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9 Questions to ask about solar energy

This is not new, fossil fuels are running out, which, as you have seen in recent years, tends to increase considerably their price to the delight of some companies. This scarcity forces us finally to turn to alternative energies including the one that allows us to live: the Sun.This week DIY Sun wonders about solar energy and its use in the house to help you better understand one of sources of energy that will equip your homes very soon.


What is solar energy?

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: questions

Above all, it is important to define the term "solar energy": Solar energy is the energy that the sun provides through its direct or diffuse radiation (wikipedia). In other words, the term "solar energy" is incorrectly used to designate electricity or thermal energy obtained from the sun's radiation and by transformation. But the image she supposes is most pleasant.

In our homes, the exploitation of sunlight is essentially done by two methods: solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic cells. The first solution consists of a device that captures energy from the sun to transmit it to a heat transfer fluid that will then, by contact, heat water to provide heating and / or sanitary requirements. This is the system that is used for solar water heaters.

The other solution is probably the best known of the two: photovoltaic cells that transform daylight into electrical energy. In a simplified manner, a photovoltaic cell is generally composed of silicon which is in the form of two semiconductor layers; one with an excess of electrons "n" and one with a defect of electron "p". When the sun's rays reach the surface of the cell, the photons of the light come, so to speak, "tearing" the electrons away from the silicon atoms and thereby creating positive charges and negative charges. These charges are then set in motion by the electric fields generated by the two semiconductor layers and it is this circulation principle that makes it possible to produce a direct current. This current then passes through an inverter which transforms it into alternating current identical to that delivered by EDF.

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: questions

How can we use solar energy in the house?

Being completely autonomous by generating electricity through a solar-powered system is possible but remains almost inaccessible from a financial point of view. In addition, it will probably be difficult to guarantee sufficient energy production for your comfort all year round. On the other hand it is quite possible to use this energy as a supplement to the energy used in your home and significantly reduce your bills.

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: your

If you want to take the plunge, the most accessible is a solar water heater that uses solar thermal collectors to produce domestic hot water and that can be used to supplement or replace the production of a conventional water heater. A solar water heater will allow you to cover 50 to 70% of the domestic hot water needs of your home.

To go further, you can opt for a combined solar system that resumes the operation previously seen, to produce your hot water and participate in the heating supply of the house. Depending on the region, this system covers up to 60% of the annual needs for hot water and heating but does not allow you to do without your old boiler.

It is also possible to install photovoltaic cells to independently produce its own electricity. But be aware that you will not be able to use all the electricity generated. Indeed, the energy production by the sensors is done continuously throughout the day, unlike your consumption which is punctual. Since electrical energy is difficult to store, it involves consuming it quickly. That's why EDF buys it back to you during the day to reinject it into its network, then sells you the necessary energy when you need it. Therefore, installing photovoltaic cells on your roof, you will undoubtedly save money on your bills but will not prevent you from using electricity obtained from nuclear or fossil fuels.

What progress has been made in this area?

Current research is focused on improving photovoltaic cells because the production of electricity from the sun's radiation is a key aspect of filling the future fossil fuel shortage. Since 1958, and the first photovoltaic cell, which yielded 9%, there has been considerable progress both in terms of efficiency and adaptation to our homes. At the end of 2006, a team of researchers set a new record by obtaining a photovoltaic module whose efficiency exceeded 40% thanks to optical concentrators. But this technology is not yet on the market and the yield of solutions available for our homes is more than 15%.

Is it really good all year?

Despite the progress made, the yield is not yet sufficient to ensure satisfactory energy production throughout the year. This problem is mainly related to the inability to store electricity and the obligation to ensure a permanent balance between the power consumed and the electrical power produced. Because the voltaic technology could assume a strong use of air conditioners in times of heat wave, as it could not support the massive use of convectors on cold days.

So until this technology has achieved sufficient yield, its use will have to be supplemented by a conventional installation and, especially, a perfect insulation of the house.

What are the conditions for installing a solar energy system at home?

Like any visible changes to your home, it is advisable to apply for a building permit in addition

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: solar

a declaration of work, even if theoretically it is not mandatory for an existing building. If you are building your home, consider integrating the existence of photovoltaic modules in the details of your building permit or, at least, the possibility of their future implementation.

The most important thing, before embarking on the sometimes lengthy steps, is to inquire with your town hall. Because according to the regions there are special provisions concerning the appearance or the color of the roofs. The installation of solar panels does not always fit into the acceptance criteria and can be interpreted as "visual pollution".

If you live near a historic monument or in a protected site, the opinion of the Buildings of France will be quasi-obligatory so as not to "distort" the heritage. Even if, like us, you think that a photovoltaic roof is as aesthetic as it is ecological.

Is it possible to install an installation yourself?

For your safety and to guarantee the proper functioning of the installation, it is essential to call in a professional. The factors of a good solar installation are numerous and complex: orientation of the panels, power, connection to the system in place, security of the equipment, storage of energy, integration in the natural setting.

As this market has been a particularly buoyant market for a few years, you will have no difficulty in finding a specialist to inform you (see below).

How much does it cost?

The major concern of solutions exploiting solar energy is the purchase price and installation, because they are expensive products to purchase. But these expenses are also very quickly profitable because do not forget that the source of energy used is completely free. To take up the different solutions mentioned above, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEM) estimates that:

A solar water heater costs on average between 2 000 and 5 000 €, pose included.
A combined solar system costs between 10 000 and 20 000 €, including pose.
An installation of 20 m² of photovoltaic cells on the roof costs € 15,000, excluding installation.

Before telling you that it will be impossible for you to pay such sums, please note that these prices do not include the deductions of the different aids set up and to which you can have access.

What are the financing aids for installations using solar energy?

