Leroy Merlin begins sale of PV modules in Spain via website

From pv magazine Spain.

French DIY and gardening retailer Leroy Merlin has made its entry into the renewable energy market by stocking solar panels for self-consumption as well as aerothermal solutions which capture heat from the air.

“In line with the new regulation of self-consumption that puts an end to the so-called sun tax, Leroy Merlin decides to bet on renewable energy for the home,” the company said.

The retailer’s press office told pv magazine solar panels are already available for sale through its website and modules will be on sale in stores in the coming months.

The group’s renewable energy solutions range includes biomass, aerothermal and solar thermal as well as PV solar packages for residential self-consumption that are connected to the grid using complete systems – including panels, an inverter and mounting structures. The store also stocks kits and components for standalone systems.

Batteries are also sold and some of the storage systems on offer have already sold out. A dedicated webpage offers suggested solutions based on the monthly amount of a consumer’s electricity bill, size of home and household location.

Leroy Merlin has jumped the gun on Swedish homewares titan Ikea by selling solar modules in Spain. The flat-pack furniture giant began selling modules in Italy and Germany in recent weeks and also sells residential PV systems in Belgium, the U.K., Poland, the Netherlands and Switzerland.