Solar battery life

Solar panels were tested in the field in many installations. Practice has shown that the service life of solar batteries exceeds 20 years. Photoelectric stations working in Europe and the USA about 25 years have shown a reduction in the power of the modules by about 10%. Thus, we can talk about the real service life of solar monocrystalline modules 30 years or more. Polycrystalline modules usually operate 20 or more. Amorphous silicon modules (thin-film, or flexible) have a service life from 7 (first generation of thin film technology) to 20 (second generation of thin film technologies). Moreover, thin-film modules are usually losing from 10 to 40% of the power in the first 2 years of operation. Therefore, about 90% of the photoelectric modules market currently consists of crystalline silicon modules.

Other system components have different service life: batteries have a service life from 2 to 15 years, and power electronics - from 5 to 20 years.

Many manufacturers provide a guarantee for their modules for a period of 10 to 25 years. At the same time, they ensure that the power of the modules will decrease no more than 10%. The warranty on mechanical damage is usually given for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Crystal modules have the richest operational operation. They began to set another 50s of the last century, and mass use began in the late 1970s. Therefore, it is about the durability of such modules that you can already make some conclusions.

The estimated service life of crystalline modules is usually 30 years old. Manufacturers make accelerated module operation tests in order to evaluate its real service life. The solar cells used in solar modules have a practically unlimited service life and show no degradation after decid years of operation. However, the generation of modules falls over time. This is a result of 2 main factors - the gradual destruction of the film used to seal the module (ethylene vinyl acetate; EVA) and the destruction of the rear surface of the module (usually polyvinyl phosphate film), as well as the gradual stamp of the layer from the EVA film located between the glass and Sunny elements.

The sealant of the module protects the solar cells and internal electrical connections from moisture exposure. Since it is almost impossible to completely protect the elements from moisture, the modules actually "breathe", but it is extremely difficult to notice. The moisture that fell inside is displayed in the afternoon when the temperature of the module increases. Sunlight gradually destroys the sealing elements due to ultraviolet radiation, and they become less elastic and more appropriate to mechanical effects. Over time, this leads to a deterioration in the protection of the module from moisture. The moisture that fell inside the module leads to corrosion of electrical connections, an increase in resistance at the area of \u200b\u200bcorrosion, overheating and destruction of the contact or to a decrease in the output voltage of the module.

The second factor that reduces the module generation is a gradual decrease in the transparency of the film between the glass and the elements. This decrease is not noticeable with the naked eye, but leads to a decrease in the power of the module due to the fact that less light falls on the solar cells.

Maximum deterioration is usually guaranteed by manufacturers at no more than 20% over 25 years. However, the measurements carried out on the modules actually working since the 1980s show that their development has decreased by no more than 10%. Very many of these modules and still work with the parameters declared in the production (i.e. there is no degradation). Therefore, we can safely say that the modules will work at least 20 years, and with a high probability will provide high indicators and after 30 years from the moment of work.

As always with such issues, the answer to how long the solar panels work may be a bit difficult, as it depends on the set of factors that we will look at further. But if short - really long!

The average level of solar panel degradation is 0.8% per year (by 25 to 80%).

In general, the guarantees of most manufacturers suggest that the service life of the panels is over when their scrolling decreases to 80% of the initial performance. However, this does not mean that the battery ceases to work - some new technologies running by 50% can still exceed old installations with a capacity of 80% of the original.

Average degradation

According to the study of photovoltaic degradation, published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the average level of solar degradation is 0.8% per year (by 25 years to 80%), while the median drops to 0.5%, and 78% of all The discredited installations showed the degree of deterioration of less than 1%. However, these are averages, and there are a number of factors that can change this figure, such as technology.

The service life of the solar panel depends on the type of panel

With new technologies, which for a long time are not used - the selenide of the Medical Gallium-India (CIGS) and Cadmium Telluride (CDTE), it is difficult to make certain conclusions. There are examples that demonstrate a wild difference in the speed of their degradation, and some show the lack of degradation in general (or in one case a noticeable improvement!), And others demonstrate a decrease in production by 10% in just five and a half years. However, solar panels on silicon elements live much longer and are currently the most running product on the market. That is why we are much better understood that they affect them.

What causes degradation?

The climate is definitely the strongest factor on the service life of silicon-based solar panels. High temperatures, fast temperature cycles and high relative humidity affect, although the exact effect changes depending on the technology used.

1. High temperatures

Permanent high temperatures can cause problems with chemical components, and despite the presence of many: hot - it means better! At each increase by 10 ° C (18 ° F), the rate of decomposition of chemical components doubles.

2. Fast temperature changes

Temperature cycle or repeated rapid temperature changes are physically affected by the materials from which the panel consists. This is usually observed in places like desert, where the days are very hot, and the nights are very cold. Since parts of the panel are expanding and compressed when the temperature changes, they wear out, exacerbating any production defects and sealing port. In some cases, changes in size can be serious enough to skip moisture through seals, even if the seals themselves are still good. Much depends on the design and quality of the panel.

3. High relative humidity

Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture in the air. Warm regions with a large amount of precipitation are likely to be more wet, as well as areas near large reservoirs. Moisture can cause problems for various reasons: from corrosion of iron components and wiring until condensate and fogging inside the panel, which directly affects its efficiency. Solar panels are protected from moisture, but no seal is ideal, and over time they can fail - especially with a sharp drop of temperatures.

