15
Dec, 2022
solar

How To Install A Solar Panel?

The use of electricity obtained from solar panels is becoming more and more common at the moment. It is both a good way to preserve the environment and an economical option for energy consumption. In this article, we will develop what you need to know about the installation of a solar panel.

Choosing the location of your solar panels

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First, let’s note that there are two types of solar panels: photovoltaic panels for electricity and thermal panels for heat. Both are powered by sunlight. Before installing a solar panel, you must first consider the conditions required for its proper functioning:

A sunny region

In this concept, it is necessary to find out about the weather in the region to know if there is enough sun or not. You will then be sure whether it is beneficial to install solar panels or not.

A southern orientation

To ensure maximum efficiency of a solar panel, it must be directed towards the south with a 30° inclination.

Learn about the costs of installing solar panels

There are three main points to consider when installing a solar panel:

    • The preliminary study
    • The installation of the panels
    • The connection to the public electricity grid

You must be prepared for the cost of the installation. The price varies between 8000 and 9000 euros. Of course, you have to check the materials used and make a quality-price ratio on the estimate. The cost can vary depending on the surface covered by the solar panels. All this will depend on the sunshine conditions of a place and the production of the system.

Use financial aid to reduce your expenses on the installation.

Several solutions are available to you to save money on the installation of your solar panels:

The tax credit for energy transition

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You can use 30% of your taxes to reduce your expenses on the installation and maintenance of solar panels. However, this credit is only valid for thermal panels and not for photovoltaic ones. It is essential that your house is your primary residence and that it is at least two years old.

The premium for self-consumption

The State pays premiums to individuals who own their own electricity. But it only applies to photovoltaic solar panels. For an installation with a power between 3 and 9 kWp, you will receive 280 euros per kilowatt-peak.

The 5% VAT

If you plan to install thermal or aerovoltaic solar panels, it is possible to have a 5.5% reduction on the VAT. The only condition is the place of residence.

The different types of solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panel

This is the best panel to transform solar rays into electricity. Thanks to the technology of its cells, the current comes from the capture of photons from the solar radiation by the panel. The photovoltaic panel is the most popular type of panel because of its efficiency and affordability.

Solar thermal panel

This type of solar panel transforms solar energy into heat energy. It allows to have domestic hot water but also supplies the heating system. However, it does not provide electricity.

Aerovoltaic solar panel

This panel is composed of photovoltaic cells and is equipped with a ventilation system on the underside. Its particularity lies in its lower layer, which uses air circulation to produce heat from the sun. Thus, the warm air will be diffused in your house.

Hybrid solar panel

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This is a solar collector that merges thermal panels and photovoltaic panels. Its main advantage is to capture sunlight to produce electricity and heat at the same time. You can power your electrical appliances with the electricity obtained. For the production of hot water, it is the heat exchanger that takes care of it for the whole house.

In terms of family savings, we can say that these last three types of panels are part of the effective tips to reduce your heating bill, in addition to the other advantages already mentioned in the previous lines.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar panels.

12
Oct, 2022
solar

What Incentives Are Available For Installing Solar Panels?

Although beneficial, installing hybrid solar panels is an investment that requires high expenses. Fortunately, the State supports your initiative by providing you with very interesting financial incentives and assistance. Thus, they will allow you to carry out your energy project to benefit from the privileged advantages of solar energy. However, the universe of these aids is not easy to understand, especially for a novice. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about solar panels.

The premium for photovoltaic self-consumption

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Photovoltaic self-consumption is the fact of producing and consuming yourself electricity from solar energy. Therefore, it is necessary to install panels on the roof. This method allows the exploitation of a green, non-polluting, and especially abundant energy.

Naturally, this type of installation can benefit from a premium. This is spread over five years in order to amortize your investment. Moreover, its amount is degressive and fluctuates according to the power of the ecological installation. It is estimated as follows:

    • 390$/kWp when the power is below 3 kWp
    • 290$/kWp when the power is between 3 and 9 kWp
    • 190$/kWp when the power is between 9 and 36 kWp
    • 90$/kWp when it is between 36 and 100 kWp.

