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The most frequent doubts about solar self-consumption

Solar self-consumption is one of the most modern and revolutionary alternatives to energy consumption from electricity supply companies.

The most frequent doubts about solar self-consumption

Currently, many of the newly built homes include this service, in addition, due to the modernization of solar panels, these have become affordable alternatives for a large majority, but are they really effective? How do solar panels work? All these questions and more, we answer below.

Are solar panels effective?

Of course yes. Solar self-consumption installations to obtain solar energy at home are today a reality that helps thousands of people to supply themselves with their own electrical or thermal energy —depending on the solar panel used— and considerably lowering the cost of the electricity bill. light. In addition, to supply energy to homes where the general electricity network does not reach.

What types of solar panels can we find?

Depending on the self-consumption solar kit to obtain solar energy at home that is purchased, we can find two types of solar panels. These are, on the one hand, photovoltaic solar panels and, on the other, thermal solar panels. Both one and the other are available for self-consumption, although the function of each varies. While the photovoltaic solar panel works by absorbing photovoltaic solar energy (radiation from the sun) to generate electricity, the other harnesses thermal energy to generate heat.

How do photovoltaic solar panels work?

Without going into many details, photovoltaic solar panels work by generating solar energy for self-consumption. They achieve this through the photovoltaic cells that are distributed among all the panels. Each photovoltaic cell has been provided with two opposite charges using semiconductor materials. What is achieved is that photovoltaic solar energy, coming from radiation, generates a flow of electricity through the release of electrons from the cells through photons from the sun —photovoltaic effect—. This generates an electrical flow that is conducted towards the cables and transformed into electricity.

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How do solar thermal panels work?

This type of solar installation for self-consumption works through thermal solar panels that absorb the heat generated by the sun. They have a liquid inside that absorbs solar energy to convert it into heat. Once the liquid is heated, it passes into a compartment where it is stored. The next thing that happens is that the liquid reaches a heat exchanger where it can be used to heat domestic water. In this way, after performing the exchange, it recovers its energy and returns to its original position. Like the photovoltaic solar panels, we can find several solar kits for self-consumption depending on the size and the use that is going to be given to it. Do I have to pay to use the solar panel? No. Once you make the purchase you will not have to pay anything for the use of the solar panel. Moreover, depending on the self-consumption solar kit you purchase, they may even pay you

. This happens, specifically, with photovoltaic solar panels, in case you carry out a solar installation for self-consumption connected to the network. In that case, what happens is that the energy supply company must apply a reduction on the electricity bill or pay you a proportional figure for the amount of self-consumption solar energy that is poured into the network – in case there has been a overproduction of energy by the photovoltaic solar panel—.

How often are solar panels changed?

The useful life of solar panels is very long. Depending on the type of solar panel that is installed, this will vary. In general, the duration of solar panels is usually around 25 and 30 years. A very high figure if you take into account the amount of money saved by producing your own electricity year after year, taking full advantage of the investment made by them.

Which is better, the solar installation for self-consumption on the network or the isolated one?

It all depends on the situation you find yourself in. We can find several types of solar installations. Those that are designed for self-consumption are two. On the one hand, we have the solar installation connected to the grid and, on the other, the isolated solar installation —which does not have a connection to the grid—. The first of them is the most suitable for a home that has the possibility of connecting to the electricity grid since, in the event that the panels have not been able to cope due to the storm —and have not generated the necessary solar energy for self-consumption— , you can always use the contracted energy.

In addition, in case of overproduction, the supplying companies will be able to reward you financially. In the case of isolated solar installations, these will be very useful when public lighting or the general electrical network does not reach the place. In this way, the solar panel will be able to provide you with energy when it is needed, since it will be stored in batteries. These allow the use of energy when necessary, being able to save its consumption. In addition, to avoid overloading, batteries have different mechanisms. These are what are known as charge regulators. They also have energy inverters to adapt the electricity to the electrical installation of the house.

How much is a solar panel for self-consumption worth?

The price of a solar panel can vary from one to another depending on the price estimated by each company. It also influences the type of panel that is installed and the dimensions of these devices. Normally the price is estimated per square meter of solar panel, as well as the power they offer. Therefore, the price can range from very low amounts such as 35 euros for a 10W solar panel to 190 euros for a 400W solar panel. It also influences whether it is a kit with battery and charge regulator or not.

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