Climate influence

We can get a good idea of \u200b\u200bhow different climatic conditions affect the solar panels, looking at a recent study published in the magazine "Energy Policy". The work compares the degree of degradation of various types of silicon panels in four different US climatic zones:

  • Wet subtropical;
  • Wet continental;
  • Desert;
  • Nautical.

They found that the crystalline silicon panels, be it mono- or poly-, behave identically to each other in all climatic conditions. Nevertheless, there is a significant difference when comparing them with amorphous silicon panels. Even if you are considering the possibility of investing in another technology, it is a good illustration of how much can make the environment with your solar panels.

1. Wet subtropical climate (Atlanta, Georgia)

Crystal silicon panels in the region around Atlanta show the average decomposition rate of about 0.7% per year, compared with 1.33% for amorphous panels. This gives theoretical service life of 28 years for crystalline panels, but only 15 years for amorphous panels.

2. Wet Continental Climate (Boston, Massachusetts)

In regions with such a climate, like Boston, crystalline panels decompose an average of 0.89% per year or about 22 years. As you can see, it is already a great change compared to the level in Atlanta.

There are no available numbers for amorphous panels. It is probably due to the fact that they are intended for hot climate and are not the best choice in the region around Boston.

3. Desert Climate (Phoenix, Arizona)

In the area around Phoenix, crystal panels suffer from decomposition of about 1.08% per year (a little over 18 years), and the indicator for amorphous panels reaches 1.34% per year (just under 15 years). You can see the effect of stable high temperatures here, along with a sharp temperature change between at night and day.

4. Marine Climate (Portland, Oregon)

Portland Marine Climate gives crystalline panels average level of degradation 0.56% per year and service life of almost 36 years. For comparison, amorphous panels show an average rate of 1.59% per year - only 12-13 years. This sharp difference is probably due to how well different technologies are coping with moisture and salt corrosion.

Other factors

In addition to the temperature and humidity issues, you must take into account factors such as seasonal strong wind or heavy snow when choosing panels. In general, however, it can be taken into account when designing and installing the entire system, and not just panels.

Conclusion

Taking a decision on investing in solar energy, you need to take into account a lot, and although you can base your decision on the manufacturer's warranty, this is not all. Your environment is extremely important for the performance of your panel, in addition to factors such as the amount of sunlight you get. Selecting the right panel for your region, your investment will serve you much better in the long run.

Main elements solar Battery for Private House It is a photovoltaic panel (not to be confused with a heating stove for solar water) and the converter. The photoelectric panel converts solar radiation energy into electrical.
The converter converts electricity into a constant current created by solar energy into the power supply of 230 V, 50 Hz. Solar panels for a private house They are placed on the roof of the building, on the slopes of the roofs aimed at south, and are connected in a row so that they become more intense.

The inverter is best located in the room where the main distribution panel with automatic switches is located, it can also be located in the second room or on the outer wall of the building.
The number of produced electricity solar panels It depends on the intensity of solar radiation present on them, on the time of operation from the Sun and the correct installation of the panels.

What do you need to know before deciding on the installation of the solar battery in a private house?

Ensure that the surface of the roof is the place where we want to establish a south-oriented system, and that it is not in the shade of other objects, chimneys, trees.

Avoid shading photo galvanic panels. Make sure the roof is large enough to accommodate solar panels.

Thus, for the power of 1 kW, 8-10 m2 of the free surface is required.
The most frequently asked questions about the installation of solar panels for the private house:

What factors affect the effectiveness of solar cells?

- The direction of the roof - under the optimal conditions, the modules must be oriented to the south.

If it is impossible to 100%, then the principle works: closer to the south, the greater the performance of the photovoltaic system;
- The inclination of the roof - the production of electricity with the battery will be the greatest when the sun falls on the solar cells at right angles.

What is the life of the solar battery and what does it depend on?

The optimal angle of photoelectric panels for a moderate width is 30-40 °;
- shading - architectural and environmental factors that lead to the formation of shadows belonging to solar elements lead to a reduction in the amount of electricity produced and should be avoided;
- Device performance - incorrectly designed or manufactured installation may result in loss of tank or irreparable damage.

Where is the connection point of solar energy for a private house, for an electrical counter or in front of it?

s The output is connected to the converter on the counter at any point of internal wiring in the house, and even better - immediately on the meter, so it will generate electricity to power the equipment and farm buildings with electric power.

Solar batteries make power in single-phase or three-phase version?

Three-phase systems are used for power exceeding 5 kW.

Can the solar battery be a backup energy in the building in case of power failure in the power supply?

When the voltage in the network, which supplies the building, disappears, the solar installation is turned off. Restart is performed automatically when the mains voltage is displayed.

Of course, it is possible to expand your functions by installing the battery. Then, in the event of a power failure, switching to a backup power supply can occur, which can be used until the battery is discharged.

However, this decision is associated with a significant increase in installation costs.

When does a photovoltaic solar cell generate electricity?

At night, very strong clouds and fogs, completely covered with snowy-galvanic plates, without tension in the construction network.

Snowfall prevents installation?

The passage of current through the solar cells during operation causes the surface warming, which leads to melting of snow on the plates and restore normal conditions for plants.

How does the outdoor temperature affect the operation of the device?

Photoelectric panels have a negative temperature coefficient.

