Solar panels have a lot of advantages. This is environmentally friendly energy from an independent renewable source – the Sun. Such devices can work autonomously and help out in hard-to-reach places where there are problems with energy supplies. In the end, solar panels are simply economical, because over time, expensive equipment is compensated by the return and the ability to receive cheap electricity. But in order to realize all these advantages in practice, it is necessary to choose the right solar panels for a house or other object. After all, without having sufficient knowledge of how to choose solar panels, you can purchase an option that is not at all suitable for your case, or you can get too little electricity from a solar panel. Therefore, it is very important not to be too lazy and study the issue in detail – how to choose solar panels, find out all the nuances that you should pay attention to.
Criteria for choosing solar panels
In order to understand how to choose the right solar panels for a house, cottage or other object, you need to clearly formulate the problem that you are going to solve with such an installation. It is important that, in terms of its energy efficiency , the solar battery covers the needs of the facility in generating electricity. Ask yourself if you need a large solar power plant or enough portable solar panels and how to choose them? It is also necessary to take into account the type and location of the object for which you will use solar panels.
When purchasing a solar panel, calculate in advance the rated power of all electrical appliances that are planned to be powered from this energy source, determine the installation location of the panel itself and its allowable overall dimensions.
Consider the following criteria when choosing solar panels.
- Power. This is one of the most important indicators of the efficiency of the solar battery, influencing the choice of a particular device. In this case, it is important to pay attention to such a parameter as the permissible error of the rated power. This value shows how much the actual power value can deviate from the specified values in the device data sheet, which affects the final performance of the panel.
- Panel dimensions. It largely depends on what object needs to be provided with electricity. How to choose solar panels for a summer residence is one question, a completely different question is how to choose solar panels for a home, and if we are talking about an industrial or agricultural facility, this is generally a separate task that needs to be solved with specialists. In any case, the size of the solar battery is directly related to the power of the device – the more power, the larger the size of the solar battery. For example, a 300W panel is much larger than a 100W panel – this must be taken into account. Therefore, when choosing a panel of a certain power, it is important to understand in advance the dimensions of the place where it will be mounted – so that it is enough or there is an opportunity to expand it if necessary.
- Solar panel type . It is also associated with the features of the panel operation and affects its overall dimensions. There are several types of panels: polycrystalline, monocrystalline, thin-film. What to choose depends on where and how you plan to use the solar panel. For example, you need to choose one type of solar panels for a private house, another for enterprises or public facilities.
- Coefficient of performance (COP) or the efficiency of the FEP (photocells). Shows how much solar energy received on the plane of the panel as a whole is then converted into electric current. The efficiency partly depends on the type of panel, although there is little difference in efficiency between mono- and polycrystalline panels. This indicator will be essential in the case when the area for installing the panel is limited. In this case, choosing solar panels with a higher efficiency, you can reduce the area of their installation.
- Price. Thin-film panel models are considered the most inexpensive and affordable. However, in terms of productivity, they are significantly inferior to other types of panels and, with a much larger area, generate less energy. Monocrystalline solar panels are recognized as the most efficient and most compact in size, but they are also the most expensive. They are definitely recommended to choose in the case when the budget is not limited. Polycrystalline panels today are considered the most optimal choice in terms of price, parameters and performance. They work better in cloudy weather, they have good performance, a harmonious combination of efficiency and economy.
What else to look for when choosing solar panels
In addition to the main characteristics, there are a number of other features that you need to consider when choosing solar panels for your home or cottage, or for any other building.
For example, the performance of a solar panel is made up of components such as efficiency and climatic operating conditions. Therefore, before purchasing and choosing solar panels, you need to take into account the wind speed, air temperature, luminous flux, geographic location, tilt angles. The efficiency is also affected by the correct selection of the load on the solar panels, the presence or absence of an anti-reflective coating. It is advisable to determine in advance the daily consumption of generated energy, the total power of solar panels required for a particular object, the required battery capacity and the number of panels. In order for the efficiency of the solar structure to be full-fledged, and all solar panels to work properly at any time of the year and in any weather, you need to correctly select the components that are used to install and connect the modules.
You should not chase cheapness, because the final cost depends on the manufacturer, build quality, power, warranty and other factors. For example, the most inexpensive option – thin-film solar panels – require additional costs for cable, supporting structures and other components.
When choosing solar panels, it is necessary to study different manufacturers, familiarize yourself with all the certificates, including the device testing certificate.
One of the most important rules for the competent choice of a solar battery is consultation with professionals. Even if you yourself have studied everything in detail and made a preliminary choice, the opinion of a specialist will not be superfluous.
When choosing solar panels and related equipment, the rule works – to purchase solar devices from those who can not only sell, but also install solar panels, and they know the issue to the smallest detail, have been doing this for more than one year and have a good reputation in the specialized market. That is, it can correctly design a solar power plant, calculate the power supply system and guarantee the quality. Keep this in mind, and even being sure of your choice, still double-check the nuances with specialists. After all, the choice and installation of solar panels is not cheap, designed for many years. This means that everything must be sound, high-quality and professional.