You may not know how to choose solar panels for your home buy we can help you to know more.
The sun is a limitless energy source and will be so for billions of years more. The sun disperses over 173,000 TeraWatts ( trillions of watts ) of solar energy every single second, over 10,000 times the total energy used on earth in a year. The best part is this energy is entirely renewable and does not produce any waste.
However, we can only harness a tiny fraction of that solar energy. If we could harness it all, there would never be any energy shortages anywhere on earth, ever.
Currently, we use fossil fuels, hydrothermal, geothermal, wind and solar energy to produce electricity. Out of these, solar energy is the most valuable and safe energy source as it makes no greenhouse emissions, so it is perfect for the environment.
Solar panels have become increasingly popular in recent years, and people have shifted to using solar energy to power their homes, cars, and other utensils. The question arises of how and which type of solar panels you should install in your home.
Before choosing any solar panel, it should be kept in mind that a solar panel is a long term investment. The initial cost to install the panels might be high, but it will greatly reward you in the long run.
How Does a Solar Panel Work?
Let’s develop a basic understanding of how a solar panel works, you do not need to know every detail, but a basic understanding might help you in your buying decision.
Solar panels consist of solar cells which turn solar power into electricity; the electricity generated is DC (Direct Current) which is then turned into AC (Alternating Current) via inverters to use in homes.
Sandwiching two layers makes a solar panel on silicon crystals on top of one another. The top layer is an N-type from which electrons exit when sunlight falls on them and pass to the lower P-type crystal, receiving the electrons.
How to Choose Solar Panels for Home? – Suggestions
1. Optimum Placement
The direction in which solar panels are installed is significant. Since India comes in the northern hemisphere, the south direction is optimal for placing solar panels.
2. Tilt
The solar power output depends a lot on the tilt and orientation of the solar panel; The sun rays need to hit perpendicular at 90 degrees on the solar panel to maximise the output. The angle and orientation of the panels can vary in different seasons as the sun’s direction changes accordingly.
3. Efficiency
If you have limited space for solar panels, efficiency plays a significant role in choosing the best solar panels suited to your needs. If a solar panel has an efficiency of 14 % with an area of 1.5 square meters, the total energy falling on this solar panel would be 1000W/m^2.
Hence, the solar panel can produce 1000*1.5*14% = 210 W
If you have a small area, choosing solar panels with better efficiency would be crucial to producing optimum amounts of electricity.
4. Ambient Temperature & Temperature Coefficient
The ambient temperature around the solar panels also affects their output. Hot weather can lead to an increase in the temperature of the solar cells resulting in reduced output. In contrast, solar panels tend to function much more effectively in colder temperatures.
Temperature coefficient refers to the reduction in the efficiency of a solar panel with the increase in temperature as high temperatures lead solar panels to deteriorate much more quickly than colder temperatures.
Types of Solar Panels
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels on the market. They are usually black. They are made of a single crystal silicon, sporting uniform lattices. The uniform lattice helps it absorb more solar energy and requires less space as they are highly efficient, even in warmer weather.
However, these panels can be pretty costly compared to the other options.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are dark blue, and their manufacturing process is very cumbersome. Since they do not have a homogenous distribution of lattices, they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels and require more area to function optimally.
- Thin Film Panels
These are the cheapest and least durable solar panels available on the market. They do not use silicon wafers but use a semiconductor material deposited on a ceramic block. Being the least efficient out of the three, these panels require the most area.
Reasons to Buy Solar Panels
- Protects Environment
Solar electricity is self-sufficient, and putting solar power system is a simple and cost-effective way to lead to a sustainable environment. There is nothing about solar electricity that pollutes the environment. Starting with your own house is an excellent way to demonstrate your concern for the environment.
- Independent Supply of Electricity
Solar energy has become significantly less expensive in recent years. Traditional power is primarily reliant on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, both of which are detrimental for the planet and have finite resources. You may simply safeguard yourself against unanticipated spikes in utility rates by putting in a some kilowatts solar system. Solar battery storage devices can also be used to store power for use at night or on rainy days.
- Continuous Supply of Electricity
Given the short distance, rooftop solar power can assist increase electricity efficiency. Your energy becomes domestic, and you get control over your own expenses and energy use. Furthermore, because solar power systems are long-lasting, the likelihood of service interruption is decreased.
- Free Electricity
Solar technology is gaining favour, and we can begin by expanding our usage of solar panels. Your solar power system will begin saving money the instant it is turned on, but the benefits will be most apparent in the long run. Aside from solar power, solar energy may also be used for heating.
- Use of Free or Unused Places
With the growing need for solar energy, it has become more readily available to the majority of us. There are enormous areas of land throughout countries that are far from major towns or centers that are not utilised for anything. We can absolutely make use of another property and earn significant value by using solar electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can you maintain solar panels?
You must use clean water to remove all the dust and dirt along with scrubber to rinse away the dirt. You can also use a cleaner spray and wash away the dust at regular intervals.
2. Which are the most efficient solar panels?
Shark solar panels are considered to be the most efficient solar panels across the globe having an efficiency of nearly 22% in India.
You can look into this article for some of the best washing machine brands in India which are energy efficient.
Conclusion
As installing solar panel is quite better option rather then being dependent on supply of electricity. There are the some research and important point to clear your question how to choose solar panels for home.