Solar Photovoltaic Panel: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Residential photovoltaic power generation systems have been booming, driven by the current energy crisis in the world, and solar photovoltaic panel are the most important part of it.

Solar energy is a type of renewable, clean and sustainable energy that is ideal for energy saving and energy efficiency. Here we will tell you about solar panels, also known as solar panels.

Solar panels

Initially, it is important to know, in general terms, what a solar panel is and its basic principles.

Basically, they are components that produce electricity from the sunlight that falls on their surface, making them an inexhaustible and very safe source of energy, characterized by their energy efficiency.

It is important to highlight that the maintenance of residential solar panels, although it is simple, must be done periodically every 6 months and it only consists of cleaning and washing them.

At this point we suggest you read the article called How to Use Solar Panels at Home: Installation and Tips. Part 2. In the case of commercial solar panels, this maintenance must be done more frequently.

Main parameters to consider when buying solar panels

It is important that you take into account the main factors that will influence your selection to buy solar panels.

Types of solar panels

By this we refer to the technology, the decision to choose one or the other depends on the use and conversion efficiency you require.

In addition to the above, it also depends on your economic capacity to buy the solar panels you may need. Therefore you should choose the one that meets your real needs at the lowest cost and here we tell you how.

It should be clarified that the term «technology» refers to the construction and components of the solar cells that make up the plate. Below we detail the types of solar panels and their characteristics.

However, it is very important that the solar panels you buy are of quality and recognized brands. For this you should buy them in stores specialized in solar systems and their components, preferably in sites authorized by the manufacturers themselves, since this also influences their energy efficiency.

Solar panel with monocrystalline silicon technology

This type of solar panel is characterized by an energy conversion rate ranging from 20 to 22%, which makes it very energy efficient and very durable in photovoltaic systems.

They are used in demanding applications that require high energy efficiency due to space limitations or solar irradiation intensity. Their disadvantage is that their price is high, which makes the photovoltaic system as a whole more expensive.

Solar panel with polycrystalline silicon technology

The polycrystalline silicon type of solar panel has a lower conversion rate than the previous one, ranging from 15 to 17%. However, they are also more economical.

Despite the above, they are preferred for use in commercial and residential solar installations.

Thin film technology solar panel

These are the least efficient solar panels, as their conversion rate varies between 7 and 10%. They are flexible but less durable than conventional ones.

Another disadvantage is that to produce the same energy as conventional solar panels, they generally require more elements and more space.

But, as you might guess, they are the cheapest. They are ideal for the construction of a low-cost solar energy system for homes located in areas with intense solar radiation during most of the year.

Cost of solar panels

Obviously, this is a key factor when purchasing solar panels for a photovoltaic system.

The higher the quality in terms of efficiency and durability, the higher the cost, but also the higher the energy savings.

The price of solar panels is given by power, so that you can estimate the price of the solar panel you need, we will give you the cost per 1 W according to the technology.

• Monocrystalline silicon, between 0.40 and 0.70 $ / W
• Polycrystalline silicon, between 0.35 and 0.50 $ / W
• Thin film, between $0.20 and $0.40 / W

In the Table of Panel Dimensions according to Power, we provide you with the most frequent power ratings for solar panels.

However, the investment you make will be recovered in a short time, with the savings in electricity billing.

In the following graph we present the result of a study that estimates the difference in electricity consumption, with and without using a photovoltaic system.

Dimensions of solar panels

Although this parameter is not explicitly part of this post, it is too important to omit, so here goes.

The power supplied by the solar panel depends on the number of cells, their size and the dimensions of the solar panel itself, the latter is one of the determining factors for installing solar panels.

In the table below, you can see the most common commercial power and maximum dimensions of solar panels.

The fundamental thing about this information is that it allows you to determine if you have the space to install the amount of solar panels you need.

We reiterate that installing a solar energy system in your home is the best decision you can make because it produces renewable and inexhaustible energy.

It is noteworthy that for the installation of the same, you must select a company that has the knowledge and the necessary logistics.

Additionally, you will not only benefit economically with photovoltaic technology, but you will also do your bit for the conservation of the planet by the use of green energy and the energy savings it implies.

We invite you to read our post the photovoltaic energy system for the home, which we are preparing for you to have a broader view of photovoltaic systems.

We are sure you will find its content as great as this one. What did you think of this article? Tell us in the comments and be sure to visit our website energydcac where the best information on solar energy systems awaits you.

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