How do solar panels actually work?
To answer this specifically, we have to go back to our science lesson.
A solar panel is a type of technology that uses solar energy to produce electricity. Solar cells consist of materials that are photovoltaic, which means they can convert sunlight into electrical power. When the sun shines on the solar cells, photons, or light particles, move through the materials and hit electrons in the cells. This causes the electrons to move, creating electrical power.
To put it more simply; the solar panel has two layers of silicon, one negatively charged with phosphorus (N-layer) and one positively charged with boron (P-layer). Just like magnets, these attract each other. Phosphorus has five bonds and boron has only three. We can say it this way: Phosphorus has one extra electron, and boron one too few. To achieve balance (4 each) the phosphorus must transfer one of its bonds (electron) over to the boron. And what is needed for this to happen? We need energy!
The sun rays give the energy the phosphorus needs to send its bond to the boron – the electron travels through the connections of the panel, and that is exactly what creates the power you get to use at home.
What are the advantages of owning a solar system?
There are mainly two advantages of using solar panels as an energy source: economic advantages and environmental advantages. Protecting the environment is no longer expensive – thanks to solar panels, it has actually become profitable to go for green energy.
Solar panels are a wise investment, everyone should have them from a financial perspective. The return you get from the solar panels (in percentage) beats both the stock market and the property market, especially bank interest. This is a very safe investment, and we believe there are very few reasons why everyone should not have them on their roof. That is why we at Solar Tempo are now focusing on this.
Secondly, solar energy is a renewable resource, which means it will not run out. The sun will continue to shine for billions of years to come, so we will always have access to this energy source. In addition, solar energy is an environmentally friendly source of energy. When solar energy is used to produce electricity, we emit fewer harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere compared to other methods of electricity production, such as coal power.
To compare, solar panel has an environmental footprint of between 14-51 grams of CO2-equivalents. Coal power, on the other hand, pollutes about 5-16 times more with about 220g of CO2-equivalents. Natural gas is at 170g CO2-e.
How much does a solar system cost?
The price of a solar power system can vary depending on the size of the system, the type of solar panels and inverter, and installation costs. Generally, the price for a solar power system in Spain ranges between 1800 – 4000 euros per kilowatt of installed capacity, with possibilities for variations depending on specific conditions such as if you have a larger area available for installation. This is just a very rough estimate, but to get a more accurate price, we recommend that you get a free survey from us, so that we can assess the specific conditions and give you a more accurate price.
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How much power can a solar power system on a home generate?
How much power a solar power system on a home can generate depends on several factors, such as the size of the system, the type of solar panels, and the orientation and angle of the solar panels.
For example, a system of 5 kWp (kilowatt peak) would have a panel area of about 50 square meters and can produce approximately 10,000 kWh per year. However, this is just a rough estimate and can vary depending on local conditions such as shading, weather conditions, and other factors. A system of 5 kWp will on average produce 27.4 kWp daily, equivalent to 10,001 kWp annually.
It is also important to be aware that power production will not be constant throughout the day or year, production varies depending on solar radiation. Generally, you will produce the most power in the summer and least in the winter. A good installer can help you estimate the expected production for your solar power system, based on local conditions and the design of the system.
Can a solar power system power an entire home?
Yes, but we recommend only doing so if your home is not connected to the power grid. To do this, it will be necessary to have a battery. You can install a battery solution that can store the excess power produced by the solar power system, so that you can use it when the sun is not shining. In this way, you can increase the likelihood that your solar power system can completely power your house at all times.
Different power usage patterns and external factors can cause solar panels alone to not produce all the energy you need, but for the most part, it will produce a good portion of it. Therefore, it may be wise to oversize to account for weather variations. Costa Blanca is however a very good location with a lot of sun and doesn’t suffer much from these issues.
For example, there may be several days in a row without sun. The solar panels will continue to produce power despite the clouds, but perhaps not to a sufficient degree. If you need to power your home for several days completely independent of the power grid, we therefore recommend investing particularly in battery capacity.
What are the different types of solar systems?
