Solar panel

Top & Best Solar panel Review 2022 – How to Select Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Solar panel: What is the best for your home in 2022?

Today we are going to talk about the solar panel, and turn any doubt into energy by knowing more!

You must know how much the demand for energy sources grows continuously. More powerful machines, more ambitious goals, more radical seasons. Everything leads us to use equipment that requires energy, mainly electrical.

With increasingly high electricity bills, solar energy has been researched for a long time as an alternative. And the solar panel does this conversion. If you have doubts about the operation, stay with us!

First, the most important

  • Solar energy is the most abundant energy source on our planet, and one of the least used. If only 10% were used, we would be producing more than 150 times what we consume.
  • It has so much potential, that there are small panels for use in backpacks as cell phone chargers. Even garden lights come with small modules to store and illuminate the night.
  • Despite its widespread use, its costs are still frightening for larger scale applications. You need to know exactly what you want in order to have a suitable project and not overburden your budget.

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Best solar panel models: Our recommendations

Portable or screwed to the floor, with large disks or several complicated functions, a search will lead you to several doubts, if you do not know the product. And we’ll show you everything. Including a list of the best.

Buying Guide

If you plan to buy a solar panel, know that there are a variety of them available on the market. Searching can take you to a few options, but with very different characteristics, even affecting performance. We’ll explain everything to you below.

What is the solar panel?

You may not know them by name, but you’ve certainly seen them at home or business. Usually in rectangular shape, they are large pieces with a coloring usually in blue.

Solar panels are usually placed side by side (in large quantities), facing the place where there is a greater incidence of sunlight, as they need them to “convert” their energy.

Over time, we learned to use this potential energy from the sun for specific benefits.

You may not be aware, but with a pair of glasses or a very strong magnifying glass you are able to concentrate solar energy in one spot. This concentrated heat is even capable of generating fire. Check out the potential of the great star in this video on Virgilio Gomes channel:

Therefore, when realizing all the potential of this “infinite” energy, alternatives were created for its industrial and domestic use. The most widespread and used alternative today is the solar panel.

A set of layered components, designed to react with it, or to concentrate solar energy in its area, thereby generating alternatives for using this energy so widely available in the world.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of investing in the solar panel?

Among the great advantages of using a solar panel is that it is renewable and free. Furthermore, it is clean energy and has a low environmental impact.

There is no restriction on the location of the plates, and they do not produce any noise. They need low maintenance and there has been a reduction in losses in the transmission of this energy.

But every product has its negative points, and in the case of the solar panel it is still its high investment. It has a useful life and in some cases a low performance.

Not to mention, of course, that energy production varies by the sun cycle. Do you want to know if it is worth investing in solar panels to take advantage of the sun’s potential? Check the summary below:

Considering the advantages, you have great reasons to think about a solar panel, don’t you? We will continue to speak well of them, so that you realize how interesting they can be in your life.

Photovoltaic solar panel or heating?

We arrived here knowing that the solar panel is a device capable of absorbing solar energy and transforming it into other types of energy. Two of the most common uses for the solar panel are for generating electricity and for heating water.

We will dedicate the article to explain more about the solar panel for the generation of photovoltaic energy, but we cannot fail to explain about solar heaters.

After all, if you have electric showers at home and need to pay the electricity bill, you know the “winter X your pocket” ratio, in the selector switch of these showers.

Solar Heater

For this function, the components inside the panel are materials that capture the sun’s electromagnetic waves and convert them into thermal energy. Inside them, streamers with heat-tolerant material pass through where water circulates.

In this way, during the entire period of sunlight (even cloudy), the solar panel captures the waves and converts it to heat. The pipes receive it and the temperature difference (thermal exchange) makes the water circulate.

At the end of the process, it is usually stored in a boiler (heat-tolerant reservoir that stores hot water for longer). And then, it is intended for residential or industrial use. Even swimming pools can benefit from this method.

Photovoltaic

When it comes to solar panels today, this type is certainly the most remembered. A panel capable of converting solar energy into electricity, for use in electronic equipment.

A solar panel is composed of a set of photovoltaic cells, with sensitivity to absorb solar energy, generating electricity.

Saving the explanations of physics and chemistry, this panel has in its manufacture, elements that react with solar energy. This reaction also ends up producing a type of energy, which is converted by another device into electrical.

Therefore, a solar panel is not the only part necessary for the manufacture of electrical energy, but its necessary exposure, to capture the maximum light, makes it the most striking member of the set.

Photovoltaic energy is considered a great alternative for generating clean energy. However, there are still difficulties in the efficiency of the process and in the value of the equipment, which prevent most of the population from taking advantage of it.

What equipment do I need for my solar panel to work?

Photovoltaic energy is the name given to the transformation from solar to electric energy. Although a solar panel is necessary for this operation (and a fundamental part), it is not the only one involved in the process.

You will need a solar panel and an inverter, at least, to benefit from this operation. Today the complexity of models allows you to return electricity to the public grid (turning the clock back). Or even store electricity in special batteries.

The batteries are used for energy use when there is no sun to supply the panels. At night there is no generation of this type of energy, so either you store it in batteries or have your equipment running on the utility’s electrical power.

In populated areas with good energy availability, batteries are not the most necessary accessories. However, they are recommended in locations with little or no electrical availability.

Another advantage is that, just as we burn when it is cloudy, these panels continue to capture solar energy also on days like this. Even during rain they produce energy, but not as efficiently.

Its maximum capture potential is reached on a sunny day without clouds, and it decreases according to the weather conditions: clouds in the sky, cloudy weather, rain, storm or because it is night.

