Advantages of solar systems: You must know these five facts

by zolar on 03/27/2021

gettyimagesIf you decide to have a solar system on your roof, you can save.

What everyone knows about photovoltaic systems: They generate environmentally friendly green electricity from sunlight and not only protect the climate, but also the purse of the operators. Find out here what else is exciting to know about solar systems.

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1. The second spring – solar systems are recyclable

One sometimes still hears the rumor that solar modules use more energy to manufacture and dispose of than they produce. But that's not true – solar systems are almost completely recyclable. The fact that solar panels are primarily made of glass, aluminum, silicon and copper makes them 95 percent recyclable. The recycling of materials is reflected in the CO2 balance. With the production of solar power, solar modules achieve an energy payback time of two years on average. This means that after two years the solar system has produced the amount of energy that was required for its manufacture. With an average life expectancy of 25 years, solar systems produce more than ten times the energy they produce.

If the service life of the solar system has been exceeded and defects or insufficient performance are the order of the day, the modules can be disposed of free of charge at the recycling center. The manufacturer is obligated to properly dispose of or process the recyclable elements. Minor defects in individual parts can often even be rectified directly and the module can thus almost completely go into a new operating time.

zolarLive even more sustainably - with recyclable solar modulesOur solar system purchase adviceThe major solar system comparison. The best providers at a glance. Find out now! Our solar system purchase advice The major solar system comparison. The best providers at a glance. Find out now!

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Advantages of solar systems: These five facts must You know

2. Solar energy is old hat

The first silicon photovoltaic cells were built in 1954. So anyone who thinks that solar energy is an invention that has just outgrown its infancy is wrong. Of course, it took a little time from the first cell to the finished system for house roofs - but the technology was expanded in the 1980s and only twenty years later was used in many places for commercial power generation.

By the way, the basic idea for this technology came from Albert Einstein. His research results are based on the discoveries of Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, who first described the photoelectric effect in 1839.

Which solar system provider is the test winner 2021?"Find out the EFAHRER test results now!"Which solar system provider is the test winner 2021?"Find out the EFAHRER test results now!"

3. Cold increases the efficiency of the solar modules

In winter and in cold temperatures does the solar system work less efficiently? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. The efficiency of the solar modules increases, especially in cold temperatures. The reason for this is the silicon built into the modules, the properties of which favor more efficient electricity production at lower temperatures. When it comes to cold temperatures, many solar system operators are concerned about snow on the solar modules. Although shading or dirt on the solar modules can lead to reduced performance, UV rays penetrate up to 15 cm of snow. If the solar modules are lying in the snow but are not covered, the reflection of the sun's rays can even lead to increased electricity production.

zolarMaintenance of solar systems is rarely necessary

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4. Photovoltaic systems are low-maintenance

As with all technical devices, especially those with several components, it makes sense to check them at regular intervals. However, the maintenance of photovoltaic systems is usually a matter that does not involve much effort and is therefore associated with low costs for the PV operator. The maintenance of the solar system can be carried out regularly - for example as part of a maintenance contract - or taken advantage of when required. There would be a need if the photovoltaic system has visible damage, for example to a solar module. Even if the service provided is below the forecast value or significantly below that of the previous year, this can be an indication of damage. The maintenance of the PV system usually takes place after an on-site inspection and can include various work steps, from cleaning to the replacement of individual components. Due to the few different individual parts of a solar system, maintenance is often not necessary for years. If you want to be on the safe side and prevent any loss of performance directly, you can conclude a maintenance contract with the installation company and have the system serviced regularly.

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5. Photovoltaic systems are getting old

You can already see it when you buy it: Manufacturers now give long-term guarantees on the individual components of the solar system. The solar modules are usually the parts with the longest life expectancy. Up to 30 years guarantee on the performance are given by the manufacturer at the time of purchase. Even after the warranty period has expired, many modules remain in perfect condition. If you take a close look at the data sheet for your solar modules, you will find two different guarantee specifications: the performance guarantee, which refers to the performance of the modules as a percentage and is usually between 20-30 years, and the product guarantee, which refers to the statutory guarantee of acceptance of repair costs for product defects. This is usually ten to twelve years. With your photovoltaic modules you can therefore produce your own solar power for at least a quarter of a century.

zolarAlso in an online comparison: Solar modules have long-term guarantee periods

Inexpensive solar systems – prices for photovoltaics have halved

Investing in a solar system involves a large purchase sum. However, due to falling prices, solar systems are becoming cheaper than ever before. Even when selecting the components and manufacturers, the individual parts of the solar system often differ in price by several hundred euros. Additional components such as battery storage for solar power or a wall box represent an initial investment of several thousand euros. But what sounds expensive at first is now less than half as much as it was ten years ago. Based on the approximate value per kilowatt peak output, the average purchase price in 2010 was still over €3,000. In 2020, customers paid an average price of 1,350 euros for their PV system per kilowatt peak output. Although the investment costs for solar systems will continue to fall – benefiting from rising demand – prices are no longer likely to halve again within such a short period of time.

Conclusion

Solar systems keep what they promise: Solar power from your own roof. They have proven to be reliable and cost-effective sources of energy for their operators with a long guarantee period, low maintenance costs and - compared to the costs ten years ago - with a purchase price that has been halved. Contrary to general prejudice, photovoltaic systems can also perform particularly well at low temperatures. Although the winter months often generate lower yields due to cloudiness or dirt on the solar modules, the low temperatures in no way cause a failure or reduced performance. On the contrary, the efficiency increases when it is cold – another positive aspect of cold but sunny winter days. Due to the possibility of recycling 95 percent of the solar modules and the hardly noticeable costs for the maintenance of the solar system, the renewable energy source from your own roof is a sunny companion for your energy consumption and your wallet.

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