What type of solar installation do you need according to your home

When we talk about solar installations, we must bear in mind that we can find several types, which are better or worse suited to one home or another. It is also important to make it clear that solar installations vary from one to another —even if it is the same type of installation—, so we must pay attention to some details that we explain in this article. And it is that solar installations must be personalized depending on the number of solar panels that are needed, as well as the way in which said installation is carried out, among others.

In this article we want to help you clear all your doubts about the different types of photovoltaic solar installation that exist and Which one is the most recommended for your home? so that you can maximize efficiency of solar panels. Keep reading this article for more information.

Solar thermal or photovoltaic installation?

The choice between one type of solar energy or another —obtained through a solar thermal or photovoltaic installation— will vary depending on what we want for our home. If your intention is reduce energy consumption by the electricity network and save on the electricity bill, then the type of solar installation that interests you is the photovoltaic.

Now, if you want to create a heating system in your home taking advantage of solar energy, then you are interested in making a solar thermal installation. The latter is highly recommended in especially cold places, which will reduce the use of stoves and replace them with water radiators.

Types of photovoltaic solar installations for homes

When we talk about photovoltaic solar installations for homes, or photovoltaic solar energy installations, we can find two specific types of installations. These are:

Photovoltaic solar installation on the network

They are also called as direct self-consumption facilities. These facilities are complemented by the contract that the tenant of the house has with the energy company. In other words, it is a photovoltaic solar energy installation in which there is a supply from the electric company. This type of installation serves to reduce the energy consumption of the network, as well as to save on monthly bills. Now, in the event that there is an overproduction of energy generated in the photovoltaic solar panels, this ends up being poured into the general network and the user receives a bonus from the electricity company —with discounts on the following monthly bill, for example , or receiving direct financial compensation—.

It is also important to make it clear that the network photovoltaic solar installation can be individual or shared. In the case of the individual one, we find installations made in dwellings in which there are no shared spaces with neighbors, such as a chalet, a bungalow that require an energy expenditure… The shared installation is the one that is carried out in community buildings or in energy communities. In general, in these cases, the energy produced is used for each dwelling, as well as for common spaces —such as the lighting on the landing, the elevator…—.

Isolated photovoltaic solar installation

The isolated photovoltaic solar energy installation is the one that is carried out to provide energy supply to the homes that do not have access to the general electricity network or for those who wish to disconnect from the electricity company of their own free will. These solar installations, unlike the previous ones, they have batteries in which the energy generated throughout the day is stored. This allows electricity to be available at night or when the weather is bad and prevents maximum efficiency from the solar panels.

Supports or structures for solar installations in homes

To achieve the highest efficiency of solar panels, close attention must be paid to the structure used to carry out the installation. This will vary depending not only on the type of installation, but also on how the roof of our home is and the orientation. You must take into account the following:

• Solar mounts for flat roofs: It will be used, above all, in community photovoltaic installations, when the floor of the common space of the roof is used, for example.
• Pitched roof supports: These installations are carried out, above all, in individual dwellings —regardless of whether they are connected to the network or are isolated dwellings—.

We can find many other types of supports, depending on the characteristics of the roof and the specific place where the installation is going to take place. To find out what type of support or structure for solar panels you need, you can consult more information in this article on types of supports for solar installations.

How many solar panels does my solar installation need?

The number of solar panels depends on the amount of energy consumed on a monthly basis. As a guideline, a medium-sized home usually consumes about 3kW per month. If we use 330W solar panels, in total to carry out the self-consumption photovoltaic solar installation, they will be necessary a total of 10 units. These will provide the necessary energy to power the electrical components of the house, avoiding, as far as possible, the use of the general electrical network.

Is it profitable to install solar panels?

The answer is yes, although in some cases a feasibility study of the project must be carried out —as in the case of photovoltaic solar energy installations in community buildings, where the energy consumed by each home and the number of solar panels needed are assessed , as well as the space available to carry out the installation—. However, if conditions allow it, carrying out a photovoltaic solar installation is always profitable. From the moment in which the return on investment is amortized —which varies depending on the monthly consumption of each person—, the cost of production will become 0 euros. The savings on the electricity bill will be, at least during the first 25 years, between 60% and 80%.