Indeed, this type of work requires the intervention of a solar specialist. This professional will make sure that the equipment is in conformity and working properly. This is a criterion that improves your chances of obtaining this aid.

Solar renovation premium

The financial aid is open to owners and lessors, regardless of their income. It is a faster and more accessible aid to households. It covers all work done for the energy renovation of housing. Indeed, several operations can be subsidized by this premium. In addition to the installation of solar panels, there is also the installation of heating and water supply equipment using solar thermal energy.

This diversity makes the offer even more advantageous. The amount of the energy transition premium is set according to the level of household income. These are classified into very low-income households, low-income households, and intermediate households. The lower the household income, the higher the premium.

Incentive (energy saving certificates)

The objective of this bonus is to encourage companies, condominiums, or individuals to improve the energy performance of their buildings. If their projects abound in this direction, they can benefit from a financial boost, isn’t it? To this end, there are several grants for solar panels for residential use.

This is the case, for example, for individual solar water heaters or energy systems with photovoltaic and thermal water circulation panels. How is the amount of this bonus determined? It all depends on the energy savings generated by your project or new installation, measured precisely. The climatic zone of your residence is also taken into account.

The reduction of the vat

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In practice, installing photovoltaic panels can reduce the VAT rate applied to you. This bonus is quite useful, but it requires meeting certain specific criteria. For example:

    • Your home must have been completed for at least two years;
    • All the work must be carried out by a service provider to whom you will have given a certificate of compliance with the conditions for the application of the reduced rate of VAT.

Once these conditions are met, you can benefit from the reduced VAT rate. Thus, solar installations below 3 kWp are subject to a rate of 10%. In contrast, installations above this power are taxed at a rate of 20%.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar panels.

7
Oct, 2022
home

How To Connect A Solar Panel?

For the sake of energy saving and ecology, you have decided to turn to renewable energy by opting for green energy. There are a plethora of hot water systems on the market, and you have a wide array of choices to choose from. However, this can be a bit dicey because you don’t know what hot water system is perfect for you.

The type of water heater you choose should depend on your budget, but we advise you to invest in a solar water heater if you have the money. This is a great idea! You already have everything you need, and all that’s left to do is to make the connection. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things everyone needs to know about solar panels.

Installing the solar panels

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Before you can connect the solar panels, you must first successfully install them. This task must be done step by step:

1. Properly orientate the solar panels

This first step should not be neglected. For optimal efficiency, you should choose a sunny location, placing the solar panels according to the orientation of the house’s slopes: on the southwest, south, or southeast side.

2. Finding the right tilt

To produce the maximum amount of energy, find the right inclination: 30°, no more, and no less. This way, the panels can easily and optimally capture the sunlight.

3. Question of shading

The principle is simple: the less shade there is, the more sun there is. In other words, avoid areas where there are large trees, as they only reduce the production of solar energy.

Choosing the type of solar panel connection

There are two main types of connection: parallel wiring and series wiring. To know which one to choose, we will explain the difference between these two systems:

1. Parallel wiring

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A connection of solar panels by parallel wiring generally allows for an increase in the intensity. It consists in connecting all the positive terminals together and all the negative terminals together.

2. The series connection

The purpose of this one is to add the voltages. To make a connection of solar panels in series, it is enough to connect a positive terminal of a panel to a negative terminal of another and vice versa. The choice between these two types of connection depends mainly on your regulator.

In any case, you can find out which connection to make in the user’s manual or in the assembly instructions of your device. If you don’t know where to start, the best solution is to call an experienced installer. It is made up of a team specialized in the installation of photovoltaic panels.

Connecting a 12 and 24 V solar panel

As you have seen, there are two types of solar panels: those that work in 12 V and those in 24 V.

1. A 12 V assembly

This is the perfect assembly for devices that do not support a higher voltage. However, it requires a parallel connection.

