Electric Home Appliances

In general you could say they are the panels that capture sunlight and transform directly into electricity. Structurally they are composed of “modules” of cells, called “photovoltaic” which are the basis of its operation. The first of these cells were created in the mid-twentieth century, made of materials such as silicon, immediately demonstrated its ability to produce electricity when subjected to the action of sunlight.

From this discovery to the solar panel because the road was not very simply connect in series a number of different cells, “PV” for the amount of energy required. Typically the modules of the panels are composed of 36 cells (although the number of course varies greatly with respect to products of various manufacturers) and enable the production of about 50 watts of power each (while a single cell produces 1.5 to 25 watts ° C average temperature). The current coming out of these modules is then introduced into a suitable mechanism that will transform the energy into alternating current, so use in our home.

The big advantage of solar panels is that the production of electricity occurs without creating any noise, without consuming fuel and even then produce exhaust gas, also can be placed in many different ways: on the roof (between solutions used), but also in the courtyards, terraces, in short, wherever there is a good exposure to sunlight. This will benefit not only for ourselves and for our portfolio but also, and perhaps especially for the environment, as through the use of photovoltaic can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect. Also being able to install these modules on existing positions (roofs, terraces, courtyards etc …) leads to a relatively neutral impact on the landscape.

Features

Let us analyze in more specific technical characteristics of these PV modules. Those most commonly found in the market belong to two broad categories: first are the so-called “crystalline form”, while in the “thin-film modules.” The difference lies in the structure of the material that will form the cell: the first crystalline and amorphous to others.

As mentioned, silicon is the choice used by all manufacturers, both for reasons of cost and, especially, for the excellent physical characteristics of this material. Very important as regards the technical characteristics of the panels will be the performance of each module (ie the proportion of energy captured by radiation that has been transformed into electricity): This will be influenced by several factors, for example, the materials used, irradiation of cells exposed, the inclination of these etc … A form of monocrystalline silicon have an efficiency of about 14%, while an amorphous silicon around 6%.

This factor then explains the different costs per type of form to expect: the best material used as the cost is high to buy it but this is offset by greater production of electricity and therefore ultimately by a considerable advantage in economic terms. The dimensions of the panels will never be very large because they are most vulnerable external conditions (such as obbreggiatura) or internal (such as malfunction of a cell), generally are between 0.5 and 2.5 square meters.

Benefits

Now that we understand what they are, a question that naturally arises is: but agreed? Leaving for a moment by the contributions we can get by going public to affect significantly the economic issue, try to analyze other factors that may favor or not photovoltaic. These include primary importance, it has the geographic location of our house: it varies by changing latitude solar radiation and therefore electricity.

The Environment Ministry has drawn up a table comparing the north, center and south: it follows that in the first case, radiation will be about 1.372.4 kWh / m² per year (the reference city is Milan), the center instead about 1737 kWh / m² (Roma), while the South (Trapani) is a 1963 kWh / m². What can we tell from these data? Simply that a photovoltaic system located in Trapani will be more productive than one place in Milan, thus leading to major savings in economic terms. That said solar radiation on the north already sufficient to obtain sensitive gains compared to the normal power grid.

For example with a photovoltaic system from 8 square feet to Milan already produce about 1,167 kWh each year that are already, therefore, a clear energy savings. Another factor to consider for more advantages over traditional power grid will be the location where these panels will be installed. Even here of course is responsible for everything the Sun in high positions like the roof that meet fewer obstacles, and then there will be less loss of energy resulting in a greater amount of electricity produced.

How to choose solar panels

The first thing I want to emphasize is that the consumer decides that you approach this product is certainly an admirable choice. Perhaps unintentionally, especially considering how the portfolio will be pleased, but still worthy of consideration. When we talk of a possible substitution of electricity with solar energy, we can all agree.

But for the record, we must point out some flaws in the solar system. Without going into excessive detail, is to consider that the use of silicon will lead to long-term shortage of it, so much to worry about scholars and promoters of this technology, which are precisely directing research into new materials that replace this diode. In the present, this small new touches still too much sensitivity to the consumer who wants to bring this new technology.

The biggest problem for potential falls on the consumer space. The solar modules, by their nature, require large areas because the more extensive the area and the number of forms, the more energy will be abundant, or at least sufficient to meet the energy demand of the consumer. Therefore the main recommendation is: first of illusion about what you save, think about where you place the photovoltaic modules and if space is enough!

As I mentioned earlier, another factor to be reckoned with, beyond space, is the environment around your home. It ‘important that the photovoltaic system is in a non-shaded, not risk rain continues, surrounded by tall buildings or other natural obstacles that may affect the impact of solar modules. So, to make you an example, if absurd ye possessed a very small house in central London, surrounded by tall trees … well, here in this case is not thought advisable to buy the solar panels.

Instead, spacious, sunny places and there are no obstacles to function properly are a good starting point for the initiative to purchase this product.

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