2023-12-17 23:00:00
Inflation is accelerating the use of solar power: this source of electricity represents 18 GW of installed power in June 2023. Always more attractive for individuals, this device must however be chosen carefully if we want to make it as profitable as possible. How to choose the right photovoltaic panels according to the needs of your household? Here are some answers.
What to choose between solar panels and photovoltaic panels?
The terms “solar panels” and photovoltaic panels” are often used interchangeably. Yet, it is two separate devices.
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Thermal solar panels are designed to convert thermal energy into heat. They are used to heat water or air in a home, but under no circumstances can they be used to power your electrical appliances. By misnomer, we will speak of “solar panels” to designate them;
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Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity. They are therefore equipped with photovoltaic sensors, different from thermal sensors. It can be used to heat your home, your water, but also to power your refrigerator, your oven, anything that uses electricity!
The best solution depends on your type of energy consumption
Which to choose between thermal or photovoltaic solar panels? This choice depends largely on your electricity consumption. The larger it is, the quicker a photovoltaic solar panel will pay for itself. If you are looking to save sustainably, the photovoltaic panel is the best solution. With inflation causing electricity prices to skyrocket, this solution is becoming more and more interesting. The exception is homes that have a small fridge and few electronic devices: in this case, a solar thermal panel can be enough to make significant savings on your electricity bill.
The different types of photovoltaic panels
There are mainly two types of photovoltaic panels: monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline panels are made from single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals. Monocrystalline panels generally offer higher energy efficiency to polycrystalline panels (16 to 24% versus 14 to 18%), but are also more expensive. This is explained by their ability to capture diffuse radiation. However, polycrystalline photovoltaic panels have proven their effectiveness in regions with constant sunlight and very hot temperatures.
How to calculate the optimal power of your photovoltaic or thermal solar panel?
It is not the size of your panel that determines its ideal power (expressed in Wc), but its power. The ideal power of your solar panel is determined by 2 main criteria:
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Your household’s electricity consumptionwhich varies depending on your surface area, your needs and the number of people living in the accommodation;
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Sunny conditions.
To this is added a final criterion: that ofdesired autonomy. Your needs will not be the same if you want to produce electricity to reduce the amount of your electricity bills as if you want your photovoltaic installation to cover 100% of your household’s needs.
Photovoltaic solar panels
|
Foyer |
Power of your installation (kW) |
|
2 persons |
4,5-6 |
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4 people |
8-10 |
|
6 persons |
12-15 |
Thermal solar panels
|
Foyer |
Power of your installation (kW) |
|
2 persons |
2-3 |
|
4 people |
4-5 |
|
6 persons |
6-7 |
Other selection criteria
Durability and the warranty offered by the manufacturer are also important criteria to take into account. Your panels must be certified by recognized organizations such as the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) or the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein). These latter attest to the conformity of products to international standards in terms of security and energy performance.
Things to check before buying
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A minimum warranty of 25 years is a reliability criterion which is not optional. When you call on a manufacturer or an installer, the question of the warranty period must be asked before signing the quote. If the professional remains evasive or responds negatively, run away!
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Too low a price is often a sign that your solar panel, whether thermal or photovoltaic, is of poor quality. Here once more, to give you an idea, multiplying the quote requests (even if it is time-consuming) will prevent you from falling into a trap which might be fatal for your savings.
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Positive power tolerancepositive margin of error accepted in relation to the announced power of the solar panel, must be +5%.
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