Do you want to switch to clean energy but don’t know how to get started? It’s not as complicated as it seems, as there are currently a whole world of options to take this first step; the easiest way to start is by purchasing a portable solar panel .
What do I need to know to choose a solar panel?
To determine which solar panel to choose according to your needs, you need to know how much energy will be required from the solar panel, the factors that influence its performance, and the advantages and disadvantages they present.
How to determine how much power is needed and which solar panel to choose accordingly?
To determine this number, a simple calculation is all it takes, and the information you need is readily available. You just need to know how much power each device or appliance you want to power requires. This information can be found on the device itself or in its specifications. Once you have the power ratings, you add them together to obtain the result, which is multiplied by the number of hours it will be connected.
It is important to consider whether you want to use this energy to power high or low energy consumption appliances or devices; it is advisable to purchase a solar panel with a higher power than necessary if you plan to connect multiple high energy consumption appliances at the same time.
Types of solar panels and how to choose them
To know which solar panels to choose for your home and your needs, it is essential to know what options are available. There are three types of photovoltaic solar panels, and each one offers a different performance.
· Monocrystalline
They are highly efficient and performant, but their price is high due to their high manufacturing and production costs. Their ability to offer between 17% and 20% performance is what distinguishes them from other types of solar panels.
· Polycrystalline
They are cheaper than the previous ones, due to their low manufacturing cost; and due to the material used, their performance is lower, between 11% and 15%.
· Silicon or thin film
These panels offer a performance of 6% to 10%; given their low performance, their cost is not high, making them ideal for large-scale use.
Factors that influence the performance of solar panels
There are several factors that can affect the functioning of solar panels; it does not only depend on the type of solar panel used, but also on other factors.
- Shadows: Natural shadows caused by clouds are a factor that we cannot control. It is also essential to take artificial shadows into account, since we do have control over them and they also influence performance.
- Positioning: The orientation and angle at which they are positioned are calculated by professionals and must be exact. Otherwise, their solar energy absorption capacity may not be fully utilized.
- Maintenance: It is important to mention that when solar panels are on a roof or in outdoor spaces they are exposed to dust, wind and leaves that can obstruct the passage of sunlight.
- Temperatures: Solar panels reduce their performance when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. This is why it is recommended to use them in warm environments, trying to avoid exceeding this temperature.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels
The advantages offered by solar panels that can help you choose a solar panel are:
- Renewable: Energy comes from an endless source, in this case the sun, which is everywhere most of the time.
- It does not generate harmful waste and is silent: Solar panels do not generate toxic waste or produce noise pollution for the environment.
- Reduces electricity costs: Since the energy comes from a source such as the sun, it does not present any costs. It also does not require constant maintenance since they are designed to withstand environmental factors.
- Future investment: A home with solar panels adds value to the property, since it offers a long-term benefit to the buyer, who did not invest to acquire or install the solar panels. At the same time, it provides a long-term benefit due to its useful life, which ranges between 25 and 30 years.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of using solar panels are not zero, as we can see:
- Initial purchase and installation cost: Its production cost is high, and therefore its selling price is also high. Its installation also entails another cost, since it must be carried out by professional technicians.
- Inconsistent sunlight: Sunlight is present on most days. However, there may be cloudy days, and this will affect the percentage of absorption that the solar panel can achieve.
- They require large, open spaces: Since they require sunlight to operate, large spaces are needed for their installation, so it is common to do so in spaces exposed to the open air.
Applications of solar panels indoors and outdoors
A solar panel has multiple advantages inside and outside the home. It can be either fixed or portable, and has the versatility of being used as an occasional or primary power source in the home.
- Indoor: The energy generated by a solar panel is capable of powering an entire home, either to use it as a primary energy source or to have it as an emergency backup in the event of a power outage.
- Outdoors: Their outdoor use is quite common and is not limited to the roofs of homes. They can also be used to power electric fences, outdoor lighting or to operate machinery on a farm. In the case of portable solar panels, the energy can be used in situations of constant movement such as camper trips, excursions or camping. I would like to recommend Renogy UK where you can find every type of solar panel and high quality solar panels.