This means that at a lower ambient temperature, the higher the output voltage, the higher the output power.

What is the stability of the photo galvanic system?

Unlike other energy sources, solar cells do not have moving elements, which is a decisive factor in their stability.

Photovoltaic panels provide a decrease in performance after 25 years of operation, no more than 15%.

What do you need to do when buying your own photoelectric system?

The decisive condition for the purchase of the device is the right choice of the company offering the sale and installation of the device.

We should not forget that about 70% of products comes from China. Companies claiming on the release of plates in Europe, misses the fact that in most cases the installation is carried out using imported silicone elements from China. The most important element of the battery is the converter, which is mainly produced in Germany.

It is also important to accurately choose the remaining components of the device, as it should continue at least 25 years.

How much time do you need to install and integrate solar panels in a private house?

Complete installation of the system for a private house and its download usually takes 2-3 days. Prepare the appropriate installation project in advance and sometimes wait a few days to deliver the corresponding components.

What happens to excessly produced electricity?

The electrical energy created by solar batteries should be first used in the house.

In the case of excess energy, it should be used for their own needs, but not to be sold (cost per kilowatt-hour, it is very high, and no one will buy). This energy is sent to additional users, such as an electric boiler for heating water, air conditioning or other devices. For example, in a house with good solar batteries on a sunny day, excess electricity for heating is in a state of approximately 150 liters of water at a temperature of from 10 ° C to 60 ° C.

Can a photoelectric system be replaced by the installation of solar water heating?

Yes, of course, there are many arguments in favor of such a decision, especially if we plan to build a new home, hut or villa.

Do not install equipment with outdated and less efficient technology. The main argument here is high profits and economic feasibility.
With the same financial costs for the installation, we get about 50% more energy, and this is electricity that can be used in any form, including heating and hot water or air conditioning in the summer months.

Another convincing argument of such a solution has a negative temperature coefficient reflecting the physical properties of a silicon photocell, which increases the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, the lower the ambient temperature, which gives a certain advantage during the winter over the installation of solar water heating.

How do solar elements work in a private house in the case of using additional water heating for household purposes?

Renewable energy sources (renewable) are unpredictable and depend on natural changes, so they cannot be considered the main power source.

Therefore, the solar battery should be considered as an auxiliary source for the preparation of hot water for household purposes. Water heats up if the energy produced at the factory will meet the needs of all players in home receivers (priority), and excess energy will occur simultaneously. If this excess electricity is not used, it will enter the company's energy supply (note that the power meter does not rotate in the opposite direction, as it is equipped with a brake).
Through the use of a special filter, this excess can be sent to an electric water heater or another receiver.

A properly designed and constructed solar battery for a private house can provide up to 50% of energy consumed.
The use of a special energy filter to use its surplus and directions for heating, heating rooms, air conditioning allows up to 80% generated energy.

The main advantages of using solar batteries in a private house:

- reduction of electricity payments;
- battery work even in cloud conditions when using scattered sunlight;
- the greatest production of energy occurs simultaneously with the demand for electricity in the economy (the area with the highest cost of kwch electricity), and is the possibility of additional savings;
- the modular nature of the installation allows you to increase its throughput, while simultaneously balancing the amount of investment invested;
- environmental protection and the environment, since solar cells in a private house do not emit CO2 and noise at all, they do not have moving parts;
No need for maintenance - the device is intended for automatic work for at least 25 years;
- Reliability - 5-year warranty on equipment and warranty for 25 years guarantee peace of mind and confidence in accuracy and adequacy of financial investments.

The most effective solar panels for the house today is not something supernatural and new, but just an excellent alternative source of energy.

What you need to know about solar panels for home: their choice, accommodation and use

But the more devices of this type appear on the market, the more often people ask the question: which one should choose? What is the efficiency of which solar panel as high as possible? But for each, this concept sounds like differently, as it is characterized by a number of separate needs, and we will speak further.

Let's start with the fact that the main issue should not be "what are the most effective solar panels?", And " Where is the optimal combination of price and quality?"Let's say on the roof of your home or enterprise there is a free space on which you can put about a dozen solar panels, and you yourself appeared before choosing: buy devices with the first class of energy efficiency, that is," a ", or give preference cheaper, but less Effective panels of class "B"?

Perhaps the answer will surprise you, but more appropriate in most cases will be just the second option. If it is easier to speak, then our main task is to determine which of solar energy sources is most profitable to use in one situation or another.

Models of the most energy-efficient solar panels

  • Sharp.. The performance indicator in the models of this company is 44.4%.

    The Sharp manufacturer is considered an absolute world leader in the production of solar panels. These devices are quite difficult to arrange, solar modules here are three-layer, on the development of the technology of their creation, the manufacturers spent several years, for such a period, conducting many studies and testing of their own products.

    There are other, simplified models. The technology of creating some Sharp panels provide them with an efficiency of 37.9%, which is also a lot. The price of devices is lower due to the fact that they do not use technical devices for the concentration of sunlight on the module.

  • Panels from the Spanish Research Institute (IES). Their effectiveness is 32.6%.

    Such modern solar batteries with high efficiency are devices with two-layer modules, the cost of such an energy source compared to the previous manufacturer is low, but for ordinary residential buildings it is still too expensive and in some kind of meaningless.

In fact, this list can be continued for a long time, taking into account more and more cheese models with a downward efficiency.