2. A 24 V assembly

To obtain a power of 24 V, you need two batteries of 12 V and to connect them in series. The connection of solar panels must also be in series. This is the best way to produce more solar energy. If you plan to use your lights and appliances at the same time, choose a 24V connection.

Is it necessary to connect a photovoltaic inverter?

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The answer is yes! Indeed, a photovoltaic installation must contain:

    • Solar panels
    • A regulator: to secure the connection
    • A photovoltaic inverter.

The latter is the element in charge of transforming the direct electric current into alternating electric current. This means that it is essential to supply all your circuits in the correct way.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar panels.

8
Apr, 2022
solar

Reduce Your Energy Bill By Up To 50% With Solar Panels

A solar panel is a device that converts a portion of the sun’s rays into thermal or electrical energy with solar collectors. The more solar energy the panel captures, the more electricity it will produce. This device is very profitable and beneficial especially in sunny areas.

It is economical because it saves on electricity bills. On top of that, it is easy and quick to install. What are the different types of dynamic panels? What are the advantages of photovoltaic solar panels? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and answer these questions.

Types of dynamic solar panels

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Renewable and available energy, green energy and environmentally friendly is what solar energy is. There are three types of solar panels responsible for energy conversion. We have:

Thermal solar panels or still called solar collectors are used to capture the heat of the sun’s radiation and transmit it to a heat transfer fluid. We also speak of solar thermodynamic plant for a device more

Photovoltaic solar panels or photovoltaic modules convert part of the sun’s radiation into electricity.

It also consists of a grouping of several solar panels in one place called solar photovoltaic power plant.

Hybrid photovoltaic solar panels, this is a cogeneration. They are a combination of the two previous technologies. Thus, they produce electricity and heat at the same time with an improved version of the yield of photovoltaic solar panels without overheating the modules.

In fact, the solar panels are the necessary components for the solar energy collection system. It is recommended to use the expertise of professionals for an optimization of the energy consumption of your house.

The advantages of photovoltaic solar panels

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The photovoltaic solar panels are a source of renewable, free and available energy. Thanks to the sensors located on the panels, they can convert daylight into electricity and thus save on electricity bills. Here, we are looking for radiation and not heat, so it is an inexhaustible source of energy.

Thus, thanks to the sun’s rays, these panels provide energy supply. Photovoltaic solar panels have many advantages, both ecological and economic or thermal. Among others, we can note:

  • A very good profitability and a fast amortization
  • A possibility of reduced VAT rate to 10% in 2021
  • A safe long-term forecast of the investment and the return
  • The increase of the value of a house
  • Their recyclable character
  • Photovoltaic solar panels contribute to the reduction of polluting emissions and the preservation of the environment
  • Photovoltaic solar panel installations are robust and require little maintenance
  • Intelligent systems and impressive technical progress for energy self-consumption in 2021 with a significant evolution
  • Reliable and stable solar photovoltaic panel systems, easy to install and simple;
  • Increased profitability of photovoltaic for self-consumption with sale of surplus electricity.

With the thermal regulations imposing the development of renewable energies, the use of photovoltaic solar panels is of paramount importance. They are very profitable, beneficial but above all ecological. They are made of silicon to allow the transformation of light into renewable energy.

Also, these solar panels are guaranteed for more than twenty years and recognized for their resistance to weather. The photovoltaic solar panel is the choice for an ecological and economical approach to energy.

Return on Investment

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The price of a solar panel installation is often one of the main reasons for the reluctance to take the plunge into photovoltaics. However, the profitability of an installation is no longer in question. The fall in prices in photovoltaics and the increase in electricity tariffs make photovoltaics and, in particular, self-consumption more and more interesting financially.

An installation costs between 2,200 and 2,800 dollars per kWp and generates significant reductions in electricity bills each year. Either directly through self-consumption or indirectly through the sale of the production to an electricity supplier.

