The sun has the potential to drastically change our daily lives, especially when it comes to our power source. As a solar expert, I am pleased to provide you with the most important information about solar modules and system recommendations.
Best solar panels
Choosing the right solar panel is the key to maximizing the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your solar project. There are mainly three types of solar cells:
Monocrystalline cells: These consist of a single, pure silicon crystal. They are dark blue or black and have the highest efficiency of up to 22%.
Polycrystalline cells: These are composed of several silicon crystals and usually have an efficiency of 15-17%. They can be recognized by their bluish, broken, “spotty” appearance.
Thin film cells: While they are flexible and lightweight, they have the lowest efficiency, typically between 10-12%.
Some of the world's leading solar panel manufacturers include SunPower, LG and Panasonic. These companies are known for their quality modules and warranty conditions.
Solar system recommendations
A well-sized and integrated solar system is crucial for optimal operation. Here are some steps and recommendations:
Demand analysis: Determine your average electricity consumption. An average household in Germany consumes around 3,500 kWh annually.
System size: Based on your consumption, you should choose the right system size. A 5kW system is often sufficient for an average household and can generate up to 4,500 kWh annually.
Installation location: Sunlight exposure varies depending on location. In Germany, for example, the average annual number of hours of sunshine is between 900 hours in the north and up to 1,100 hours in the south.
Proper Orientation: Solar panels should ideally face south and be mounted at an angle of about 30 degrees.
Storage: Consider adding energy storage such as solar battery storage. This can help you store electricity for use during nighttime hours.
Flexible solar modules
Flexible solar modules are a revolutionary development in the field of solar technology. As the name suggests, these modules are flexible and can be bent, making them perfect for irregular surfaces or mobile applications.
Material: Flexible modules are typically made from thin film technology, often copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).
Application: Ideal for RVs, boats and other mobile applications. They are also great for buildings that cannot support heavy traditional panels.
Efficiency: Although they typically have lower efficiency than traditional modules, they offer the advantage of adaptability and lightness.
Cost: Flex modules are often more expensive per watt than traditional modules, but can be invaluable in situations where traditional modules would be impractical.