But everything remains standard: high efficiency - the corresponding price, low efficiency - it is cheap. It happens that in a mad value, quite simple models are offered, you will notice this when choosing, but back to our topic.

Famous firms for the production of solar modules

There is an opinion that today studying the work of solar panels is dedicated less and less time, and a study of certain photocells, which are the main components of any alternative battery for the fore.

But this is the essence that no one will not interest panels with weak solar modules, most of the buyers pay attention to this. On the long-established market of these modules, the leaders have already been determined, it is worth saying about them.

  1. One of the first to remember the devices having the efficiency of 36%, they are released by the firm Amonixwhose products are practically in every store with this kind of goods. For domestic purposes, similar Modules of AMONIX usually do not apply, as they produce them using special concentrating devices.
  2. It is impossible to pass by solar modules with an indicator of energy efficiency 21.5%, their manufacturer is a well-known American brand Sun Power, existing on the market for quite a long time.

    To some extent this enterprise managed to establish a kind of record of efficiency. For example, the Sun Power SPR-327NE-WHT-D model was recognized as the best after field testing. Moreover, the following two positions in the list ranking also took the products of this company.

  3. Recall the thin-film modules with the efficiency of 17.4% - the product from Q-Cells..

    The devices of this German company at some point stopped being popular and in demand, Q-Cells broke, but then the Korean enterprise Hanwha bought it and today the brand modules are gaining momentum in terms of sales.

  4. Moving further, that is, to solar modules with less efficiency.

    16.1% give us devices from FIRST SOLAR.They are produced on the basis of special cadmium television transformation. In residential buildings of adaptations of this type, do not establish, but this does not in any way affect the company's turnover, and they are very broad.

    FIRST Solar is more popular in the American market: the company itself is from the USA. The modules of this brand are used in many industries, so the company has excellent turnover and gained universal recognition, because it creates a really reliable product.

  5. As the last example here, solar modules with efficiency of 15.5% of the company called Miasole..

    The devices of this brand are recognized as the best among flexible modules. Yes, the name of this type of device is sometimes just necessary for installation in certain facilities.

When you are looking for powerful solar batareide at home or large manufacturing workshop, focus not only at the price / quality ratio, but also on the brand. Manufacturers who have proven themselves as the best should be trusted in such serious issues. If you are not a specialist in the assembly and installation of solar panels, then with what thoroughness to the selection is not suitable, to investigate each model for strength, durability, economy and other parameters is impossible, so it is better to trust the name.

To date, many experiments were conducted, their results would definitely help you.

When searching for solar panels, it is also focused on your own needs and solvency - to establish a device on a residential building, the development of which was made for NASA.

Solar panels for home. How to choose equipment?

The question of the choice of solar cells for the private house is rather difficult. To determine what equipment you need, answer yourself a few questions:

1. Type of panels

Photo of three types of panels

Are there any limit on the area?

If yes, it is better to choose a single-crystal silicon solar panels.

This type of panels has the highest efficiency. Such batteries can occupy less space at the same power as the polycrammy panels. A solar battery made of monocrystalline silicon is easy to find out - it consists of black pseudo-suits. If there is no restrictions on the area, take solar polycrystalline silicon batteries - they are cheaper and a little better work in cloudy work due to the fact that the solar cells have different orientation of silicon crystals.

The appearance of the solar polycrystalline silicon is the smooth squares of the bluette color with different shades. If you have special conditions for accommodation (for example, a curved roof or roof of polycarbonate), then you can pay attention to the flexible solar panels from amorphous silicon.

They glue on any surface and do not require additional metal structures. In addition, these batteries work very well with scattered light.

Therefore, if sunny days in your region - rarity, you can look at these panels. Another option can be considered solar cells from micromorphic silicon. This is a new generation of amorphous solar panels, working both in the visible and infrared spectrum. Practice has shown that such panels provide greater total annual production compared to classical. In addition, such panels are less demanding of the angle of inclination and orientation on the sides of the light.

And they are cheaper, because less silicon is used in production.

Compare the cost of solar panels for home and cottage. We give prices in dollars, since even the Russian panels are made from imported raw materials.

  • The cheapest - panels from amorphous or micromorphic silicon. Their price is 0.7-0.9 dollars per W.
  • In second place, polycrystalline solar panels are located with a price of 0.9 - 1 dollars per W.
  • Well, the most expensive are modules made of monocrystalline silicon.

    Their price is 1.1 - 1.3 dollars per 1 W power.

2. Power panels.

To determine the power of solar panels, you need to determine the average energy consumption in your home (for example, by electricity bills), and then decide which percentage of this quantity you want to compensate with alternative energy sources. Suppose, per month you consume 300 kW * h of electricity. It is about 10 kWh. * H per day and 3600 kW * h. For the Crimea, we can assume that the solar panels, with a capacity of 1 kW produce an average of 1300 kWh per year.

(about 110 kW * h per month). If the calculation is done for summer, it is believed that the panel gives its rated power of 6 hours a day (the solar battery for 250 W development will produce 250-6 \u003d 1500 W * h per day, provided that there is solar weather). Then, for full compensation, you need to install 3 kW panels (12 panels of 250 W, 1.65 m.kv.

each). If you install 12 panels at once, you can put half, and then add. The equipment does not need to change!

3. Type of inverter

Is there a network of 220 V?

