit

Issued within 15 days, the Sanitation Permit is issued by the local sanitation company, based on the following documents:

• Copy of the owner’s Identity Card;
• Copy of the property/rental deed;
• Copy of the proof of payment of the fee, which differs depending on the company that provides the sanitation services

ISU Approval

The ISU opinion is issued by the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, within 30 days. The required documents are:

• Standard Application Form in two copies;
• Two copies of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Technical documentation at the design phase for the Building Permit;
• Report issued by the person who verified the project for fire safety;
• Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Two copies of the inventory with the list of submitted documents.

The Telephone Connection Approval

The Telephone Connection Approval is issued by the telecommunications provider, against a fee that can vary between 3 and 9 Euros, within 15 days, based on the following documents:

• Standard Application Form;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Two copies of the Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Zoning Plan

Energy Supplier Site Approval

The Site Approval is issued by the electricity distribution operator, subject to a fee of 55 Lei (excluding VAT), within 15 days. The required documents are:

• Standard application form;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Zoning Plan, endorsed by the issuing authority and attached to the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Site Plan;
• Coexistence Study to determine the level of compatibility with the power grid;
• Proof of payment of the fee.

Technical Connection Approval

The Technical Connection Approval is issued by the distribution operator within 30 days, against a fee of 42 lei (excluding VAT).

You will need the following documents:

• Standard Application Form;
• Free Mandate;
• Copy of the Site Location Approval / single agreement;
• Solution Study for connection to the electricity network (if elaborated);
• Technical and energy data of the consumption site;
• Copy of the Urbanism Certificate;
• Copy of the Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Copy of the zonal urban plan;
• Building Permit for the objective;
• Copy of the identity document;
• Copy of the property deed;

Building Permit

The fee for obtaining the Building Permit is 0.5% (individuals) and 1% (legal entities) of the investment value. It is issued by the local town hall within 30 days and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

The required documents are as follows:

• Standard Application Form;
• Certified copy of the property deed;
• Self-declaration stating that there are no disputes regarding the property;
• Copy of the urban planning certificate;
• Copy of the updated cadastral plan extract;
• Copy of the updated land book extract;
• Approvals and agreements specified in the urban planning certificate;
• Technical documentation for obtaining the Building Permit;
• Contract with a waste disposal company for the transport of construction waste;
• Proof of payment for the fee.

The following two documents are only required if you wish to become a prosumer (injecting surplus energy produced by you into the centralized energy system).

Electricity production license and accreditation

Issued within 60 days and 30 days respectively, both documents are issued by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE).

Connection Certificate

The Connection Certificate is issued free of charge, within 30 days, issued by the electricity distribution operator

Wind is caused by 3 factors: uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, irregularities on the earth’s surface, and the sun’s rotation. That is why wind is considered a form of solar energy.

Air currents change depending on the landforms, water bodies and existing vegetation. Captured by wind turbines, these air currents can generate electricity.

Wind farms

According to the latest statistics, the number of wind farms, on land or on water, increases annually by more than 35%.

Wind farms are a reliable source of renewable energy that does not require the consumption of natural resources and does not pollute the environment. Wind turbines are installed at an average height of 30 meters where the wind is stronger so that they can capture more wind energy.

On average, a minimum wind speed of 4-5 m/s (14-18 km/h) is needed for wind turbines to operate, while maximum power is produced at a wind speed of 15 m /s (54 km/h). If the wind speed exceeds 25 m/s (90 km/h), the wind turbines cannot operate and are stopped. Therefore, a wind turbine produces electricity 70-85% of the time.

Water wind farms are installed at depths of 100-200 m, anchored to the seabed, their wind turbines being floating.

The advantages of Wind Energy

1. Air currents are an inexhaustible source of energy.
2. Wind energy contributes to the national security of the producing state, reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
3. Wind farms can represent an additional income for traditional farm owners. Agricultural land can be leased for the installation of these parks, the main agricultural activity not being affected.
4. As already mentioned, solar energy does not pollute the environment and does not produce toxic gases.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy

1. Wind turbines pose a danger to wildlife. Birds can be hit or even killed if they get close to them.
2. Since the efficiency of turbines depends on the strength of the wind, wind energy can only be captured in areas with sufficiently strong winds throughout the year.
3. The noise produced by windmills can be disturbing to nearby residential areas.
4. In order to be installed, wind farms require extensive areas.

Romanians are more and more careful when it comes to monthly expenses, especially household expenses, the electricity bill being one of them.

We all want to pay as little as possible for the electricity used in the previous month, and sometimes we make drastic decisions that don’t always bring the desired result. That’s because we don’t know exactly who are the big consumers of electricity in our house.

Following a market study, which meant calculating the household energy consumption of over 100 Romanians, we discovered who are the 5 biggest consumers of electricity in almost every home.

