In this guide, we will provide you with the essential information you need to know when purchasing a solar system for your home or business.
You'll learn how solar energy works, the types of solar panels available and the factors to consider when choosing a solar panel.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is energy produced by the sun that can be captured and used to generate electricity or heat.
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy.
They contain photovoltaic cells, which use light to create a direct current (DC). That's the same type of electricity that a battery puts out, whereas your standard mains electricity is alternating current (AC).
The DC generated by the solar panels is stored in high-capacity rechargeable batteries and then converted to AC through an inverter when it is needed.
This stored electricity can then be used to power lights, appliances and other electrical devices in your home or business.
The system requires a charge controller, inverter, battery, and the panels themselves to create a setup that can produce and store energy to use around the clock.
Types of Solar Panels
Before you begin the journey into having solar panels fitted to your property, it's important to understand the types available.
There are three solar panel types. They vary in cost, as well as size and efficiency.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These panels are made from a single silicon crystal and are highly efficient, converting around 15-20% of the light that hits them into electricity.
They are the most expensive solar panels but the best choice for areas with limited space.
Monocrystalline solar panels cost around £250 to £400 per panel and have a life expectancy of 30-50 years.
They typically recover their costs in energy bill savings after around 8-9 years.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
These panels are made with multiple silicon crystals and are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels.
However, they are more affordable and work well in sunny regions.
Polycrystalline solar panels cost around £225-£250 per panel and have a life expectancy of 25-35 years.
Their efficiency stands at around 12-16%, and a polycrystalline system should pay itself back in about 12-15 years.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
These panels are the cheapest and least efficient type of solar panel.
They are made by depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a surface, making them flexible and easy to install.
However, they require more space than other types of solar panels to provide the same amount of electricity.
Their set-up costs are similar to polycrystalline solar panels, at around £200 to £250, but their appeal is that thin film panels are aesthetically pleasing.
In particularly sunny areas, you can recover costs in about 15 years, but the thin film has a significantly shorter life span than the other panel types and may last only 10-20 years.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Panel
There are a number of factors you should take into account when choosing a solar panel for your home or business. These are:
Efficiency
Solar panels with higher efficiency will convert more sunlight into electricity. This means you'll need less space and can generate more electricity with fewer panels.
Cost
The cost of solar panels varies, so it's essential to consider your budget. While more expensive panels may be more efficient, it's crucial to ensure that the investment is worth it in terms of long-term savings.
Quality
Ensure that your solar panel is made from high-quality materials that will last for years. Check for warranties and customer reviews when selecting a solar panel.
Watts-per-hour
Ultimately, what will decide if a solar system is suitable for your location is how much energy you can produce compared to your energy needs.
Installation
This will be the easiest decision for you - Installing solar panels is complex, so hiring a professional installer is best unless you are a qualified electrician.
Ensure that the installer is certified and experienced with solar panel installation.
Adding a solar panel for home or office use is an investment, and so it is important to ensure this is done correctly to maximise the efficiency and reliability of the system.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now better understand the types of solar panels, factors to consider when choosing a solar panel, and how to install them.
Make informed decisions when shopping for solar panels by identifying the type best suited for your specific needs, budget, and location.