State aid for the installation of photovoltaic panels, such as the self-consumption bonus or the EDF OA feed-in tariffs fixed over 20 years, further improve the profitability of solar panels. Depending on the geographical area and the solar installation cost, the return on investment is reached between 10 and 15 years.

A civic gesture
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Today, it is difficult for government representatives to adopt (at least publicly) a position that would not be favorable to the energy transition in the United States. Nuclear power is the object of all the wrath; renewable energies have the wind in their sails. In 2020, they will account for 19.1% of the US’s gross final energy consumption, of which 3.4% will be produced by photovoltaic solar energy.

The 2015 law on energy transition for green growth aims to raise the percentage of renewable energy in the US energy mix to 32% by 2030, which is 5% higher than the European aspirations for the same date. Thus, by installing solar panels on your house, beyond your personal convictions, you are taking a resolutely civic approach through your contribution to greening the US public electricity network.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar pannels.

21
Mar, 2022
solar

Top 4 Things Everyone Should Know About Solar Panels

We only have one planet, and we need to start acting as such by adopting a more eco-friendly way of life. This is buying solar panels and installing them on your own is environmentally friendly and is good for the environment. This is a win-win situation if you ask us. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about solar panels.

1. How do solar panels work? 

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This is one of the first questions you might ask yourself if you want to invest in a photovoltaic system. A photovoltaic system consists of the following elements:

  • Solar panels, which are themselves made up of photovoltaic cells
  • A fixing system
  • A charge controller
  • An inverter that allows the transformation of direct current into alternating current
  • Wiring
  • A production meter
  • A consumption meter
  • A supervision system
  • A circuit breaker.

The photovoltaic cell is the centerpiece of a photovoltaic system. The modules are made of these cells and then assembled into panels. Silicon is the material that allows the photovoltaic effect to occur. It is a semi-conductor compound that creates an electric current when in contact with sunlight. To be more precise, a cell is composed of two layers of silicon, one positively charged and the other negatively, like an electric battery.

The sun’s rays, and more specifically the photons, pass through the photovoltaic cell. They create a hole in the upper (negative) layer and generate an electrical voltage with the lower (positive) layer. The generated current is transformed into alternating current thanks to the inverter in order to supply the equipment of a house or a building.

2. Price

Since electricity tariffs are constantly increasing and feed-in tariffs are decreasing, connections to the grid for total sale installations are likely to decrease to the benefit of self-consumption photovoltaic connections.

Until 2017, individuals who would integrate solar panels into their roofs benefited from a better feed-in tariff for their electricity. The price per kWh was set at 0.46$ for installations with 9 kWh or less power. Thus, the feed-in tariff of electricity has decreased by 65%. 

 Many households make a choice to make the total sale of their electricity. Depending on your consumption habits, the characteristics of your roof, or your budget, this solution can be more profitable for you if you are in a lucrative and eco-responsible approach. 

3. Return on investment

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The price of a solar panel installation is often one of the main reasons for the reluctance to take the plunge into photovoltaics. However, the profitability of an installation is no longer in question. The fall in prices in photovoltaics and the increase in electricity tariffs make photovoltaics and, in particular, self-consumption more and more interesting financially.

An installation costs between 2,200 and 2,800 dollars per kWp and generates significant reductions in electricity bills each year. Either directly through self-consumption or indirectly through the sale of the production to an electricity supplier.

State aid for the installation of photovoltaic panels, such as the self-consumption bonus or the EDF OA feed-in tariffs fixed over 20 years, further improve the profitability of solar panels. Depending on the geographical area and the solar installation cost, the return on investment is reached between 10 and 15 years.

4. A civic gesture 

Today, it is difficult for government representatives to adopt (at least publicly) a position that would not be favorable to the energy transition in the United States. Nuclear power is the object of all the wrath; renewable energies have the wind in their sails. In 2020, they will account for 19.1% of the US’s gross final energy consumption, of which 3.4% will be produced by photovoltaic solar energy.