You too can reduce your electricity consumption if you watch how much you use these 5 big consumers. Also, if you are thinking of investing in a photovoltaic panel system, it will help you a lot to know these 5 consumers in order to correctly choose the type of panels, but also their number.

1. Home Heating System

Heating systems (radiators, electric convectors, air heaters) consume approximately 31% of the total electricity consumption in a home.

One of the common causes of high energy consumption is heat loss, usually caused by:

• Lack of insulation or superficial insulation;
• Improperly fixed windows showing cracks or gaps.

2. Boiler

Boilers or other water heating systems consume up to 13% of the total energy required for a home.

Of course, the first and simplest advice we can give you would be to try to reduce the consumption of hot water, or at least the frequency, throughout the day.

Another effective solution is to install a boiler without a storage tank. It heats water only when needed, instead of continuously accumulating a reserve of water to heat.

The most sustainable solution in this regard, however, is an investment in a thermal panel system.

3. Home Cooling System

A cooling system consumes about 10% of the total electricity consumption, especially during the summer.

As with heating systems, poor home insulation leads to cold air loss. In addition to revising the insulation, we also recommend purchasing a more modern and efficient air cooling system.

4. The refrigerator

Being in operation all the time, refrigerators consume up to 4% of the total electricity used in a home.

If you haven’t done it yet, we recommend purchasing a refrigerator with a higher energy class: A, A+, A++ or A+++. In addition to lower energy consumption, such a refrigerator will also allow you to set an optimal temperature between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius.

5. The TV

Televisions, together with other entertainment gadgets (laptop, PC, smartphone) are on the 5th place in the list of the biggest consumers of electricity.

To reduce the energy consumption of these appliances always make sure to turn them off when not in use. Attention, in stand-by mode, the device continues to consume electricity!

Conclusion

Now you know who are the biggest consumers of electricity in your home. Analyze each one separately and keep in mind the tips mentioned above!

The energy sent by the sun to our planet is divided into two categories: light and heat.

While photovoltaic panels facilitate the transformation of light into electrical energy, solar thermal panels use the heat from the sun to produce domestic hot water or for heating purposes.

The electrical energy produced by photovoltaic panels can be used for self-consumption, and the surplus can be used in two ways:

• Stored in accumulators;
• Injected into the network to be used where needed.

How much energy do we get from the sun?

To realize the importance of this energy source, remember the following two aspects:

1. The energy that reaches a roof in a 14-day interval could power a home for a year.
2. Every hour, enough energy arrives on Earth to ensure the consumption of the entire planet for a year.

Currently, only a portion of this solar energy can be converted into electrical energy. However, over time, we will undoubtedly use an increasingly larger portion of this solar energy, producing energy at much lower costs compared to conventional energy and storing it with ease.

Electricity Production: The negative impact on the environment

Currently, electrical energy comes from various sources. The main advantages of renewable energy, compared to energy produced from fossil fuels, finite resources, or other highly polluting sources, are its availability and reduced environmental impact.

In 2017, solar energy accounted for only 2.55% of Romania’s national energy mix. However, the potential is enormous, considering that half of the total 7.5 million households across the country are suitable for installing photovoltaic systems.

In the same year mentioned above, CO2 emissions generated by energy production reached a historical peak of 32.5 gigatons, with energy being the primary global pollutant.

By 2030, the European Union aims to reduce CO2 emissions by around 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in total consumption to 32% (from 20% in 2020).

Impact of Using Photovoltaic Panels:

DURATION	365 days
INSTALLED POWER	3 kW (12 panels)
ENERGY PRODUCED	3.720 kWh/ year
CO2 REDUCTION	2,79 tCO2/ year
EQUIVALENT TREES PLANTED	14/ year

Recovery of Investment in Photovoltaic Panels

Due to their increasingly widespread use, the price of photovoltaic systems has steadily decreased in recent years. Today we meet photovoltaic cells everywhere:

• Garden lighting systems;
• External batteries for mobile phones;
• Boats;
• Trains;
• Airplanes.

Photovoltaic panels are becoming more and more affordable. The high rate of their promotion, the increasingly extensive research in the field and the fact that most states have or are planning subsidy policies for these systems are some of the factors that contribute to easy access to this technology.

In general, the investment in a photovoltaic panel system is recouped in about 7 years through lower electricity bills and increased property value. Also, the lifespan of the panels is at least 25 years.

Considering that more and more Romanians are interested in purchasing electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, this article will provide detailed information about an electric charging station.

There are still many misconceptions among the population regarding electric cars, including how and where they can be charged.

What is the difference between an electric car and a plug-in hybrid car?

Before discussing charging stations, it is crucial to understand the difference between an electric car and a plug-in hybrid car.

