The concept of ecological transition encompasses a transformative movement that aims to include everyone. Regardless of limited space or residing in a shared ownership community, you need to investigate the various possibilities available to you. Solar panels designed for balconies present an excellent opportunity to contribute to the use of renewable energy.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about how to install solar panels on your balcony.
Can I install solar panels on my balcony?
Absolutely, the answer is a resounding yes. Your home is a space that allows you to freely choose and arrange the equipment you want. However, It is essential to ensure that this is done safely and with full guarantee of functionality. For example, it would be useless if the location of the solar panels prevented the full potential of sunlight from being harnessed.
It is permitted and increasingly common to cover terraces and outdoor areas with photovoltaic cells, as an alternative to traditional enclosures. This practice has become so common that it is no longer surprising. Many people have already adopted this option and are reaping the benefits of lower electricity consumption.
If you reside in a community of owners, you should not worry about any problems either. This is because the Horizontal Property Law (LPH) explicitly states that only renovations that significantly alter the exterior appearance of the building are prohibited, which is not the case with solar panels.
What is the functionality of solar panels designed specifically for terraces?
If your garden or patio lacks the space necessary to install solar panels, it is possible that you have not been able to dedicate yourself to self-consumption with solar energy. Fortunately, The introduction of solar panels specifically designed for terraces eliminates this concern. To increase their appeal, these panels are even more effective due to their elevated position.
The functionality of this equipment remains consistent with that of traditional systems. During daylight hours, it harnesses the power of solar radiation, initiating a response within the crystalline silicon that covers the cells. This reaction is then converted into electrical energy and integrates seamlessly into your home's standard electrical supply.
If your balcony has the necessary space, you can choose to also use batteries. We recommend selecting lithium batteries due to their superior efficiency and compact size. This will allow you to store any excess energy generated and become less dependent on the grid during periods of low sunlight or at night.
In addition, there are other benefits that can be taken advantage of, which would not be experienced to the same extent if the plates were placed in the garden or on the terrace.
The aesthetic impact is reduced with these structures. As they become more familiar to us, their presence is not as noticeable when seen from the street, thanks to their angled position. Saving space is easy with the option of using models specifically designed to fit on balcony railings, providing a seamless, organic aesthetic.
One of the benefits of solar panels is that at higher altitudes, their energy efficiency increases. Being located at a higher elevation allows them to capture more solar radiation and reduces the impact of external factors on their performance.
What do you need to install solar panels on the balcony
To install solar panels on your terrace or balcony, there are certain requirements that you must meet. If you are considering embarking on this alternative there are certain prerequisites that must be met before beginning the installation process. If you have several balconies or terraces, it is essential to evaluate each one of them carefully.
To ensure proper alignment, the tilt of objects must match the latitude of their specific location, but with an additional 18 degrees. As an example, If you are in Valencia where the latitude is 39º, you would have to place them at 57º.
The optimal direction to place them is facing south, but if that is not possible, you can consider placing them facing west or east as a secondary option.
The situation may be altered by the regulations of the communities in which you reside. When installing on private property, permission is not required, but it is recommended to inform in advance and specify the installation date.
For the facility to be considered community-based, i.e. jointly owned by the owners, board approval is required. The endorsement of one third of the neighbors or all those who together represent one third of the quotas will be sufficient. This ensures that facilities can be located in shared spaces without encountering obstacles.
Energy savings you will achieve
According to industry statistics, the efficiency of solar panels installed on balconies can vary from 7 to 21%. The potential financial savings from these panels will ultimately depend on the number of installations, although limited space may pose some challenges in this regard.
To adequately meet your home's energy needs, it is typically recommended to install between six and eight photovoltaic cells. This number of solar panels can allow you to achieve complete self-sufficiency in terms of energy consumption. However, it is important to note that during the fall and winter seasons, there may still be partial reliance on traditional energy sources.
By incorporating a battery and allowing slightly more space, any excess energy that is returned to the grid when it reaches capacity can be effectively offset. This will result in a reduction in your electricity bill, allowing you to maximize your savings.
According to industry data, an average solar panel installation has the potential to reduce your electricity supply costs by approximately 40 to 60%. This would mean an annual saving of between 500 and 700 euros.
Don't miss the incredible opportunity that solar panels for balconies present. Make sure you meet the necessary criteria and apply for installation to benefit from completely renewable energy.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what aspects you should take into account when installing solar panels on your balcony.