The 2015 law on energy transition for green growth aims to raise the percentage of renewable energy in the US energy mix to 32% by 2030, which is 5% higher than the European aspirations for the same date. Thus, by installing solar panels on your house, beyond your personal convictions, you are taking a resolutely civic approach through your contribution to greening the US public electricity network.

Final thought

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Are you in Campbellfield? Are you looking into buying a solar panel? Then look no further than Battery Shop. With over 2 decades of experience, they pride themselves in being the premier one-stop-shop for all your battery needs in Campbellfield. They provide a wide range of services from batteries to solar panels and accessories across Victoria.

So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call to learn more about their services. Using solar energy saves you money on your electricity bills and is also environmentally friendly. So let’s take steps in the right direction and make a difference for our planet.

28
Jan, 2022
solar

Voltaic And Aerovoltaic Systems: Which Is Better?

The choice of an energy source is not self-evident. It deserves a particular reflection. You can draw your own conclusion by reading this article. Here, we propose you to choose between the famous voltaic installation and the aerovoltaic system.

Reminder on the electrical installation

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The voltaic installation is composed of a meter, a panel, a circuit breaker (general, divisional, or differential), a differential switch, fuses, a fuse, and a contactor. All electrical work requires strict regulations in France, defined by the NF C 15 to 100 standard. The intervention of an electrician is then essential to avoid damage.

Strong points of electrical energy

Electricity is easy energy to transport. Indeed, it’s routing to the place of consumption from the production plant is done by a network of high voltage lines. The cost of this transport is also lower.

Moreover, it is the most accessible energy source on the market. The investments related to its use are relatively affordable and amortized in the shortest possible time. Electricity can also be adapted to any kind of situation. You can, for example, add thermostats to your air conditioner to regulate its temperature and program its start and stop according to your daily habits. This not only saves energy but also optimizes its operation.

Disadvantages of electrical energy

Electricity is secondary energy. In other words, it draws energy from nature’s primary sources before being transformed into electrical energy. For example, uranium must undergo fission to get electricity from a nuclear power plant. In addition, this source of energy often has a storage problem. Indeed, when consumption reaches its peak, large quantities of electricity are difficult to store. Among other things, the continuous production of electricity leads to power surges and shortages throughout the country.

Electrical installation costs

Apart from the labor of an electrician, you will need about $1,300 for the purchase of the components. If you are considering an electrical renovation, prices vary according to the home’s surface area: 60 $/m² for 100 m², 75 $/m² for 60 m², and 100 $/m² for a two-room apartment of 30 m².

Principle of aerovoltaics

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It is the combination of photovoltaic solar panels and thermal solar panels to heat a home. This phenomenon is due to the recovery of heated air from the inside. It is the external panels exposed to the sun that produce the electricity. These aerovoltaic panels are installed as a roof covering and are easily integrated into an open-work roof structure. They also have their own ventilation system. In some cases, these panels can be combined with a heat transfer fluid to contribute to the domestic hot water production.

Advantages of the aerovoltaic installation

The aerovoltaic system saves 50% of heating, contributing to reducing the energy bill. It also offers a cooling sensation during the night, especially in summer.

In terms of financial aid, this type of installation benefits from Ma Prime Rénov’ thanks to its hybrid photovoltaic and thermal system. The amount obtained varies from 1 000 to 2 500 $. The aerovoltaic system is also eligible for the reduced rate VAT and the zero rate loan. It is necessary to follow some steps to obtain this bonus.

Limits of the aerovoltaic system

As the aerovoltaic installation involves the use of photovoltaic solar panels, be aware that they are not properly ventilated. Indeed, the sun favors their heating. As a result, the yield of the cells can be degraded, and the increase in roof temperature can shorten the life of the insulation. Among other things, this device is difficult to install on a concrete roof.

Price of aerovoltaic systems

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To have an electrical power of 3 kW and a thermal production of 5,400 kW, you need to budget at least 15,000 $. With this amount, you can acquire a dozen aerovoltaic panels in roof integration.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next.