Whether they are added to an existing roof, integrated into the roof as a replacement for tiles or placed on the facades or even directly on the ground, solar panels are available in all shapes and for all tastes. According to AB Services, the energy renovation expert, there are many different panels, each with the following advantages and disadvantages where and why they are installed.
The different configurations of photovoltaic panels
We mainly hear about mono and polycrystalline silicon panels (extracted from the silica contained in the sand) which are rigid, monocrystalline panels which capture light better even with a little shade and so-called “amorphous” panels which have layers of semiconductors deposited under vacuum.
There are also panels that are installed like a façade of one’s house by replacing the paint with panels that are 100 to 500 times thinner than conventional panels. They are therefore flexible, less expensive and open up other integration possibilities.
But its fineness and aesthetics require sacrifices. In this case, its efficiency is about 50% less than a rigid panel; even if it can capture a wider spectrum of light than silicon panels. In fact, each panel is made up of cells connected in series that convert certain electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun into electricity.
But the problem, according to AB Services, is that a photovoltaic module will produce direct current, whereas our devices operate on alternating current. To do this, you have to buy an inverter to convert the current coming out of the panel into electricity that can be used at home. And, once all this installation is done, we can start selling the surplus of our produced electricity.
How can we exchange the electricity produced with the grid?
In France, we have introduced a new meter called “Linky”, which allows you to know the electricity drawn from the network and the electricity injected into it. Moreover, by having your own electricity, you can exchange energy with the ENEDIS distributor in your region. But injecting the current that has been produced on your roof to consume electricity purchased from the network is a pity! Especially as you do not necessarily have a guarantee as to the origin of the energy from the network .
So, the ideal is to consume the electricity from your installation, on site, from the panel to the socket through this famous inverter! And of course the common grid will compensate during the night or if the amount of electricity needed in your house exceeds the production of the panels.
To complete your installation, you can also get batteries for your house like the one offered by AB Services. This way you can store your own electricity at home to power your electric car or become autonomous day and night. If you add a heat pump system that will produce hot water and heating using your solar electricity, energy autonomy and savings on your electricity bill will be within reach.