There are three types of PV systems for homes. These are on-grid, off-grid and hybrid systems. Furthermore, it is possible to combine by starting with an on-grid and potentially upgrading to a battery system (hybrid).
Grid-connected systems are connected to the power grid and deliver power to the home when the solar cells receive sunlight. The advantage of this system is that the solar power system will cost less overall. The disadvantage is that the surplus power is not stored for later use in the evening, when the sun is not shining. The surplus power can, however, be sold back to the power grid, but at a lower price than what you purchase it for.
Off-grid systems are closed systems that are not connected to the power grid, and therefore must store excess power in batteries. This is suitable for homes that do not have access to a power grid. For example, a cabin. In such a system, it is wise to invest in larger battery capacity.
Hybrid systems combine the properties of grid-connected and off-grid systems and can both be connected to the power grid and store power in batteries. This configuration is the most popular, since you can use any surplus for later use.
It is fully possible to start with an on-grid system and upgrade to a hybrid system.
How do I choose the right type of solar system?
As explained in the previous question, there are three different systems. On-grid, off-grid, and hybrid solutions.
The main reason why some people choose to go on-grid is that there are lower start-up costs. A battery can quickly increase the price of the system significantly, and it may be wise in some cases to wait for a hybrid solution. The price of a battery is cost-effective enough that it pays off to buy it, but rather see it as an additional investment that you can increase the return on investment from.
A hybrid system is, in the end, the go-to system. If for any reason you wish to start with an on-grid system, there is always the possibility to add a battery later.
What kind of subsidies can I expect to receive in Costa Blanca?
There are high tax deductions/subsidies for solar power systems. After you have installed your solar power system, you, who reside in Alfaz Del Pi/Albir, will be qualified to get your property tax (IBI) reduced by 25% for 6 years. On the other hand, if you are located in Torrevieja, your subsidy will reduce your IBI by 50% for 3 years. If your IBI is 1000 euros, in Alfaz you will save 250 euros annually for 6 years (1500 euros), in Torrevieja you will save 500 euros annually for 3 years (also 1500 euros).
Furthermore, you can get up to 50% of the total price subsidized by Comunidad Valenciana. You can get 600 euros/kWp in support, and 450 euros/kWp for systems that exceed 10 kWp. You can get even more if you choose to include a battery system.
We don’t include subsidies when calculating your return, but if we take into account the subsidies you will double your return.
How do I maintain my solar power system?
To maintain your solar power system, you should follow some simple advice. First and foremost, you should make sure to keep your solar panels clean and free of dust and dirt, so that they can produce the maximum amount of power.
You can use a soft cloth and a little water to wipe off the panels, or use a water hose (preferably when the panels are cool, at night). You can also hire a professional to do this. This is also a service that we offer. It is also a good idea to have your solar power system inspected by a professional once a year to ensure that it is working optimally.
Will there be any additional costs to my solar system?
- Battery replacement. A lithium-ion battery usually has a lifespan of 10 years, or about 2000-3000 cycles, so you should plan for the “worst case” to replace the battery at least 2 times before the warranty on the solar panels (25 years) expires. We would advise you not to purchase any other type of battery than lithium-ion, as they may look cheaper, but have around ten times less cycles.
- Replacement of inverter. This applies particularly if you use a string inverter. A string inverter is among the most commonly used, but since it works around the clock converting large amounts of direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), it will usually be overloaded and wear out after about 10 years. Alternatively, we can also offer microinverters or power optimizers, which are more expensive but last longer.
- Cleaning the panels (Optional). You can use a soft cloth and a little water to wipe off the panels, a water hose, or you can hire us to do this. We recommend washing the panels after it has rained sand, since it will block how much sunlight that reaches the panel. Preferably do this at night, or when the sun is not shining, as heat will make it difficult to clean the panels with just a water hose.
Can I combine the payment methods?
Yes – you can choose to finance part of the system through the bank, and pay the remaining portion with your own equity.
Do you have any more questions?
There are several ways to get in touch with us.
Give us a call
We are available on the phone monday – friday from 10-16 and Saturday between 10-15
Send us an e-mail
You can also reach us at mail@solartempo.com