While an electric vehicle is powered 100% by an electric motor, a plug-in hybrid vehicle has two motors: one electric and one conventional gasoline-powered.

The electric motor can be recharged from an external source or while driving, through a generator that takes energy from the conventional engine.

Electric Charging Stations

Electric charging stations usually have between 2 and 5 charging points. You can find them in the parking lots of large shopping centers, such as Dedeman, Ikea, malls, Lidl, Kaufland, and others.

Like any market, the number of these charging stations will increase in the future based on the number of users. The more electric and plug-in hybrid car owners there are, the greater the number of stations will be.

On average, electric car owners travel around 30 km daily in Europe. As a result, they can charge their cars at home without the need to use other stations throughout the day. These stations are generally required for longer distances of 300+ km.

Charging Time for an Electric Car

The charging time for an electric car depends on two factors: the power of the charging station (kW) and the battery’s capacity to store this energy.

In general, charging stations fall into 4 types:

1. Slow Charging stations have a power of approximately 3 kW. On average, a full charge at such a station from 0 can take up to 8 hours.
2. Fast Charging stations have a power between 7-22 kW and are the most common. A full charge takes about 3-4 hours.
3. Rapid Charging stations have a power of 43-50 kW, and not all cars are compatible with them. Such a station can charge a battery from 0 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. It should be noted that this type of stations is rarely found in Romania.
4. Ultra-rapid charging stations are relatively rare at the European level, with a power of 100-350 kW.

When purchasing an electric car it is very important to look at the capacity of the battery. For example, only high-end electric cars are compatible for Rapid Charging stations, such as the Tesla Model S or the Kia Soul EV.

Use of charging stations. Etiquette rules.

There are some common sense rules when using a shared charging station:

• Be sure to release the station if the battery has charged. Other drivers may also need it.
• An unwritten rule says that a plug-in hybrid car driver should give priority to an electric car driver. This is because the plug-in hybrid car can be powered by the classic (thermal) engine in case of emergency.
• Never disconnect someone else’s car from the station.

We hear and read about electric vehicles every day, which is normal, as it is the latest global trend in the automotive industry. Most manufacturers are developing future strategies to commit to producing only such “green” cars, but this is likely to happen after 2035.

Until a few years ago, the range of electric vehicles was the main reason why most buyers avoided them. However, zero-emission vehicles are gaining popularity over traditional combustion engine cars precisely because major manufacturers have found innovative solutions that provide a greater range.

Top 5 electric cars according to range

How comfortable are you when it comes to the range of an electric vehicle? 200, 300, 400 kilometers? Technology has advanced, and electric vehicles now offer increasingly better range. There are many such cars available in Romania.

Below, we will show you the top 5 electric cars on the market with the longest range.

Mercedes EQS 450+

Range: 785 km

Power: 385 kW (523 HP)

Consumption: 19.8 – 15.6 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 31 minutes

Price: starting from €113,000

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles have one, while 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions have two propulsion systems. The high-voltage battery is located between the front and rear axles on the vehicle floor.

The Mercedes EQS models are the first to benefit from the newly developed EVA2 platform structure. The electric powertrain eATS consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a two-speed transmission, and the electronic power system. Depending on the power stage, one of the eATS operates on the rear or front axle.

The battery is situated in a secure area on the car’s body floor, between the front and rear axles.

Mercedes EQS 580 4matic

Range: 676 km

Power: 385 kW (523 HP)

Consumption: 18.4 – 21.1 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 32 minutes

Price: starting from €140,000

The technology of the EQS 580 4matic model is similar to that of the EQS 450+. One of the differences between the two models worth mentioning is that the EQS 580 4matic has all-wheel drive.

Tesla Model S

Range: 652 km

Power: 500 kW (670 HP)

Consumption: 18.1 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 30 minutes

Price: starting from €97,000

The Model S features the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive technology, which provides greater range compared to any other Tesla vehicle. This technology combines the performance of the drivetrain and battery for unmatched range and efficiency.

BMW iX xDrive 50

Range: 598 km

Power: 385 kW (520 HP)

Consumption: 19.8 – 23 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 37 minutes

Price: starting from €98,000

The BMW iX is an electric car with exceptional range and remarkable acceleration from a standstill, thanks to the BMW eDrive technology (pure electric propulsion with all-wheel drive).

Ford Mustang MACH-E

Range: 580 km

Power: 261 kW (351 HP)

Consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 35-40 minutes

Price: starting from €52,000

The Mustang MACH-E is the first electric SUV from Ford, equipped with a 351 HP engine, managing to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The battery with a capacity of 98.7 kWh helps the MACH-E run up to 580 km on a single charge and reach a top speed of 180 km/h.