If not, then you will not choose an autonomous inverter.

In such a system, the solar panels will charge batteries, and at the same time the energy will be spent on various loads. It is also recommended to stock generator who can charge the battery, if a particularly cloudy week and solar energy will not be enough. If there is a network, then the following question arises: is it necessary to reserve power supply, or do you want to just save? If there is a goal just save - it is enough to put a network inverter. For him, do not need batteries.

The energy generated by solar batteries is converted to 220 V and immediately spent consumers in the house. Some more interesting is the system that also stocks energy. It uses a hybrid inverter. Its main feature is the joint work of the network and solar panels. In this case, you can choose one of two priorities for the main source of energy. If you select the network - then the inverter will take no more permitted power from the network, and if it is not enough - to achieve the required amount of energy from alternative energy sources and batteries.

If you put the priority of solar panels - then the inverter will take a maximum of energy from them, and if it is not enough to get a little from the network.

4. Inverter power.

The power of the network inverter is selected equal to or slightly greater than the power of the panel array.

For hybrid and autonomous calculation, a little more complicated. To find out what power the inverter is needed on your system, you need to calculate the total power of the electrical appliances that can be simultaneously included in your home.

Suppose you have such electrical appliances at home:

  • 10 light bulbs (housekeys) of 20 W \u003d 200 W,
  • Class A +, 300 W refrigerator,
  • Pump, 500 W,
  • LCD TV 32 ", 70 W,
  • Mobile phone charger, 5 W,
  • Laptop, 60 W,
  • Vacuum cleaner, 1500 W,
  • Microwave, 2000 W,
  • Electric kettle, 1800 watts,
  • Air conditioning, 1500 watts.

In total, we get 7935 W.

Additionally, you need to take a reserve at least 20% and get 9500 watts. In the line of inverters MAP, the nearest model is 12 kW, however, if not included at the same time, the vacuum cleaner, microwave and electric kettle, then the maximum total power will already be 4600 W + 20% \u003d 5500 W - you can take the inverter twice as smaller power - 6 kW.

5. Charge controller type

Here we have a choice of only 2 types: PWM and MRRT. The difference between them is that the MRRT controller removes with solar panels up to 20% more power compared to the PWM controller. At the same time its cost is 2-3 times higher. To help yourself make a choice, make a simple calculation.

If you put on your house solar batteries with a capacity of 1 kW, then the MRRT controller can remove all 1000 watts from them, while PWM "will die" only 800 W. So that he caught up with the power of the MRRT controller, you need to add another panel for 200-250 W.

Of course, the gap between controllers 20% is held not 100% of the time. However, solar batteries are exploited not more than one year, and the difference of 20% in 20 years can be drawn quite large. What is more profitable for you to add batteries or pay extra for a more perfect controller - to solve you. From experience I can say that with the power of panels more than 1 kW is more profitable to put the MRRT controller.

The power of the charge controller power of the charge controller must be chosen by its passport data (it is indicated which power it can pump through itself into AKB).

This power should be larger than the power of the battery mounted on your home (in the country). It is also desirable (for PWM controllers) so that the battery voltage class matches the voltage on the batteries. Then there will be less losses on the voltage conversion inside the controller. For MRRT controllers there are no such restriction. They have the opposite, it is better to gain a lot of tension. Then even in the most cloudy weather, the controller will be able to maintain performance and remove power from the battery.

The type of batteries among all types of batteries for solar panel systems is lead-acid. Of these, you can choose between sealed (AGM, GEL) and serviced (traction, OPZV). The first makes sense to put when it is planned to use AKB in buffer mode (rare deep discharges at times of power off, shallow discharges during operation (addition of power)). Another advantage is their tightness - you can install in any room, there are no special ventilation requirements.

The serviced batteries must be installed in a room where there is ventilating, since hydrogen may be released during operation from such batteries. However, such AKBs have a very large resource - from 1500 cycles of 100% discharge. Therefore, it is advisable to put them in such systems where constant cyclic work is planned from the battery (autonomous systems without a 220V network). You can still put automotive starter batteries, but they do not tolerate the discharge in short currents and have a large self-discharge.

Therefore, their service life in solar batteries is very small.

8. The capacity of batteries about the container can be said: the more, the better.

However, it is possible to calculate the minimum required amount of acb. To do this, it is necessary to determine how many and what electrical appliances should work in the event of a power outage and multiply this amount of energy at the desired battery life. For example, lamps (3 to 20 W * h), TV (70 W * h), laptop (60 W * h), refrigerator A + (40 W * h per hour) should work for 6 hours.

Long-livers of solar energy systems

The total consumption per hour will be: 60 + 70 + 60 + 40 \u003d 230 W. At 6 o'clock, it will be necessary to 230 * 6 \u003d 1380 W * h (in * a * h) then the dish capacity will be 1380 V * a * h / 12 V \u003d 115 a * h. To prevent 100% discharge and increase the life of the battery, it is better to double the capacity and take the battery to 200 a * h. Such a battery will be able to stock 2400 W * h "Solar" energy.

You can also call us and ask any question to our engineers. We work from Monday to Friday from 9 to 18 hours without a break.

This article about solar panels for the house wrote Egor Moiseev

Calculation of solar batteries

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Greetings to you on the site e-veterToday I want to tell you about how much solar panels are needed for home or cottage, private house, etc.

