It’s a great idea to install a solar panel for your apartment. This way, you will be able to use alternative energy sources and thus save a lot of money on utility bills.
How solar panels work
Solar panels are a set of photovoltaic cells that are connected together to form a panel. Under the influence of the sun, they generate electricity, which is practically free. For many years now, solar panels have been installed in private homes to heat the house, use household appliances, etc.
What should apartment owners do? When space is limited, alternative energy sources can be installed on the balcony or on the roof of the house. Even small panels can help you save money and add autonomy to your home. For example, a 1.5 m² panel can produce up to 300 W, which is enough to run several household appliances or lighting.
Advantages of solar panels for an apartment
Solar panels for an apartment can produce more than 2500 watts (depending on the area, battery efficiency, and time of year). This will ensure the operation of several electrical appliances, lighting, etc.
The main advantages of installing a solar panel in an apartment:
- Eco-friendly electricity generation – you use clean energy without polluting the environment.
- Long servicelife – modern solar panels are durable and can serve for decades.
- Easy to install – you can do it yourself without any special skills.
- An alternative during power outages – in case of interruptions, you will have a source of energy.
- Minimal maintenance – solar panels do not require complex care or additional maintenance.
Where is the best place to install solar panels?
There are several options for where you can install solar panels in your apartment, and although space is limited, each of them has its advantages. Here are the most common places:
- On an unglazed balcony – behind the parapet or under the windows. It is important to install batteries with an upward slope to catch as much sunlight as possible.
- On the top floor – this is an ideal option for installing solar panels, because the panel can be placed directly on the roof of the balcony.
- On the window – on the outside or inside. According to users’ experience, the efficiency of panels outside the window is much higher than inside. However, the batteries inside are not exposed to external factors.
Recommendations for installation
Before installing solar panels in an apartment, it is important to take into account several nuances.
- Battery. The included battery may not work efficiently at low temperatures. Therefore, the balcony where you plan to place the solar power plant should be glazed and insulated.
- Plan B. You need to prepare a plan B in advance. If the weather is unfavorable, it should be possible to switch appliances to another energy source.
Installation of the panels is quite simple. They are fixed on a special frame that is securely attached to the wall or slabs.
No special permits are required to install solar panels in an apartment. Installations with a capacity of up to 75 kW can be used for personal needs without any registration.
However, in addition to the law, you should also consider good neighborly relations. If your installation may interfere with the sunlight entering the windows of your neighbors, you should coordinate this issue with them.
Types of solar panels for an apartment
The following types of solar panels are most often installed on balconies:
- Silicon monocrystalline – these are modules with metal plugs that have high efficiency, but are quite expensive.
- Silicon polycrystalline is the middle option. They are cheaper than monocrystalline ones, but more efficient than film ones.
- Film batteries – have a flexible structure, are lightweight and inexpensive. The main feature is that they can generate energy even in cloudy weather.
Before buying solar panels for an apartment, it is important to find out how a particular model reacts to temperature changes. It is recommended to consult with the manufacturer or supplier to get accurate information about the characteristics of the panel. It is also desirable that the panel is lightweight, which is very important when installing on a balcony.
A complete set of solar panels for a balcony
A standard set of solar panels for an apartment includes a panel, a storage device, a controller, and an inverter.
- Panels are the main sources of energy. They are made to meet the individual needs of the household.
- A storage device is a battery system that stores and accumulates energy received during the day. This is a mandatory element that is responsible for the continuous use of the solar panel.
- Controller – there are two types: MPPT and PWM. The controller manages the charging process, allowing you to extend the service life and use the battery as efficiently as possible.
- Inverter – converts the energy generated by the solar panel into a voltage of standard parameters, which is suitable for the operation of various household appliances.
