2023-08-25 16:04:30
The performance of a solar installation? You might think it depends solely on the sun and the angle at which it hits the panels, but that’s an overly simplistic view.
The performance of your balcony power station actually depends on four main factors:
Solar irradiation depending on the weather conditions at the installation location
The inclination and orientation of the panels
The presence of areas without shade
The technical performance of system components (i.e. modules and inverters)
Factor 1: The weather and the cardinal points
This first factor is difficult for you to influence. The weather is what it is. Some days are sunnier than others.
The idea that only direct exposure to the sun generates solar energy is no longer entirely accurate. Modern solar modules can generate considerable amounts of energy even on cloudy days.
So an installation on your balcony remains viable even if it only faces north. Of course, in this case, the payback period of your power plant will be longer, but your electricity bill will still be reduced.
However, to maximize performance, direct sunlight exposure is preferred.
Factor 2: Tilt and orientation
If we wish the sun would shine directly on the modules, this means that the panels must be oriented perpendicular to the sun’s rays. However, this poses a problem because the sun moves in a wide arc from east to west above the southern horizon.
You should therefore frequently adjust the orientation of the panels to maximize solar energy collection.
Two tips can help you.
The first tip concerns the orientation of the modules of your balcony power station, if you have purchased a set with two panels.
It may seem logical to orient the plant strictly to the south, because that is where the sun is. However, to ensure even solar energy collection throughout the day, you should orient one module to the southeast and the other to the southwest.
Although this configuration does not reach the peak of energy production of a strictly southerly orientation, it does achieve a uniform energy flow throughout the day in sunny weather.
Tilt adjustment
The second tip is a little more complex. It takes into account the fact that the sun is higher in summer than in winter. You should therefore adjust the tilt angle of the panels to the movement of the sun at least twice a year. This obviously requires that the supports and the type of mounting allow it.
To start, you need to determine the latitude of your location. Take the example of Berlin, the German capital, which is located at the latitude of 52 degrees. So you should tilt the solar panel 52 degrees towards the sun.
Then get out your calculator. For winter months, multiply your latitude by 0.9 and add 29 degrees: (Latitude * 0,9) + 29°. In this case, the angle of inclination would be 75.8 degrees.
During the summer months, do the reverse and subtract 29 degrees: (Latitude * 0,9) – 29°. This would give a lean angle of 17.8 degrees.
If you want to be more specific, you can adjust the panels monthly or quarterly. Quarterly seasonal adjustment is easier because you only vary the angle 2.5 degrees from your latitude when changing from winter to spring and summer to fall .
To check if the angle is correct, just use a spirit level app on your smartphone.
Factor 3: Absence of shade
As mentioned earlier, the weather is always a factor. Whether the sun is shining or the clouds are building up, it has an impact on energy production. However, the shadows are even more problematic. And many owners of balcony power plants do not take them into account.
For example, if you have a less modern solar module of 1 m², a simple hand placed on it can reduce the optimal solar yield (!) from 100% to 15%. If trees or other objects cast shadows over your installation, energy efficiency can quickly drop to an unacceptable level.
It depends on the quality of the solar module. Modern panels can work with partial shades. If 4 out of 40 cells are shaded, the other 36 will continue to function normally. How to spot such a sign? It’s difficult, because manufacturers usually don’t mention it in their product descriptions. Only user testing can help you.
To avoid any problems, make sure your panels are not shaded during the day. Clouds also reduce performance, but not as much as direct shadows from objects, buildings, etc.
Factor 4: Technical performance
The raw performance of solar modules determines how much energy your balcony power station can produce at most.
It is quite reassuring to choose a set of modules having an output power of 600 watts. Compared to the soon to be authorized 800 watts, the difference in performance is not 33% or 25%. It actually averages just 1 to 4 percent, according to Johannes Stolz, a professor of engineering at the Hochschule Koblenz. This is because most modules advertise themselves in terms of peak wattage (Wp), which is the maximum power achieved under lab test conditions.
However, manufacturers often ignore the fact that the power of the modules decreases with increasing temperature. This is a problem during the sunny, hot summer months. The higher the power Wp indicated, the more this reduction is accentuated. Thus, the 800 watt modules almost drop to the level of their 600 watt counterparts in terms of performance.
The inverter, which injects the current into the home network, must be perfectly compatible with the modules. So there is no need to buy 600 watt modules and use an 800 watt inverter. In this case, the inverter could operate close to its lower operating limit, or even not inject any current at all. This is a problem that particularly concerns inexpensive models sold for less than 200 euros.
By opting for a branded device and slightly more expensive, from 300 euros, you should have well-matched components. The choice between 600 watts or, if the regulations allow it, 800 watts, is a personal decision. Even with 600 watts, you will already see a significant reduction in your electricity bill.
By taking these four factors into account, you can improve the efficiency of your solar installation and your balcony power plant.
Relax, discover the evolution of the number of smartphones sold by brand over time in the video below:
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