Solar energy

Application of solar energy in the household

Application of solar energy in the household

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Solar energy is the energy that is obtained from the Sun. It is an abundant and renewable source of energy. Since ancient times, solar energy has been used in various ways. Nowadays, due to concerns about global warming, climate change and the constant rise in energy prices, new ways are emerging and new technologies are being developed to use this energy in the best possible way.

Passive utilization of solar energy

Solar energy

Passive utilization of solar energy involves not using any mechanical or electrical devices, but using solar energy in a passive way, for example, the orientation of the house towards the south. The system for passive solar energy recovery most often relies on south-oriented windows that act like a collector and collect solar energy. The energy collected is distributed according to the basic laws of thermodynamics, which say that heat passes from warm to cold surfaces and spaces.

Active use of solar energy

Active solar energy utilization systems use additional devices and additional energy sources for starting the fan, pumps or other equipment necessary for solar energy to collect, preserve and convert to heat or electricity. When solar energy is absorbed, that energy is stored so it can be used later. Smaller solar systems can supply households with electricity and hot water, while larger solar systems can be used to supply electricity and hot water to entire cities.

Active systems are much more complex in the way of functioning is from passive ones, but their installation and application are simple and highly reliable. Solar panels and solar collectors are used in active solar systems. Solar panels are used to produce electricity and solar collectors for water heating.

By combining solar panels, solar collectors, and other equipment we get solar systems. There are several types of solar systems: stand-alone photovoltaic systems, network-connected photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, hybrid solar systems. Solar power plants are also a type of solar system but are not intended for household use but for the sale of electricity produced.

Solar photovoltaic systems

They are used to produce electricity when it is necessary to provide complete autonomy and independence. They consist of solar panels, voltage controllers, solar batteries, inverters, and accessories. They are ideal for distant objects such as cottages, boats, watering systems and the like.

Network-connected photovoltaic systems

They are used for electricity generation but are also connected to the electricity distribution network. For their installation, it is necessary that the building is connected to the mains power supply network. They are mainly used to reduce the electricity bill. They consist of solar panels, network inverters, and accessories.

Solar thermal systems

They are used for domestic hot water heating, household heating, pool heating … They consist of a solar collector, solar water heater, solar controller, circulation pump and related equipment.

Hybrid solar systems

They are combined systems for electricity production and water heating. In practice, there are actually two independent systems, one solar thermal for water heating and another standalone photovoltaic system or a network-connected photovoltaic system for producing electricity.

How do solar panels work

How do solar panels work

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Solar panels are used to generate electricity from solar radiation. Many people mix solar panels and solar collectors designed to generate heat from solar radiation. Solar panels collect solar radiation and convert it into electricity. They are able to exploit only a part of solar radiation and convert it into electricity.

The efficiency of solar panels is only significant if the object is limited by the roof or another surface where the solar panels are installed so it is necessary to extract as much energy as possible with as little surface as possible, if there is enough room for the installation of more solar panels, efficiency is not so important. For example, a 250W solar panel with an efficiency of 20 percent will be physically smaller than a 250W panel with a 15 percent efficiency but will produce the same amount of electricity.

Weather conditions

The extent to which solar panels produce electricity will have the greatest impact on weather conditions. Tropical climates are ideal for solar panels, and they will produce more electricity when exposed to direct sunlight than when it’s cloudy. However, solar panels can be used in all climate zones. Solar panels require direct sunlight when it’s more exposed to direct sunlight, more electricity it will produce.

Another important thing in determining how many solar panels will produce electricity is the length of the day. For example, summers are much longer than in winter. This is actually the main reason why solar panels in winter generate less electricity than in summer, although it’s a common misconception that this is due to heat. Solar panels do not work on heat but solely on solar radiation.

Solar panels on building

An orientation of solar panels

Ideally, the solar panels should be placed on the south side. On this side, the sun’s light is the longest during the day. If they are located east or west, the utilization is almost twice as low as in the south.

What does it mean when we say that the solar panel has a 250W?

Each solar panel has its maximum power which indicates how much power (W) will produce in ideal conditions. This is called maximum power. The amount of sunlight is different and of course, it varies depending on the period of the day, the season, the weather conditions. For these reasons, solar panels give output power which is less than the maximum output power.

How to choose the right type of solar system for your home

How to choose the right type of solar system for your home

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There is a whole set of things to account for in order to determine the final price, say the type of solar system, then the position and distance of the object, the type of roof, the need for the grid and construction…

If we assume that we determined how much electricity is spent in the house, it is still necessary to select a type of solar system. Solar panels are used for the production of electricity, which can be connected to a stand-alone system or a network-connected system. The prices of stand-alone systems are higher because these systems use solar batteries to store energy.

The difference between these two systems is that the autonomous systems are completely independent and have absolutely nothing to do with the distribution, while the network systems connect to the electricity distribution network and use it to “store” energy. Therefore, for the installation and operation of a network-connected system, you need to be connected to the power distribution network, and you will continue to receive an electricity bill, only that it will be reduced because you will use solar panels for some or for all of your needs.

But which one is for you?

Now you’re probably wondering which system is right for you? If you are already connected to a power distribution network then your network connected solar system is certainly more profitable, if you are not connected to the electricity distribution network then you should consider installing a standalone system. Also important is the amount for which you want to reduce your electricity bill, so you have an option to reduce the part of the account, or to reduce all of it. You can also start with a smaller system and later expand it. The final price depends on your wishes, but if you are not sure, it may be the best to first reduce your monthly bill to a half.

Solar System

Installation of a solar system

This includes the costs of the assembly itself which is individual for each object and can not be counted as fixed. So the distance of the object on which the solar system will be set determines how much the cost, in the end, will be. The type and orientation of the roof on the building depend on which construction or possible sub construction for solar panels will be used and, of course, the price depends on it. The cost of the installation itself is not large and is usually fixed. But all the other factors are specific for each household and should be negotiated directly with a company you will hire to help you install your solar system.