Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels were the beginning of residential renewable energy systems, aside from a few small hydropower installations. PV panels are a vast topic, with almost as many “experts” as there are users. Everyone has some experience and many people today can say what they would do differently or better. That is why it is so important to work with a reliable and experienced team responsible both for the design and installation.

When it comes to PV panels themselves, there are essentially two main types on the market: monocrystalline and polycrystalline, along with newer technologies that are gradually trying to establish themselves in the market.

In monocrystalline panels, each solar cell is made from a single crystal of silicon. In polycrystalline panels, the cells are produced from multiple silicon crystals. Monocrystalline models offer significantly higher efficiency, sometimes reaching up to 24%. They are also very durable. However, typically they are about 30% more expensive than polycrystalline panels, which usually reach maximum efficiencies of around 17%. Of course, there are also other advanced panel technologies with even better performance and higher prices, which is why they are not yet widely used.

Manufacturers of PV panels often compete by advertising higher power ratings for their products. However, the difference frequently results from increasing the physical size of the panels or due to testing their performance under ideal laboratory conditions, which significantly differ from real-life conditions

A very important factor affecting the return on investment is the proper exposure of the panels. This includes the angle of inclination toward the sun, orientation relative to sunlight, the distance from the inverter, and the operating temperature of the panels. Not all of these factors can be controlled, which is why, in less favorable conditions, investing in monocrystalline panels may be a better option.

The technical parameters, proper installation conditions, and overall investment cost all influence the profitability of such a system. The typical lifespan of photovoltaic panels is around 15–20 years. According to economic specialists, an installation can be considered financially viable if the investment pays for itself within about 7 years of operation..

However, this calculation can sometimes be difficult due to fluctuating energy prices, changing regulations, and evolving technologies. What also counts, is the satisfaction of becoming at least partially independent from the grid and have your own electricity which is essential for everyday life.

We would like to emphasize that our company offers all the components necessary to build an energy-independent home, especially a home operating with a Home Energy Management System – HEMS. Such a home does not have to be built from scratch. It can be created based on existing components, such as an already installed photovoltaic panel system. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the future lies in energy independence through renewable energy sources, managed intelligently by a Home Energy Management System – HEMS.