In this article there will be no formulas and complex computing, I will try to convey all the simple words that are understandable for any person. The article promises to be not small, but I think you will not waste your time, leave comments under the article.

The most important thing is to determine the amount of solar batteries you need to understand what they are capable of how much energy can give one solar panel to determine the desired amount.

And also you need to understand that in addition to the panels themselves, batteries, charge controller, and voltage converter (inverter) are needed.

Calculation of solar cell power

To calculate the necessary power of solar panels you need to know how much energy you consume. For example, if your energy consumption is 100kw * h per month (readings can be viewed on the electricity meter), then, accordingly, you need solar panels to produce such an amount of energy.

The solar panels themselves produce solar energy only in the daytime day. And they give their passport power only with the presence of a clean sky and the fall of the sun rays at a right angle. When the sun drops at the corners, the power and generation of electricity falls noticeably, and the sharper angle of falling the sun's rays, the drop in the power is greater. In cloudy weather, the power of solar panels falls 15-20 times, even with light clouds and haze, the power of solar panels falls 2-3 times, and this is all necessary.

When calculating it is better to take a working time, in which the solar panels work almost on the entire power of 7 hours, it is from 9 am to 4 pm. Panels of course in the summer will work from dawn to sunset, but in the morning and evening the production will be quite small, in terms of only 20-30% of the total daytime production, and 70% of energy will be produced in the range from 9 to 16 hours.

Thus, an array of 1kW panels (1000VATT) over a summer sunny day will issue a period from 9 to 16 hours 7 kW * h electricity, and 210kW * h per month.

Plus, another 3kW (30%) in the morning and evening, but let it be a margin of so-like partly cloudy. And the panels we have installed inpatient, and the angle of falling the sunlight changes, from this natural panels will not produce its power 100%.

I think it is clear that if the array of panels is 2 kW, then the energy generation will be 420kW * h per month. And if there is one panel per 100 watt, then on the day it will give only 700 watts * h energy, and a month 21kW.

Not bad to have 210kvt * h per month with an array of only 1kW, but here it's not so simple

Firstly There is no such thing that all 30 days in a month is sunny, so you need to see the weather archive in the region and find out how much about cloudy days by months.

As a result, probably 5-6 days will definitely be cloudy when the solar panels and half electricity will not produce. It means you can safely strike 4 days, and it will not work out 210kW * h, and 186kW * h

Also It is necessary to understand that in the spring and autumn day of the day in short and cloud days is much larger, so if you want to use solar energy from March to October, then you need to increase the massif of solar panels by 30-50% depending on the particular region.

But that's not allAlso there are serious losses in batteries, and in converters (inverter), which, too, must be taken into account, on this below.

About Winter I will not talk yet, as this time, I am completely crying for the production of electricity, and then when there are no sun, there is no sun, no longer will help, and it will be necessary or eating from the network in such periods, or put a benzogenerator. It also helps the installation of the wind generator, in the winter, it becomes the main source of electricity generation, but if of course in your area windy winters, and the wind generator of sufficient power.

Calculation of the capacity of the battery for solar panels

It looks like this solar power station inside the house.

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Another example of installed batteries and a universal solar controller

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The minimum capacity of batterieswhich is simply necessary should be such to survive the dark time of the day.

For example, if you have in the evening and until the morning it consumes 3kw * h energy, then in batteries there should be such an energy supply.

If the battery is 12 volts 200 Ah, then the energy in it is placed 12 * 200 \u003d 2400 watts (2,4kw). But batteries can not be discharged by 100%. Specialized AKBs can be discharged to a maximum of 70%, if they are more degrading more. If you install ordinary automotive batteries, then they can be discharged by a maximum of 50%.

On this, you need to put batteries twice as much more than required, otherwise they will have to change each year or even before.

Optimal stock of the EKB This is a daily supply of energy in batteries. For example, if you have a daily intake of 10kW * h, then the working capacity of the AKB should be that. Then you can easily worry 1-2 cloudy days, without interruptions.

At the same time, on the usual days during the day, the batteries will be discharged by only 20-30%, and this will extend their short life.

Another important thing to do This is the efficiency of lead acid batteries, which is approximately 80%. So-there is a battery with full charge takes 20% more energy than then can give.

The efficiency depends on the current and discharge current, and the more charge current and discharge current, the lower the efficiency. For example, if you have a battery for 200Ah, and you connect an electric kettle through the inverter to 2kW, then the battery will fall sharply, as the battery discharge current will be about 250am, and the efficiency efficiency will fall up to 40-50%. Also, if you charge the battery with a large current, the efficiency will dramatically decrease.

Also inverter (energy converter 12/24/48 to 220V) has an efficiency of 70-80%.

Considering the loss of energy obtained from solar batteries in batteries, and on the conversion of a constant voltage into a variable 220V, the total losses will be about 40%.

This means that the supply of batteries capacity should be increased by 40%, and the same increase the solar battery massif by 40%To compensate for these losses.

But this is not all losses..

Solar battery life

There are two types of battery charge controllers from solar panels, and without them can not do. PWM (PWM) Controllers are simpler and cheap, they cannot transform energy, and therefore the solar panels can not give the battery all its power, maximum 80% of the passport power.

But MPPT controllers track the maximum power point and convert the energy reducing voltage and increasing charging current, as a result, increase the return of solar batteries to 99%. Therefore, if you put a cheapest pwm controller, then increase the solar mass array by another 20%.

