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What Is a Solar Installation and What Are the Advantages?

A photovoltaic (PV) solar installation consists of a single or multiple solar panels. Added to these is an inverter and other electrical and mechanical components. This forms a system to harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity. These systems can range in size from small rooftop or portable units to large utility-scale plants. While solar installations can function independently as off-grid units, many are grid-tied solar installations that are connected to the utility grid.

Sunlight is made up of photon packets (bundles of light energy). These fall onto a solar panel and initiates a process known as the photovoltaic (PV) effect. The PV effect creates an electric current. Each panel generates a relatively small amount of energy. Combining multiple panels into a solar array produces greater amounts of energy. The electricity generated by a solar panel or array is in the form of direct current (DC). DC is utilised by many electronic devices, but the electrical utility grid operates on alternating current (AC). This means that the solar-generated DC electricity must first be converted into AC before it can be used or sent to the grid for others to use. An inverter is the device that does the conversion.

This technology produces electricity directly from sunlight, which is a source of renewable energy. Strictly speaking, solar systems may include photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors (water-heating panels). Many people confuse them because they both use solar energy. Photovoltaic panels are installed for the conversion of sun energy into electricity, while solar thermal panels convert solar radiation into heat. These solutions do not compete with each other but may complement each other.

The Advantages of Solar Installation

Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that is inexhaustible. It can be used indefinitely without being depleted. The key benefit of solar installations is that they are a clean source of energy. They don’t produce harmful greenhouse gases or carbon emissions so don’t contribute to climate change. The mining or drilling used for fossil fuels causes significant environmental damage, where solar energy systems do not. In production, solar installations produce no harmful emissions.  Solar energy systems use very little water compared to traditional power plants that rely on steam turbines to generate electricity.

By installing a solar energy system in your home, you can decrease your dependence on the electrical grid and lower your electricity costs. Owners of residential solar systems often generate surplus power that can be sold back to the utility company and earn them a credit.

A home equipped with solar panels is often more attractive to potential buyers and may fetch a higher price. Energy savings and the possibility of selling excess power back to the utility make solar installations appealing. Back-up power for grid failure and load shedding make it an even more appealing investment for homeowners. Residential solar energy systems can significantly increase a home’s resale value. Homes also sell more easily compared to neighbouring homes without a solar system.

Solar systems are easy to install and require very little maintenance. Solar panels are easy to maintain, and they have no moving parts that wear out over time. Just keep them clean and in good physical condition to keep them working properly. Low maintenance costs and an average lifespan of 25 years makes solar installations a good investment.

Solar energy systems can generate electricity in any climate. Cold weather doesn’t affect productivity. Cold air helps your solar system. Panels perform better the cooler they are, so more electricity is produced.

The Disadvantages of Solar Installations

One of the main drawbacks of solar installations is the initial high cost. This is gradually decreasing as the industry grows. While the initial expense of purchasing and installing the equipment is high, there are leasing options available. These can reduce the upfront costs. If you decide to go with a solar installation, it may take several years for the system to pay for itself. It is a long-term investment that is more suitable for property owners rather than renters.

The sun does not shine at night or during bad weather, which can be a major issue. Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. They won’t produce electricity at night, and they can be inefficient during storms and gloomy days. Your solar energy system needs batteries if you plan to fully depend on solar energy to power your home.

Even with advances in battery technology, storing energy is very expensive. Lithium-ion batteries offer more power for less cost, but batteries are one of the more expensive components in solar installations. They also wear out and need careful charging and discharging to lengthen their lives.

 

Solar Installations Help the Environment

The operation of the photovoltaic system is only complicated in theory. The photovoltaic panel consists of a photovoltaic cell, frame, special glass, and a film. The design of the photovoltaic panels is relatively simple.

This makes Photovoltaic (PV) energy one of the most promising technologies for climate change. Solar installations make it possible to meet the need for renewable energy. It makes sustainable development possible.

Solar energy is unlimited, is available worldwide, and does not emit greenhouse gases. Solar installations also consume little or no water. PV panels are silent and require little maintenance. Energy from the sun reduces the dependence on energy imports. In the long term, they should improve the security of energy supply and stabilise the cost of electricity generation.

 

Access to Energy for All

Solar energy systems remain one of the only means of supplying electricity to billions of people who do not have access to it. Solar energy is a way of supplying large amounts of electricity, independent of any network.

Decentralised micro-grid installations can bring electricity to remote areas where grid would be too expensive to provide.

 

Speak to the Solar Installation Experts

PacB has a long history of providing service and technical excellence in the power-generation industry. We provide solutions for most of the sources of energy generation. This includes renewable energy systems. Our experienced engineers and technicians will design and implement a class-leading power solution for your residence or company. From the largest diesel generators to UPS solutions, we will get it right first time.

Choose us for your backup energy system or commercial solar plant. We have an unimpeachable record with solar installations. We are experts in creating integrated hybrid solutions using both diesel generators and renewable energy sources. At PacB, we can design and install any form of renewable energy or diesel hybrid solution where required. Explore our website today, contact us, and get the best possible solution.