Solar panels as an alternative energy generator
Going green means not only driving an electric vehicle but using alternative energy as well! And solar energy is one of its types.
So, in this post, we give you a clear idea of generating energy with solar panels and your benefits of using them.
What a solar panel is
A solar panel is a colloquial term for a photo-voltaic (PV) module. It consists of connected photo-voltaic cells, crystalline silicon cells that generate electricity from sunlight. In its turn, a set of PV modules comprise a PV array. So, in other words, solar panels are your access to solar energy.
However, being one of the most important parts of the photovoltaic system, solar panels are not the only one. For example, PV modules generate only direct current (DC). However, almost all electrical equipment (here, we exclude electrical vehicles with a DC chargeport) uses alternating current (AC) to run. And even if you use solar panels to charge your EV, you still need some means to deliver DC to its destination. Besides, the system must be safe and easy to control.
So, typically, a PV system includes at least:
- Solar array to generate electricity
- Inverter to invert DC to AC
- Cabling to transmit generated energy
- DC and AC isolator to ensure the system safety
- Charge controller, tracking unit, and electricity meter to control, track, and measure energy output
- Battery to accumulate energy for further postponed use
Is it worth to install solar panels at home or office?
To put it short, the answer is yes, it is really worth it. But let’s be specific and guide you through the most common concerns and advantages of photovoltaic system installation.
Upfront costs and ROI
The deepest concern about the PV system installation is its high upfront cost. Indeed, to install, for example, a 3kW photovoltaic system, you need to pay about £5,500. But, to be objective, the cost of higher capacity PV systems doesn’t rise in the same proportion. For example, here are the average prices for solar arrays of different capacity:
- £7,000 for a 4kW system
- £8,000 for a 5kW system
- £9,000 for a 6kW system
However, using solar energy benefits you with savings on your electricity bills. Let’s suppose you use the system in full for 8 hours a day and the average electricity price is £0.16. Then, on average, the maximum monthly savings withing the aforementioned array capacity range are as follows:
- £115.2 with 3kW capacity
- £153.6 with 4kW capacity
- £192 with 5kW capacity
- £230.4 with 6kW capacity
Of course, your savings will only rise during the years. To clarify, electricity prices go up every year or two. And it’s highly unlikely they will ever stop their ascension. But even with given numbers, the payback period is the following:
- 4 years for a 3kW system
- 3.8 years for a 4kW system
- 3.5 years for a 5kW system
- 3.3 years for a 6kW system
As properly installed solar panels last for 25-40 years, all the rest period you will enjoy absolutely free energy for your home or office needs.
Other advantages of using solar panels
In addition to the economic benefits you get with PV system installation, there are a few other things to consider as beneficial.
First, solar energy is, perhaps, your only option to electrify your home located in a remote area.
Second, you become fully independent of energy suppliers. To clarify, you don’t have to suffer from an electric outage if it happens.
Third, solar panel installation is a great contribution to clear energy commitment and environmental protection. In other words, you don’t participate in fossil fuel depletion. Neither increase you greenhouse emission and environmental pollution. On the contrary, by using PV systems for your home or office electricity needs, you lower down both the depletion and pollution.
To conclude, solar panels are a clean energy generator. They that last for decades, bring your good savings, and help you save the environment. So, if you consider switching to a photovoltaic system, do it for the benefit of you and Mother Nature.