Is it worth installing solar collectors?
Renewable energy has become a permanent feature in utility buildings and private single-family houses. Today’s article will answer whether it is worth installing solar collectors and why solar panels are worthy of attention. Read more to find out!
What are solar collectors?
Let’s start by answering what solar panels are. These components are cells which absorb radiation from the sun. Depending on the type of installation, energy can be converted into electricity or used to heat a building or domestic hot water. How solar panels work is also important. In simple terms, they contain a heat transfer medium and often also a cell that generates DC voltage.
Is it worthwhile to install solar panels?
People planning to build a single-family home often wonder whether installing solar panels is worthwhile. Of course, the investment is very profitable, as it helps to reduce the costs of heating the building or powering household appliances. It also improves air quality and reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. It is worth adding that a subsidy can be obtained for installations of this type, and a thermo-modernisation discount can be applied.
How much do solar panels cost?
The fundamental question for many private investors is how much solar panels cost. Depending on the size of the installation and its power or specific installation, the price of PV cells may vary. The cost of purchasing and installing solar panels with a capacity of 5 kW is approx. 20 thousand PLN. The amount may be increased if additional elements such as a heat pump or extra batteries for storing the generated electricity.
A solar panel generates how much power?
It is worth knowing how much electricity a solar panel generates. A single collector can usually generate power at a level of 290-400 W. It should be remembered that the actual performance depends not only on the technical parameters of the photovoltaic module itself but also on the average annual sunlight in a given place. In the autumn and winter, when solar radiation is less, it is worth considering the use of accumulator batteries.
Which solar collector – pressurised or non-pressurised?
When deciding on purchasing and installing a photovoltaic system, it is worth considering which solar collector to choose – pressurised or non-pressurised. Pressurised modules (non-vacuum) produce the most energy when exposed to a cloudless sky. They are only effective in good weather. On the other hand, non-pressurised (vacuum) collectors can absorb the sun’s power contained in water droplets or ice, which significantly increases their efficiency also in winter.
Solar collectors vs solar panels
The terms solar collector and solar panel are often used interchangeably in colloquial language, even by experienced specialists and sales consultants. In fact, a solar collector is an element used to obtain energy exclusively for heating water in the DHW system. On the other hand, a solar panel is a module that allows for the production of electricity that can be used for heating and powering various devices.
Practical and economical solar panels for the roof
There is no doubt that practical and economical solar panels for the roof reduce the cost of electricity consumption. If you plan to build a house and want your roof to be suitable for photovoltaic installations, choose reliable roof elements from the Hornval brand! Our professional advisors will help you in selecting the right components.
