The 12 main questions about photovoltaic panels

If you want to install solar panels, you must have many questions in mind. To make your decision easier, we’ve collected 12 of the most common questions and their answers, all in one place: this article.

1. How do photovoltaic panels work?

Photovoltaic panels they are composed of a set of solar cells. When exposed to sunlight, they generate a direct electric current. This phenomenon is called the photovoltaic effect. It may seem complicated, but just think of these solar cells as small energy production plants that start working as soon as the sun is present.

Solar cells are made, in most cases, of silicon, a semiconducting material. It allows electrons to flow when exposed to light, thus facilitating the production of electricity. However, the energy produced by solar cells is in the form of direct current, which is not compatible with most home devices. This is exactly why you need a device called a solar inverter, which converts this direct current into alternating current, the type of current used by your household appliances.

2. How efficient are photovoltaic panels?

The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel refers to the panel’s ability to convert solar energy into electrical energy. This efficiency is expressed as a percentage and shows how efficiently a panel uses solar energy to produce electricity. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the panel.

The efficiency of photovoltaic panels is influenced by several factors, the most important of which is the type and quality of the solar cells used. Monocrystalline solar cells, for example, are recognized for their higher efficiency than polycrystalline ones. But this comes at a higher cost.

Currently, modern photovoltaic panels have an efficiency that varies between 15% and 22%. This level of efficiency is impressive, especially when you consider that just a few years ago the average efficiency level was less than 10%. [1]

3. What size solar panel system do I need for my home?

Estimating the required size of a solar panel system for your home can be a relatively simple process if you follow a few steps:

1. Find out what your family’s energy consumption is! This can be calculated by looking at your bills, using an online energy calculator or by consulting a professional. It is also important to take into account changes in consumption over the course of the year, as well as the number of people in the household.
2. Take into account the space available for mounting the photovoltaic panels. Factors such as the size and orientation of the roof come into play here, as well as the presence of other objects that may cast shadow, such as nearby trees or buildings. If the roof does not allow the installation of a sufficient number of panels, they can also be mounted on the ground, if space allows.
3. Consider the type of photovoltaic panels you want to install! Different types of panels have different efficiencies, meaning that more panels of a particular type may be needed to meet the same energy demand. However, it should be noted that photovoltaic panel technology is constantly improving, which means that their efficiency is constantly increasing.

For more information, go to how many photovoltaic panels are needed for a house!

4. What is the lifespan of photovoltaic panels?

The average life of a photovoltaic panel is approximately 25-30 years. During this period, the panel will recover its costs and generate green energy, thus helping to protect the environment. [2]

However, it is important to know that although photovoltaic panels continue to work after their standard life, their efficiency decreases. So, even if your photovoltaic panels will continue to produce energy after 25-30 years, they will no longer be as efficient as they were to begin with.

5. What impact do atmospheric conditions have on the performance of photovoltaic panels?

Direct sunlight is the most important condition for optimal panel performance. The stronger the sun’s rays, the more energy the panels produce.

However, although maximum performance is achieved in direct sunlight, photovoltaic panels can generate energy even on cloudy days. Their effectiveness decreases, but does not stop completely: photovoltaic panels can produce up to 25% of the energy on cloudy days. [3]

6. What is the price of a 10 KW photovoltaic system?

As for the price of a 10 kW photovoltaic system, this may vary based on a number of factors. For example, the cost of solar panels, inverter, batteries (if applicable), installation costs and other necessary equipment may influence the final price.

On e-acumulatori.ro you can find excellent offers on photovoltaic systems, and the cost of a 10 kW system starts from 30,000 lei at the time of writing this article.

7. How much do I save with a photovoltaic system?

If you have asked yourself how much you can save with a photovoltaic system, the answer is that it depends on several factors. On average, however, a photovoltaic system can reduce the cost of the electricity bill by 30-70%, depending on the power of the system installed. [4]

Additionally, if your PV system produces more energy than it consumes, you can store this extra energy for later use. This can help you save even more in the long run, especially if grid electricity rates are high.