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: questions

Since 1 January 2005, a tax credit of 50% of expenses including tax (excluding subsidies and labor) supports any heating or hot water supply equipment that uses solar energy. This aid is awarded only on presentation of a QUALISOL installation invoice which is the quality label for solar installations. There are also regional subsidies to support investment in new energies. This aid varies from one region to another, but in the end and in addition to the tax credit, you will be able to reduce the total bill by almost 50%, including the price.

What is the best way to learn about this type of installation?

9 Questions to ask about solar energy: your

If you are interested in installing a system using solar energy, we advise you to go to the ADEM detachment of your department. ADEM is a public institution under the joint supervision of the Ministries in charge of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Industry and Research. Their mission is to coordinate, facilitate or carry out operations aimed at protecting the environment and controlling energy. You will be able to obtain the information concerning the regulations and the aid in force in your area, the list of approved installers as well as interlocutors who will be able to answer your various questions.

Finally, do not forget that it is not necessary to have a solar system to benefit from this free energy. Remember to open your shutters in the day to let in the sunlight in your home. Even if it does not replace a heater, it will reduce your energy costs and help preserve the environment. Because, as we have heard recently, there are no small gestures when many are doing them.

9 Questions to ask about solar energy

FAQ - 💬

❓ What are 10 interesting facts about solar energy?

👉 10 Facts About Solar Energy That Might Surprise You

  • Solar power is the most abundant energy source on Earth. ...
  • Solar panel costs have fallen 99% since 1977. ...
  • Solar Energy is cheaper than fossil fuels. ...
  • Solar power plants can last 40 years or more. ...
  • China is the world leader in solar energy ... by a lot.

❓ What are solar energy questions?

👉 Solar Energy Questions and Answers, Pros and Cons

  • Why is solar so expensive?
  • Can I get solar panels for free?
  • Can I get heat and electricity from the same solar panels?
  • Do I need batteries for my solar energy system?
  • How many solar panels are needed to power a house?
  • How long will solar panels last?

❓ What are 5 good things about solar energy?

👉 Five Reasons Home Solar and Batteries Is an Excellent Choice

  • Gives you control over your electricity. ...
  • Provides clean, renewable energy. ...
  • Increases home value. ...
  • Qualifies for tax breaks and cash incentives. ...
  • Costs have fallen.

❓ What are 3 challenges of using solar energy?

👉 Disadvantages of Solar Energy

  • Cost. The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high. ...
  • Weather-Dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. ...
  • Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive. ...
  • Uses a Lot of Space. ...
  • Associated with Pollution.
5 days ago

❓ What are 3 important facts about solar energy?

👉 Still, these 16 interesting facts about solar energy will help put the idea of installing solar panels into perspective.

  • Solar power is the most abundant energy source on earth. ...
  • Solar power is the fastest-growing energy source. ...
  • Solar is the cheapest source of energy in the world.

❓ Why do we need solar energy?

👉 Solar energy does not generate waste or contaminate water—an extremely important factor given the scarcity of water. Unlike fossil fuels and nuclear power plants, wind energy has one of the lowest water-consumption footprints, which makes it a key for conserving hydrological resources.

❓ What are 5 questions about the solar system?

👉 Important Solar System Questions with Answers

  • 1) How many planets are there in the Solar System? ...
  • 2) Which planet is the closest to the Sun? ...
  • 3) Match the following. ...
  • 4) Solar System is located in _____ galaxy. ...
  • 5) Why is it called the Solar System? ...
  • Q6) Where do most comets arrive from? ...
  • 7) How did the Solar system originate?

❓ How long do solar panels last?

👉 25 yearsSolar panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, are made to last more than 25 years. In fact, many solar panels installed as early as the 1980s are still working at expected capacity. Not only are solar panels remarkably reliable, solar panel longevity has increased dramatically over the last 20 years.

❓ What are 10 advantages of solar energy?

👉 Advantages of Solar Energy and Why You Should Switch Into Solar Panels

  • Benefits of Solar Energy to the Environment.
  • Saving Water.
  • Saving Money.
  • Gaining Money.
  • Using Renewable Energy Source.
  • Low Maintenance.
  • Improving Grid Security.
  • Creating Jobs.

❓ What is the biggest problem with solar?

👉 One of the biggest problems that solar energy technology poses is that energy is only generated while the sun is shining. That means nighttime and overcast days can interrupt the supply.

❓ What are the 10 uses of solar energy?

👉 Common Residential Uses of Solar Power

  • Provide electricity. This is the most common way that solar power is used in most homes. ...
  • Heating water. ...
  • Heating home. ...
  • Solar ventilation fans. ...
  • Lighting home. ...
  • Portable solar power. ...
  • Heating swimming pool. ...
  • Solar-powered pumps.

❓ What are the top questions to ask a solar panel salesman?

👉 Here are some of the most important questions to ask when considering solar energy installation. Before you purchase a solar panel, you will most probably engage with a solar panel salesperson. These are the top questions to ask a solar salesman. 1. How Does The Solar Panel System Work?

❓ What should I know about solar energy?

👉 If you are new to this type of energy or don’t have much knowledge about it, this should be the first question. A solar system is made up of connected solar panels that absorb rays from the sun and convert it to electricity.

❓ Why are the last two questions important when buying solar energy?

👉 The last two questions in particular are important. Local utility companies all have different rules about how home solar energy systems will connect with their grid, and installers with experience know how to make sure things are done right to ensure that process goes smoothly.

❓ Can I only run certain items with solar power?

👉 Yes! One of the common misconceptions about solar power is that you run only certain items with the power that is produced. While this may be the case with off-grid systems, grid-tied systems, like the ones Simple Solar installs, do not provide power to specific devices.


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