The use of alternative energy sources is a topic that is both popular and fascinating. Solar panels are one of the most popular solutions in areas where residential buildings experience frequent power outages. They may be mounted on even the tiniest balconies in city residences. Naturally, such an installation will not be able to completely replace the traditional pv balcony system, but you will always be able to charge your phone and light up the room.
The solar panel’s efficiency
According to customer feedback, the four-panel balcony system can generate up to 2 kW of electricity on a sunny summer day. This is sufficient to light the flat with energy-efficient bulbs, charge a phone, and possibly power some household appliances. The electricity generated by the balcony solar system is obviously insufficient for the full operation of all appliances (washing machine, water heater, and stove). The system’s capacity is 3-4 times lower in the winter.
PV balcony system: installation rules for solar panel
It is necessary to follow the following installation rules for a solar panel on the balcony to function properly:
- Choose the battery’s location carefully. Installing systems only on the south or southeast side makes sense. Furthermore, you must ensure that they are not shaded by nearby buildings, trees, or structures.
- A shadow covering just one piece reduces the overall system’s performance by half.
- Because the battery quickly loses its charge in the cold, the balcony must be glazed and insulated.
- If you have an open balcony, you must at least offer protective boxes to protect the equipment from dampness and filth, or you must store it in a living room, which is inconvenient and unsustainable.
PV balcony system: The working concept of a solar power plant on a balcony
The operation of solar power plants on balconies is similar to that of solar power plants erected on the roofs of large warehouses. Two solar panels are connected in series to an inverter, which converts the DC voltage from the solar panels to AC, and transfers the generated electricity straight to the power company or, if accessible at the moment, for personal consumption. You can even connect the microinverter directly to an electrical outlet near your balcony to connect it to the power grid. But keep in mind that even a tiny photovoltaic installation must be properly secured and reported to the utility.
Conclusion
A power plant is an industrial facility that produces power from primary energy. Most power plants use at least one turbine to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy in order to supply a power grid for current societal electricity needs. Solar power plants are an exception since they employ photovoltaic panels instead of turbines to generate electricity. Despite certain challenges, installing solar panels on the balcony can be a worthwhile investment, not only because of the savings but also because we are actively contributing to the reduction of environmental and air pollution. Yes, one installation on a balcony may not have much of an impact, but if 5,000 people in one city create it, the difference will be enormous.