Calculation of solar batteries for a private house or cottage

If you do not know your consumption and only plan to say to power the cottage from solar panels, then consumption is considered easy enough.

For example, you will have a refrigerator on your dacha, which consumes 370 kW on the passport per year, it means a month, it will consume only 30.8kW * h energy, and 1.02kW per day * h. Also light, such as light bulbs you have energy-saving, say 12 watts each, their 5 pieces and shine on average 5 hours a day. This means that in a day your light will consume 12 * 5 * 5 \u003d 300 watts * h energy, and in the month "healor" 9kW * h.

For example, you succeeded in a month 70kW * h Energy, add 40% of energy, which will be lost in the battery, inverter, etc. So we need solar panels to produce about 100kw * h.

This means 100: 30: 7 \u003d 0.476kW. It turns out an array of batteries with a power of 0.5 kW. But such a massive batteries will be missed only in summer, even in spring and autumn under cloudy days there will be interruptions with electricity, therefore it is necessary to increase the massif of the batteries twice.

As a result, the above in brief calculation of the amount of solar panels looks like this:

  • to adopt that solar batteries in the summer work only 7 hours with almost maximum power
  • calculate your electricity consumption per day
  • Divide on 7 and it turns out the desired power of the massif of solar panels
  • add 40% on losses in battery and inverter
  • add another 20% if you have a PWM controller if MPPT is not needed
  • Example: Consumption of private house 300kW * h per month, We divide for 30 days \u003d 7kW, we divide 10kW for 7 hours, it turns out 1,42kW.

    We add to this figure 40% of the losses on the battery and in the inverter, 1,42 + 0.568 \u003d 1988Vatt. As a result, for the nutrition of a private house in the summer, an array is needed in 2kW. But even in the spring and autumn to get enough energy to better increase the array by 50%, then - there is another plus 1kW. And in winter, in long cloudy periods, use or a benzogenerator, or install the wind generator with a capacity of at least 2kW.

    The cost of solar batteries and batteries

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    Prices for solar panels and equipment are now quite different, one and also products can at a price at times different from different sellers, so look cheaper, and in proven seasons. Prices for solar panels are now on average 70 rubles per Watt, then-there is an array of batteries in 1kW will cost about 70t rubles, but the more party the more discount and cheaper delivery.

    Qualitative specialized batteries are expensive, the battery 12V 200Ah will cost an average of 15-20 tons. I use here such ankb, about them written in this article, batteries for solar batteries automotive are twice as cheaper, but they must be twice as much more so that they served at least five years. And the same automotive battery can not be put in residential premises as they are not sealed.

    Specialized during discharge does not block 50% last 6-10 years, and they are hermetic, they do not distinguish anything. You can buy and cheaper. If you take a large batch, usually sellers give decent discounts.

    The rest of the equipment is probably individually, inverters are different, and in terms of power, and in the form of sinusoids, and at a price.

    The same charge controllers can be as expensive with all the functions, including with a bond with PC and remote access via the Internet.

    E-veterok.ru Wind energy and sun - 2013.

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    Science does not stand still, and now the innovations that once seemed to be incredible, appear in our homes and do not cause being wonderful surprise. So happened with. Previously, it was a choice mostly those people for whom the problems of ecology are extremely important. Now, such devices are desired by those who seek to save and the maximum efficiency of electricity. Naturally, first of all users are interested in the price and service life of solar panels.

    The solar battery is not a monolith, but a complex of modules or blocks, the required number of which depends on the volume of energy consumed and features of the room. The need for a certain number of blocks is calculated individually for each building. At the same time, the average number of energy consumed by production or residents of the house is taken into account.

    The principle of functioning is based on the transformation of solar energy into electric. In this case, the current is generated by a constant value.

    This happens this way:

    1. The panel converts the energy of the Sun into electricity.
    2. Distributes the current (for example, for lighting, television or computer, etc.).
    3. We are necessary to convert a DC to variable.
    4. accumulate energy. Thus, it can be spent during the absence of solar lighting.

    The power of the solar battery mainly depends on the number of installed blocks. If there is a need to increase it - additional elements are installed. The size of each panel varies from one to several meters.

    Such external factors also affect the productivity of batteries:

    • the intensity of sunlight;
    • location of blocks;
    • features of climatic zones;
    • season;
    • times of Day.

    So that the solar panels are as productive as possible, and the electricity consumption is effective, the environmental features should be taken into account. That is why calculations and installation work is better to entrust professionals with experience in this area.

    Estimated service life

    Many people wishing to go to such an alternative source of energy as solar panels, primarily interested in their service life.

    In most cases, the time of operation varies from 15 to 20 years. Some manufacturers offer equipment with the stated service life of about 30 years.

    Practice shows that individual solar batteries function much longer than it provides for their shelf life. As happened to the very first, which has been working so far for 60 years. However, it is impossible to say that it can happen with the battery after the expiration of its shelf life.

    Winged the service life of solar panels will be largely from the type of modules. Currently, most often apply:

    • . The most efficient, have good temperature coefficients.
    • Polycrystalline. More accessible than monocrystalline, the latest models at the same time have much better characteristics. That is why they are popular lately.
    • , or thin-film. In such ankb, the smallest amount of silicon is used. They are almost twice as fewer than crystalline. A positive point is a rather low temperature coefficient.

