We know that renewable energies are currently on the rise as technology is developing more and more. Solar energy is undoubtedly the leader with respect to the others. However, as in all areas we can find negative aspects. Let's see what what they don't tell about solar panels in detail so that we can shed light and show these types of energies as transparently as possible.
In this article we are going to tell you what they don't tell you about solar panels and what their disadvantages are.
What they don't tell you about solar panels
A substantial initial investment is required
The cost of installing a photovoltaic system varies between 6.000 and 8.000 euros depending on the power of the system and the duration of daily sunlight. If you decide to include a battery in the installation, You must add approximately 5.000 euros to the previous cost.
Living in an apartment or residing in an area with a sufficiently large population can give rise to the existence or creation of neighborhood communities and energy communities. These communities can be a valuable part of the solution to various problems.
Next Generation Funds offer a discount of up to 40%, which is quite striking. However, the recent rise in popularity of solar panels in recent years has caused a setback in the distribution of these grants. In principle, it is assumed that it does not take more than 6 months to obtain the grant from the moment it is applied for. However, this deadline is often exceeded, creating difficulties for many users who expected to receive the funds much sooner.
In general, it is possible to cut your final budget in half without factoring in the annual savings on your bill up front. Besides, the investment can pay for itself in a relatively short period of around 4 to 6 years for an average home, resulting in minimum payments.
The degree of cloudiness is a determining factor.
The effectiveness of solar panels decreases as the amount of sunlight decreases, with a potential reduction of up to 65%. In cases of heavy cloud cover or low daylight, the decrease in effectiveness may be negligible or non-existent.
Weather conditions such as light rain do not significantly impede the effectiveness of solar panels. Conversely, extreme heat does not favor optimal performance of solar panels.
Battery problem
The effectiveness of your solar panels depends on the climate of your region. However, even in the northern regions of Spain, the installation of photovoltaic technology is a viable option. Although cloudy days can prevent its production, It is important to note that solar panels are still capable of generating power.
Batteries are an integral component in addressing energy conservation. They work by storing excess energy that was not used during the day for later use. If you have a high daily demand for electricity, relying solely on batteries may not be enough during winter days with limited sunlight, especially in areas with fewer daylight hours. As a result, many users of PV systems keep their connection to the main power grid as a backup option for these situations.
Is it necessary to clean the solar panels frequently?
Solar panel maintenance is not a frequent task. In fact, maintenance is minimal, requiring only periodic cleaning with mild soap and water. There are also exceptions, after a storm some branches may have fallen on the solar panels, thus reducing their efficiency. Similarly, if there is a layer of haze, Saharan dust, or pollution in the air, can cause a similar reduction in efficiency.
Most companies specializing in installations tend to offer insurance policies other than their standard coverage for incidents of damage and maintenance requests.
Is it possible to recycle solar panels?
Several of the elements that make up a solar panel can be recycled, including but not limited to glass, aluminum, silicon, and copper. In Europe it is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. collect and recycle the components of a solar panel in an environmentally sustainable way.
Currently, the growth of the market for photovoltaic installations is not considered an urgent issue. However, this is expected to change as growth projections indicate an annual increase of 12,8% until the year 2027.
In addition to the problem at hand, there is also a hidden carbon footprint that arises during the production of solar panels. As an example, About 60% of the world's solar panels are made in China, where coal is the main source of electricity. In 2020, coal accounted for 64% of China's power generation.
What they don't tell you about solar panels and the current panorama
Despite the current limitations, it is to be expected that the PV industry will address these issues in the near future. Besides, photovoltaics is unparalleled in terms of its renewable potential and is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly power sources available.
Generating surplus electricity through solar panel technology provides a unique opportunity to earn additional income. By selling excess power back to the grid, people can supplement their income and contribute to a more sustainable future.
There are certainly some options available if you have surplus power. One option is to sell excess energy to the market. Another option is to enter into a simplified compensation contract with your electricity company, specifically when you have installed solar panels and have already made the necessary initial payment.
Going for the first option requires a great deal of experience and also comes with tax responsibilities. The most common form of compensation involves a deduction from your electric bill instead of receiving cash. Although there is no immediate monetary refund, the reversal on your bill can be substantial, even reaching zero euros. This is an advantageous arrangement because the discount is applied only to the variable part of the invoice and not to the fixed part. Also, it's important to note that the down payment on this deal is quite reasonable.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what they don't tell you about solar panels.