In case you are still in doubt about the solar panel for photovoltaic purposes, let’s compare the solar generation with the available electric:

If you think about the planet, and how important it is to make some of it usable for generations to come, a solar panel is quite interesting. Whether for photovoltaic use, or even for heating, you will be using clean energy.

What are the different types of solar panels?

So you are already close to a decision on solar panels. This is quite obvious when we look at its benefits, and as long as you live in lots of sunshine all year round, the result will be great.

However, when hiring services to install solar panels, one of the things that will differentiate the budget are the types of solar panels used.

The main difference between the panels is in the material that transforms solar energy into photovoltaic. Although most of them are made of silicon, there are differences between products that will mainly result in efficiency.

We will pass on to you the most common ones:

    • Monocrystalline silicon solar panel : It is the oldest manufacturing technology, and also the one with the highest yield. They are easy to recognize when you look closely, presenting a uniform color throughout the panel.
    • Polycrystalline silicon solar panel : Also made with silicon, but in this case the panel is made up of sheets from crystals fused into a block. The fact is noticeable when you approach, identifying this multiple formation on the board.
    • Thin film solar panel : The essence of a photovoltaic panel is the presence of layers, at least one of which is reactive material to solar energy. In this panel, several thin layers of some elements are placed, all superimposed.
      They are alternatives for the use of silicon, in places where it does not have an abundant supply and other minerals exist. Its greatest quality is its flexibility, which gives this type of panel an extremely wide placement possibility.

 

To facilitate the understanding of each type, we present a comparative table:

Despite some noticeable differences between the possibilities, what you really need to compare are the design values. Only with a budget in hand are you able to really identify which is the best possibility.

Calculating how much energy you will need will be the most important aspect for purchasing photovoltaic panels (and in preparing the project).

How much?

There is something difficult to be exactly informed. After all, you noticed that the solar panel is part of a set of equipment for a destination.

But, yes, they come at a price. Let’s say you need to change some on the roof, or even buy some for the project you are developing.

Depending on the calculated power required, you will find good products on the market (for small uses) starting at R $ 80.

Larger plates, with a high possibility of generation, will be found in values ​​of hundreds of reais. From R $ 300 you will be presented with excellent products, with a generation potential greater than 45W.

Where to buy?

You will not find a solar panel to sell anywhere. Generally expensive and low-turnover products, electrical stores most likely have a catalog for ordering, as well as building material.

They may have one or two models to showcase, for example, but don’t be excited to see large shelves with lots of options.

Usually, the process to take place is that you turn to a company. She will collect the necessary information and set up a project for you, with material and installation costs.

But you can also choose to purchase online. Megastores like Amazon have a vast amount of solar panels available for sale. And all other accessories to heat or generate energy.

 

Purchasing criteria: Factors to compare the different solar panel offers

Now that you are well advanced in the knowledge about the solar panel, let’s graduate with the latest tips on them. With this article, it is possible that you will end up being the biggest knowledgeable source of solar panels in the neighborhood!

And you need to know for sure, what information to pass on to others, questioners or really interested. So, before making any choice to acquire or make guesses, know that the choice of the ideal solar panel depends on a few factors:

  • Efficiency
  • Supply
  • Space
  • Durability
  • Demand

Now understand in detail each of the topics and know how to make your choice.

Efficiency

According to the technology and photovoltaic material used, each solar panel has an efficiency in generating energy. This efficiency goes directly to the cost x benefit x space ratio, when you install the system.

After all, a higher efficiency of the solar panel means a smaller amount of area to capture energy. This also translates into lower material and labor costs.

The thinking is simple: a panel with 20% efficiency can absorb twice as much solar energy as one with 10% efficiency.

Supply

In addition to the efficiency in converting energy, you should also pay attention to how much the panel can deliver. Whether in watts per hour, cubic meters of heated water, or another measure.

The greater the amount of energy capable of being supplied, the greater its potential for efficiency. As long as you do the calculations to see how much it’s worth.

Space

A solar panel will require space for you. And it’s not just any corner on your roof or in the yard.

Depending on the material of the solar panel you purchase, it will require more or less space for installation, which will preferably be in the place where there will be the greatest incidence of sunlight.

A wonderful yard full of trees is not usually the best place for solar panels, for example. After all, the shade of trees can greatly reduce the amount of sunlight available.

Likewise, a roof full of curves and falls will limit the amount of slabs. Or it will require an installer gym, and a higher cost to connect all the panels.

Be aware that the solar panel will need solar energy. The more you receive throughout the day, the better for your role, and this will only happen if you have appropriate places for placement.

Durability

Setting up a system for using solar panels can cost a real sum of money. And, like any good investment, it is important that it is paid over time.

Thanks to its technology, maintenance is low (which makes it a little easier). However, you need everything to work well for several years to be worth its use.

There are solar panels with greater durability than others, offering decades-long terms as a guarantee. The longer the duration, the more they will continue to generate energy from the sun, and save you in another way.

Demand

Undoubtedly the most important point for any choice of solar panel is the demand. After all, they will be acquired to supply some of your needs, which will have some kind of measurement.

This demand can be measured in volume of water to heat, the amount of watts needed, or any other metric for using a solar panel.

And unless your need is very small (carrying small appliances, lighting some lamps), the most common is that you hire someone to carry out a project.

As we have already informed, the plaque is usually a means to an end. It is part of a larger set, where the opinion of experts or more in-depth experts must certainly be taken into account.

 

 

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