Currently, the use of renewable energy is booming thanks to the advancement of technology and growing environmental awareness. Among them, solar energy leads the way, representing one of the most sustainable solutions. However, as with all technologies, there are lesser-known aspects that are important to highlight. In this article, we will delve into what they don't tell you about solar panels and the potential drawbacks that might go unnoticed by those considering installing them.
What they don't tell you about solar panels
The rise of renewable energy, especially solar energy, has brought with it multiple benefits and solutions. However, there are certain Disadvantages and lesser-known factors that must be considered before an investment. Below we detail some of these key aspects.
A substantial initial investment is required
The initial cost of installing a system PV Domestic can be considerable, ranging from 6.000 and 8.000 euros depending on the power of the system and the amount of sunlight received at the location where it is installed. If you decide to include storage batteries, you should keep in mind that this could add up approximately 5.000 euros additional to the budget.
Despite possible subsidies or grants, such as Next Generation Funds, which can offer up to 40% off, there are challenges in processing them. The estimated time to receive these funds is around six months, but in many cases, this process is delayed, causing frustration among owners. In fact, the increase in popularity of solar panels has saturated the subsidy granting systems.
However, despite the high initial costs, the system amortization It is estimated that the average household will last between 4 and 6 years, which will see a significant reduction in their electricity bill. Correctly sized households can recover their investment in this time thanks to the savings generated.
The degree of cloudiness is a determining factor.
One of the least discussed factors is the dependence on solar panels of the weather and in particular cloudiness. The efficiency of solar panels can be reduced by up to 10%. 65% on cloudy days or days with little direct sunlight. In some cases, the drop in energy production may be insignificant, but in extreme cloud conditions, energy generation could stop completely.
On the other hand, it has been shown that weather conditions such as light rain do not negatively affect solar energy production. In fact, rain can have a beneficial effect by cleaning the surface of the panels of dust and dirt, which can improve their efficiency. However, the excessive heat It is not favorable for photovoltaic panels, since their performance decreases when temperatures are too high.
Problems associated with batteries
A photovoltaic system is not complete without the possibility of store surplus energy, and this is where batteries come into play. This element allows the energy generated during the day to be used at times when there is no sunlight, such as at night or on cloudy days.
However, it is important to understand that batteries have a limited storage capacity. While they can store enough energy for a home for one or two days, in winter or when there are several consecutive days with little sunlight, batteries may not be enough. In these cases, many solar power users opt for maintain your connection to the power grid as backup
Is it necessary to clean solar panels frequently?
El maintenance The amount of dust on solar panels is usually minimal, but it should not be ignored. Solar panels should be cleaned regularly to ensure that dirt, dust or even falling leaves do not interfere with the collection of sunlight. In areas where there are frequent sand storms, fog or high air pollution, this accumulated dirt can reduce the efficiency of the panels considerably.
Cleaning is a simple process consisting of mild soap and water, although some situations may require a more thorough inspection, especially after severe stormsSome companies offer insurance coverage for incidents that may occur to solar panels due to weather damage.
Is it possible to recycle solar panels?
An important concern that is not always discussed is the environmental footprint from solar panels. While solar energy is considered clean, the process of production and recycling of solar panels generates waste and uses natural resources.
Fortunately, in Europe, manufacturers are required by regulations to collect and recycle key components of solar panels at the end of their useful life, such as silicon, glass and aluminum. However, a lesser known aspect is that approximately 60% of the panels solar panels in the world are manufactured in China, a country where 64% of electricity still comes from coal, causing a hidden carbon footprint during its manufacture.
What they don't tell you about solar panels and the current panorama
Despite the disadvantages mentioned, solar energy has a immense potential for the world's energy future. The photovoltaic industry is constantly growing and there are already advances in development that will help mitigate many of the current problems, such as improved panel efficiency and technologies to optimize their storage systems.
A positive detail to consider is the possibility of generating electricity surplus. Photovoltaic system owners in many countries can sell this surplus energy to power companies or get discounts on their electricity bills. However, it is important to note that selling energy is not always simple, as it involves specific tax responsibilities and contracts. In most cases, it is most practical for households to opt for a self-consumption system with compensation for surpluses.
It is common to find homes that manage to make their electricity bill is zero or almost non-existent, thanks to the discounts applied to the variable part of the electricity bill. This is a great advantage, since with a good sizing of the photovoltaic system, you could achieve that the monthly electricity costs end up being minimal.
Therefore, while it is true that install solar panels Although it requires an initial investment and some setbacks, the long-term advantages it offers, both in economic and environmental terms, are indisputable. In addition, as technology evolves, many of the current barriers will disappear, making solar energy one of the smartest bets for those looking for a sustainable energy future.
If you want to help the planet and reduce your electricity bill in the medium term, solar panels can be an excellent option, as long as you take all the factors into account and plan accordingly.