8. What maintenance do photovoltaic panels require?

Dust, dirt and debris that accumulate on their surfaces can reduce the efficiency of the panels, which is why it is important to keep them clean. A wash with water and a mild detergent should be enough to keep them in tip-top condition. No special cleaning products or sophisticated equipment are needed, just attention and regularity in this activity.

We recommend an annual check of the photovoltaic panels by a specialist. This check may include inspection of system components such as the inverter and cables, as well as evaluation of system performance. Although solar panels are known for their durability, some components can wear out over time and therefore require replacement or repair.

9. What types of photovoltaic panels exist?

There are three of them main types of photovoltaic panels that you can find on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film.

Monocrystalline panels are easily recognizable by their uniform shape and dark color. They are made of a single crystal of silicon, which gives them high efficiency in converting solar energy into electricity. However, this manufacturing process also makes monocrystalline panels the most expensive.

Polycrystalline panels are composed of several silicon crystals. This is a less expensive process, making polycrystalline panels more affordable. However, their efficiency is slightly lower than that of monocrystalline panels.

Thin film panels are the cheapest and easiest to produce. They use a thin layer of semiconductor material, such as cadmium telluride or copper sulfide. Although their efficiency is the lowest, they are highly adaptable and can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including windows or building walls.

10. Is authorization required for the installation of photovoltaic panels?

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your property, you may be wondering if you need a permit to do so. Until mid-2019, the process to obtain such authorization could take approximately 3 months, which could have a significant impact on installation times.

As photovoltaic technology has become more popular and accepted, authorities have taken measures to facilitate the process. In an attempt to encourage more and more people to adopt these green solutions, it has been decided that a building permit is no longer required for the installation of photovoltaic panels. This greatly simplified the process and reduced the time required for installation.

However, there is an important condition that must be respected: the resistant structure of the building must not be affected by the installation of the panels.

11. Can I sell the excess energy produced by photovoltaic panels?

Yes, through the quantitative energy compensation process. This refers to rewarding you, as a prosumer, for the energy you put into the grid by reducing your electricity bill for the energy you supply. In other words, the excess electricity produced appears as a disadvantage on future bills, ensuring a 1:1 compensation between the energy produced and the energy consumed.

This process is regulated by the prosumer law GEO 143/2021 and by the ANRE ordinance 15/23.02.2022. For more concrete information read the article quantitative energy compensation for prosumers: what it means and how to benefit from it!

12. How long does it take to install photovoltaic panels?

The design of the photovoltaic panel system generally takes 30 to 45 days from signing the contract with the installing company. At this stage the necessary calculations are made, the best location for the panels is chosen and the ground for installation is prepared.

By adding the time needed for the design and the actual installation, the total duration of the photovoltaic panel installation process can reach 60-90 days.

If you have asked yourself whether it is worth installing a photovoltaic system, the answer is clear: yes. Furthermore, don’t forget that on the e-acumulatori.ro blog you can find valuable and updated information on photovoltaic systems. Stay updated on the latest news to make the best choice!

source

[1] «What types of solar panels are there? (Mono and polycrystalline explained).» GreenMatch.co.uk, 31 October 2024, www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/11/how-efficient-are-solar-panels. Accessed November 7, 2024.
[2] «How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Solar Panel Lifespan 101.» EnergySage, 2022, www.energysage.com/solar/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/. Accessed November 7, 2024.
[3] empty. “6 Ways to Get More Energy from Solar Panels in Cloudy Regions.” Panasonic.com, November 7, 2023, green-living.na.panasonic.com/articles/6-ways-to-get-more-power-from-solar-panels-in-cloudy-regions. Accessed November 7, 2024.
[4] bluadmin. «What is photovoltaic (PTV)? – Biotech Energia.» Biotech Energia, 30 April 2021, www.biotechenergia.it/cosa-è-il-fotovoltaico-ptv/. Accessed November 7, 2024.