    Do not rush to buy the most profitable solar panels. The decision on their type, as well as how many elements are necessary to ensure the house, must be taken after consulting a specialist.

    Most manufacturers on average give warranty period from 10 to 20 years. At the same time, the deadlines for damage to a mechanical nature often amount to about 1-5 years. If we talk about degradation, then typically, manufacturers guarantee a reduction in power after 10 years of operation no more than 10% . The deterioration of the functions of solar panels, unfortunately, is inevitable.

    You should pay attention to the service life of individual components of the system. So, the battery will last 2-15 years, and the power electronics on average 10-12. Do not forget to make timely replacement.

    Power degradation

    Degradation by 1% per year is quite typical for solar panels. It is known that the single-crystal type of batteries is susceptible to faster degradation than polycrystalline. Over time, subject to high-quality photocells, the percentage falls somewhat and can reach 0.67-0.71%.

    How to choose an optimal option for the house? Do not buy. Mixing low prices usually meet the quality level of batteries. In addition, take into account. Thus, polycrystals will occupy more space at less power.

    Chinese models that differ in their cheapness often have a number of defects. Their power may not correspond to the stated, the quality of the soldering and assembly leaves much to be desired, and low-line materials are applied.

    To purchase truly high-quality modules, refer to the proven manufacturers only and require warranty. Turning to Russian manufacturers, you will definitely find what you were looking for. Even the expensive model will fully pay off over time. In fact, if the module lasts 15 years, then the energy will be generated for free.

    How to increase service time

    In order to somehow extend the service life of solar panels, it is necessary to protect them from the influence of negative external factors:

    • First of all, follows avoid any physical damage (As a result of strikes, scratches, breaking the module with a strong gust of the wind, the fall of water, etc.).
    • If the climatic conditions of terrain are heavy, it makes sense take care of O. special overall designs .
    • Also appropriate buy film to protect . With the help of it, the panel is laminated by the sun.

    Very important moments are the maintenance and cleaning of the installation. It is necessary to produce them regularly, it is desirable to seek help from specialists.

    How much the solar panels will serve you depends on their individual characteristics, as well as the actions of the external factors to which they will be subject to. Do not save on the quality of the installation, take care of the protection of the modules and you can use the energy of the Sun as long as possible.

    The network came on the dissertation of Welzina Denis Anatolyevich from 2014 on the topic

    Degradation processes in thin-film solar cells

    Your attention is presented the last chapter, where the duration of the life cycle of the solar power plant and some conclusions are evaluated.

    [...] Next, a simple solar station was simulated. When creating a layout of the station, it was necessary to obtain a given power (from 1 to 100 mW) when using a typical module (60 monocrystalline plates, paved in the form of two tapes of 30 elements), with a capacity of 150 W (15 V, 10 A). At the same time, the maximum DC voltage should not exceed 1kV (the requirements of the rules of operation of power plants in the European Union were used).

    In order to satisfy these requirements, solar modules were connected in series until the maximum possible voltage was obtained, the missing power was produced by similar chains of modules connected in parallel, due to the current produced.

    The trouble-free operation of the modules is determined by the reliability of the solar cells themselves, as well as soldered compounds that provide electrical contact between the cells. When connecting modules in the chain, it is necessary to use plugs, since external conclusions, in contrast to solder connections, are in direct contact with the environment. In addition, each such chain is supplied with an inverter, which is necessary to convert a DC to variable. For these reasons, the trouble-free operation of the solar power plant also depends on the reliability of plugs and inverters.

    When calculating reliability it was assumed that all the necessary electrical compounds and equipment (soldering compounds, plugs and inverters) are subject to the exponential distribution law. That is, their failures were considered only as sudden, the intensity of which does not change over time.

    The average time for the failure for each model element was selected close to real: Soldering compound - 105 [H] (~ 10 years), plug and inverter - 5 * 104 [H] (~ 5 years).

    The figures present the simulation results. In these charts, it can be noted that due to the large number of module chains included parallel to the chains, the probability of trouble-free operation of the solar power plant, close to 100%, takes place at a longer period of time. Then there is a rapid decrease in the probability of trouble-free operation, proportional to the number of elements. Such behavior of the system resembles integrated circuits with reservation.

    The probability of trouble-free operation of a standard module and solar power plants

    The probability of trouble-free operation of solar power plants of different power

    One of the features of solar power plants is the requirement of a large number of free square. In this case, transport capabilities limit the size of one photoelectric module. As a consequence of building a power plant, for example, 100 MW from standard power modules, say, 100 W need to form a million connections. In addition, each solar module also consists of 20-60 solar cells, which also need to be connected. The need for modern solar power plants in a large number of compounds resembles a similar need for electronics when moving from mounted installation to integral technologies.

    As measures to increase the reliability, it is possible to use the use of "smart modules" devices, which, according to their direct purpose, perform the same function as solar modules, but they are equipped with additional electronics, which ensures incision of the elements failed. Such a system is necessary, since one element failed disconnects the entire chain of the modules. Of course, on large power plants, a large number of parallel compounds allows to delay the power of the power plant, but power losses will accumulate. Such systems are now only being developed in the context of the battery life in terms of partial shading (for example), since poorly illuminated turns out to be actually not working. Such developments may be useful and to ensure the reliability of solar cells.