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Does photovoltaics really pay off?

Photovoltaics, or systems for converting solar energy into electricity, are becoming increasingly popular and their cost-effectiveness depends on several factors:

Investment costs: The price of purchasing and installing photovoltaic panels can be high, but these costs have been falling steadily in recent years. In addition, subsidies and tax credits are available in many countries, which can significantly reduce initial costs.

Energy storage systems, especially those based on lithium-ion batteries, can be expensive. However, as with photovoltaic panels, battery prices are gradually falling as technology advances and production scales up.

Having energy storage increases the energy independence of a household or business. In the event of a grid failure or power cut, an energy storage system can ensure continuity of power supply.

Savings on electricity bills: Producing your own electricity reduces your electricity bills. In the event of surplus production, this energy can be sold to the grid, generating additional income.

Energy storage facilities allow you to store surplus energy produced during the day and use it at night or during periods of lower sunlight. This minimises the amount of energy purchased from the supplier, leading to savings on electricity bills.

Payback time: The payback period depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the installation, the level of solar insolation in the region, electricity prices and the financial support available in the country. Typically, the return on investment is within 6-10 years.

As for energy storage systems, on the other hand, it depends on a number of variables, primarily electricity prices and the degree of use of the stored energy. In some cases, especially where energy prices are high, the payback time may be shorter.

Modern energy storage is increasingly efficient, meaning that energy losses during storage and retrieval are minimal. Higher efficiency translates into greater savings and faster payback.

Durability and operating costs: Photovoltaic panels have a long lifetime (20-30 years) and low operating costs. However, regular monitoring and maintenance of the system is necessary.

Environmental impact: Photovoltaics are a green energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This is an important aspect that can further increase its value in the context of global environmental efforts.

Energy storage, combined with photovoltaics, contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. Energy storage enables better use of renewable energy sources and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Local laws and regulations: The cost-effectiveness of PV also depends on the energy policies and regulations in a country, which can affect the level of financial support and the conditions for selling surplus energy to the grid.

In summary, photovoltaics are often cost-effective, especially in areas with high solar exposure and where financial support schemes are available. However, it is worth considering all factors carefully before making an investment decision. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

In various types of media, one may come across information regarding the harm and danger of photovoltaic installations.

Whether or not these articles are sponsored by certain industries unfavourable to renewable energy sources, it is important to note the basic things associated with installation.

Photovoltaic systems, like any electrical device, carry some fire risk. However, with proper design, installation and operation, this risk is minimal. Here are some factors and practices related to fire risk in the context of photovoltaics:

Factors that increase the risk of fire

Improper installation:

Errors during installation, such as improper electrical connections, can lead to short circuits, overheating and, consequently, fire.

Improper fixing of panels can cause them to move, which also increases the risk of short circuits.

Poor quality components:

Using cheap, low-quality panels, cables, connectors and inverters can increase the risk of failure and fire.

Components that do not meet safety standards may be more susceptible to damage and overheating.

Mechanical damage:

Damage to photovoltaic panels, wires or other system components, caused for example by extreme weather conditions, can lead to short circuits and fires.

Neglect of maintenance:

Failure to regularly maintain and inspect the system can lead to gradual deterioration of the system and increase the risk of fire.

Practices to minimise the risk of fire

Professional installation:

Employing qualified and certified installers to ensure that the system is properly installed in accordance with current standards and regulations.

High-quality components:

Investing in tested and certified components from reputable manufacturers that meet safety standards.

Regular maintenance and inspection:

Regular inspection and maintenance of the system by professionals who can detect and repair potential problems before they become a hazard.

Fire safety features:

Installation of appropriate fire protection devices such as circuit breakers, overload protection and system condition monitoring devices.

The use of direct current (DC) disconnects on each module or string of photovoltaic panels, allowing the system to be shut down quickly if necessary.

User training:

Making owners of photovoltaic systems aware of basic safety rules and emergency procedures.

Safety regulations and standards:

Many countries have specific regulations and standards for the installation of photovoltaic systems to minimise fire risks. Examples of such standards include international IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards and national building and energy regulations.

In summary, although photovoltaic systems carry some fire risk, with proper installation, maintenance and adherence to safety standards, this risk can be effectively minimised.

Due to their application and needs, several basic types of installation can be distinguished. Those listed below are the most common, but installations on boats, campers, etc. are becoming more common.

Roof installations (domestic)

  • Installed on the roofs of detached houses.
  • Typical sizes range from 3 kW to 10 kW, depending on energy demand and available roof space.

Advantages:

  • Direct use of the energy produced to power the house.
  • Possibility of selling surplus energy to the grid.
  • Use of available roof space without taking up additional space on the plot.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited roof space may limit the size of the installation.
  • Need for appropriate roof pitch and orientation for maximum efficiency.

2. ground-mounted installations

  • Installed directly on the ground, often in rural areas or plots of land.
  • Sizes can be much larger than rooftop installations, from a few kW to several MW.

Advantages:

  • No space constraints associated with the roof.
  • Possibility of optimal positioning of panels in relation to the sun.

Disadvantages:

  • Require more space than rooftop installations.
  • May require additional planning permission.

3. Installations on commercial and industrial buildings

  • Installed on roofs or facades of commercial buildings such as warehouses, factories, shopping centres.
  • Typical sizes range from a few tens of kW to several MW.

Advantages:

  • Large roof areas allow larger installations to be installed.
  • Potential to significantly reduce energy costs for companies.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher installation costs due to the size and complexity of the system.
  • Need to meet specific technical requirements for large installations.

4 Photovoltaic farm

  • Large ground-mounted installations, often with a capacity of several to several tens of MW, installed on large areas of land.
  • Mainly designed to produce energy for sale to the grid.

Advantages:

  • Ability to produce large amounts of energy.
  • Economic scale can reduce energy production costs per unit.

Disadvantages:

  • Require large sites, which can be expensive or difficult to acquire.
  • Need to obtain numerous permits and meet environmental requirements.

5. Hybrid installations

  • Systems that combine photovoltaic panels with other energy sources, such as diesel generators, wind turbines or batteries.
  • Used in locations with limited access to the power grid, e.g. in remote areas.

Advantages:

  • Independence from one technology, greater reliability of power supply.
  • Ability to use different energy sources depending on conditions.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher investment costs due to variety of technologies.
  • Complexity of the system may require more sophisticated management.

6. BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics).

  • Photovoltaic systems integrated into building elements such as façades, photovoltaic roof tiles or windows.
  • These installations are part of the building structure, making them invisible or barely visible.

Advantages:

  • Aesthetic and integrated into the architecture of the building.
  • They can increase the value of the property.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher installation costs due to specific components and integration into the building.
  • Require specialist skills for design and installation

Conclusion:

Choosing the right type of photovoltaic installation depends on a number of factors, such as available space, energy requirements, budget and specific local conditions. Regardless of the type of installation, photovoltaics are an increasingly cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for electricity generation. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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