Modern homeowners often consider the energy independence of their home. And in the first place today are renewable energy sources, in particular, solar panels. Let’s talk about how to choose a solar power plant for your private home.
The use of solar panels for lighting a private house has many undeniable advantages:
- You use clean energy, do not harm the environment. Environmentalists will definitely approve of such a choice;
- Durability. The standard warranty period for solar panels is 10 years. In this case, in fact, as experts emphasize, they can work for about 30 years;
- Saving on electricity bills, you will get it for free, thanks to the Sun. Investments in solar power plants pay off quickly enough;
- There is no need to be afraid of turning off the central power supply in case of an emergency, you do not depend on suppliers;
- There is no noise, dust, exhaust, in contrast to the use of gas generators;
- In operation, solar panels are very simple, the main thing is to carry out the installation correctly;
- The panels weigh relatively little, if hung on a wall or installed on a roof, they do not take up space at all;
- No rotating, moving parts to replace;
- No installation permits are needed, unlike large wind turbines. It’s a legal way to generate your own electricity.
There are of course some downsides. For example, the efficiency of modern solar panels is still low – about 22%. In addition, many homeowners are deterred by the investment required in the first phase. However, now there are domestic solar panels, which are more affordable..
In addition, we repeat, such a “green” power plant will pay off in 5, maximum – 10 years, depending on the capacity. Payback can be accelerated by selling surplus electricity to the state. However, in our country this practice is still not widespread, despite the government’s measures aimed at stimulating the development of renewable energy.
Solar panels are divided into the following main types:
- Amorphous. They are made by sputtering silicon and impurities under vacuum conditions. Very low efficiency – up to 7% – and a short service life – about three years – make this type of panels unpopular, although they can work even in fog and rain;
- Monocrystalline. They have high efficiency – up to 23.5%. The main difference between silicon monocrystalline panels is that all of their light-sensitive cells are constantly directed in one direction. This increases the efficiency, but the panel must always be directed towards the Sun, otherwise the generation of electricity is noticeably reduced;
- Polycrystalline. They are also created on the basis of silicon crystals, but the photosensitive cells are directed in different directions. The efficiency is lower – 18%, maximum – 20%, but they can work in cloudy weather, when there is no direct sunlight;
- Hybrid. Combine monocrystals and amorphous silicon, which makes them similar in characteristics to polycrystalline solar panels;
- Thin-film, made of polymer film. Modern, they work even with strong shading, but in everyday life they are not used so often due to the low efficiency – up to 7%. Although the price is attractive.
1 – monocrystalline solar panel; 2 – polycrystalline solar panel
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are most popular among owners of private houses. Let’s look at their differences and find out which is better:
Monocrystalline Polycrystalline Are more expensive Are cheaper Higher efficiency – up to 23.5% Efficiency is lower – up to 18-20% They work effectively exclusively in direct sunlight, otherwise the efficiency drops sharply Continue to work even on cloudy days Less space required due to higher efficiency The stated service life is the same According to statistics, the majority of private home owners prefer polycrystalline solar panels due to their lower cost and the ability to continue working without direct sunlight. Monocrystalline, according to experts, are suitable for southern regions where there are more sunny days.
The set of a solar power plant includes as standard: the solar panel itself, a controller, an inverter, cables and connectors, fasteners, detailed instructions, batteries.
Important! If the solar panel itself lasts about 30 years, then storage batteries (accumulators) – up to 12 years. So be prepared for the fact that during the life of the power plant you will have to change the batteries at least twice. Remember that batteries allow you to use the accumulated solar energy on cloudy days and at night..
The cost of solar panels directly depends on their capacity. For example, a polycrystalline panel with a capacity of 0.35 kWh per day costs about 13 thousand rubles, and with a capacity of 1 kWh – 35 thousand rubles.
Important! Buy solar panels only from leading manufacturers and specialized stores! Be sure to consult with experts to make the right choice for sure..
You will have to pay for the installation separately – up to 15 thousand rubles.
How many solar panels are needed for a private house is a difficult question. It depends on how you are going to use it, depending on your needs. If only in case of a centralized power supply cutoff, then one 1 kWh panel is enough to charge gadgets, ensure the operation of the heating system circulation pump and turn on the TV.
In order to completely switch to solar energy, and even more so to sell its surplus, experts believe, panels with a total capacity of at least 5-7 kWh per day will be required – this, of course, without electric heating. Experts advise to take with a margin, because the day can be cloudy.
What are the different options available for residential solar panels? Can you provide more information on the benefits and advantages of installing solar panels at home?