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, it is necessary 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 installing solar panels on your balcony and how you can take advantage of this opportunity not only to save on your electricity bill, but also to contribute to sustainability.
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. The Horizontal Property Law (LPH) It explicitly states that only renovations that significantly alter the exterior appearance of the building are prohibited, which is not the case with solar panels. It is best, however, to consult with your community to maintain good coexistence. You do not want the energy benefits to be overshadowed by unnecessary tensions.
What is the functionality of solar panels designed specifically for terraces?
The Solar panels designed for balconies, also known as balcony photovoltaic kits, offer a practical solution to harness solar energy, even in small spaces. These kits are designed to maximize efficiency with the available space, allowing apartment residents to generate electricity for their homes. its self-consumption.
These panels work in the same way as traditional photovoltaic panels. They take advantage of sunlight during the day, generating electricity from the reaction within crystalline silicon from solar cells. The energy generated is transformed into alternating current by means of inverters or microinverters that can be connected directly to your home's electrical grid.
The main difference with traditional panels is their size and ease of installation. In addition, if your balcony has the appropriate space, you can also choose to incorporate lithium batteries to store the excess energy you generate and use it at night or during times of low solar radiation. This allows you to take full advantage of the benefits of self-consumption.
Another important advantage of solar panels on balconies is that their aesthetic impact is significantly reduced. These panels, due to their elevated and discreet placement, do not interfere with the general aesthetics of the building. In addition, in places with higher altitudes, the capture of solar radiation is maximized, which makes their energy efficiency even greater.
What do you need to install solar panels on the balcony
To install solar panels on your terrace or balcony, it is important to take into account a series of technical and legal requirements. First of all, make sure that your balcony or terrace is has enough space for the installation of multiple panels. Carefully evaluate the number of panels required based on your energy needs and the dimensions of your balcony.
In terms of placement, the inclination of the plates must match with the geographic latitude of your location, adding about 18º to get the most efficient angle. For example, if you live in Valencia, whose latitude is 39º, you should tilt them at 57º to maximize solar gain.
La ideal orientation of your solar panels is to face south, although if this is not possible, it is also possible to orient them towards the east or west, although with less efficiency. Avoid as much as possible the shade of trees or buildings that could block solar capture.
If you live in a community of neighbours, you should bear in mind that, although as a general rule no specific permits are required for installations on private property, it is advisable to inform the administration or board of owners of your intention to install the panels. For installations that affect common areas, such as shared roofs, you will need the approval of at least one third of the owners, as established by the Horizontal Property Law.
Energy savings you will achieve
One of the most frequently asked questions when considering installing solar panels on the balcony is How much energy savings you can get. There are multiple factors that influence this calculation, such as the number of solar panels installed, the orientation of the balcony and the geographical location.
Industry experts agree that solar panels installed on balconies can save up to 40% on electricity bills thanks to self-generated energy. Solar panels for balconies They have an efficiency of between 7% and 21%, which can translate into considerable energy savings, especially in the spring and summer seasons, when solar radiation is most intense.
If you install six to eight solar panels on your balcony, depending on the space, you could cover almost all of your energy consumption, but you will still be partially dependent on the grid during the darker months of autumn and winter. However, using solar panels lithium batteries It can help you store the excess energy produced during the day and use it at night, further optimizing your energy savings.
In financial terms, an average balcony solar panel installation could reduce your electricity bills by 40% to 60%, generating savings of between 500 and 700 euros per yearThese numbers are approximate and will depend on the number of panels installed, as well as the efficiency of your photovoltaic array.
There is no doubt that investment in solar panels on balconies It is a smart option for those who live in urban areas and want to reduce their dependence on the traditional electricity grid. In addition, thanks to the subsidies and aid available in Spain to encourage self-consumption, such as the Next Generation program, the amortization of the initial investment will be much faster compared to solar systems installed in single-family homes or rural buildings.
If you have a bidirectional meter, you could even sell the excess energy you produce to the electrical grid, generating a additional return on your investment.
In short, installing solar panels on your balcony will not only allow you to reduce your electricity bill, but also actively contribute to a more sustainable planet that is less dependent on fossil energy sources.