It is highly recommended to consult a specialist or authorized installer to obtain a correct and tailored installation scheme to the specific needs of the house installation. Anche Yakubu offers, as part of the purchase package of a photovoltaic panel system, a free on-site visit, as well as design, installation, and verification services tailored to the existing needs.

A correct and well-planned installation scheme is essential to achieve maximum efficiency, durability, and safety in the operation of photovoltaic panels. They transform solar light into usable electrical energy and are a clean and sustainable source of energy. However, to fully benefit from their potential, proper and precise installation of these panels is necessary.

One of the most important aspects of the installation scheme is the correct placement of solar panels based on the optimal orientation and tilt towards the sun. Depending on the geographical location and specific project requirements, the ideal angles are determined to capture the maximum solar radiation. Thus, the solar panels will benefit from optimal sun exposure throughout the day and throughout the year, thereby generating more electrical energy. 
 

How Many Photovoltaic Panels are Needed for a House?

 
 

If you have decided to reduce your electricity bills through a photovoltaic system, you have most likely also wondered how many photovoltaic panels are needed for your home.

The number of photovoltaic panels needed to power a house depends on the average electricity consumption of the house, which can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the house, the number of occupants, the electrical equipment used, and energy consumption habits.

How to Calculate the Rated Power for Photovoltaic Panels

Usually, photovoltaic panels have a rated power measured in watts, and the number of panels needed to power a house depends on the power required to meet the energy needs of the house.

For example, to determine the number of photovoltaic panels needed to power a house with a required power of 5 kW, we can use the following simple formula:

Number of panels = Required power / Panel rated power   
For the example above, the number of panels required would be approximately: 
Number of panels: 5000 W / 360 W = 14 panels

To find out the area occupied by the 14 photovoltaic panels, we will consult the technical data sheet of the panel and extract the following information: the length and width of the panel, namely L = 2108 mm and W = 1048 mm.

The required area can be calculated by finding the area of one panel and then multiplying by the total of 14 panels:

A = L x W x 14 = 2,108 x 1,048 x 14 = 2,20918 sq. mm x 14 = 30,9285 sq. mm

The result obtained means that the installation of the panels will be done on a minimum area of 30.92 m2 and oriented according to the calculator provided by the EU or other online resources.

This is an approximate calculation, and the actual number of photovoltaic panels required may vary depending on several factors, such as geographical location, the angle and orientation of the panels, and the system's efficiency.

To calculate the actual energy production supplied by a photovoltaic panel, you can use a specialized calculator, such as the one provided by the EU or other available online resources. These calculators take into account several factors, including the type of panel and photovoltaic system (on-grid or off-grid), geographical location, panel orientation, angle, and the location where the panels are installed.

Connecting Scheme of Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels can be connected either in series or in parallel. There is also the possibility of connecting them in two series, each with 7 panels.

This configuration means that we will connect 7 photovoltaic panels in series in the first string and another 7 photovoltaic panels in series in the second string. Then, the two strings will be connected in parallel, allowing us to obtain a higher energy production while maintaining a constant voltage. This can be a suitable choice depending on the requirements and specifications of the solar installation.

The series-parallel configuration can bring advantages, including higher efficiency and adaptability to various operating conditions. However, it is important to ensure that the charge controller and equipment are properly sized for this configuration and that safety standards for the photovoltaic system installation are adhered to.

Choosing the Inverter

The choice of inverter is based on the data obtained above, where the power of the photovoltaic panels must be less than or equal to the input power of the inverter. In our case, the inverter power must be equal to or greater than 5.52kW.

It is important to choose an inverter with a maximum input voltage higher than the voltage generated by the series of panels connected in series and a nominal output power greater than or equal to the total power of the 5.52kW solar system. This will ensure optimal and efficient operation of the photovoltaic installation.

Aspects to Consider in the Installation Scheme of Photovoltaic Panels: Shading

An adequate installation scheme must also take into account any shading caused by buildings, trees, or other objects that can affect the performance of the panels. By avoiding excessive shading, efficient capture of solar energy is ensured, maximizing the efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

In addition to aspects related to energy efficiency, a well-designed installation scheme also considers the safety of the solar system. Solar panels need to be securely and firmly fixed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy snow. Proper fixation prevents the risk of panel damage and ensures protection against any risks to personal safety and property.

The installation scheme of photovoltaic panels is important for several reasons:

1. Maximum Efficiency and Performance: A correct installation scheme ensures the optimal placement of solar panels, taking into account the angles of solar incidence and avoiding excessive shading. Thus, photovoltaic panels can capture more solar energy and produce more electricity. An improper scheme can reduce the efficiency of the solar system and lead to a loss of energy generation potential.
2. Safety: A correct installation scheme ensures proper fixation of solar panels to withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, or heavy snow. Solar panels can be exposed to external forces such as wind gusts or snow weight, and proper mounting protects them from damage and prevents risks to personal safety and property.
3. Durability and Longevity: A well-designed and executed installation scheme can contribute to the durability and longevity of the solar system. Proper fixation of solar panels prevents their deterioration over time and reduces the risk of malfunction or component breakage.
4. Ease of Panel Maintenance: A well-established scheme facilitates access for the maintenance and cleaning of the panels. Periodic cleaning of the panels is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending their lifespan. A well-organized arrangement facilitates maintenance operations.
5. Compliance with Standards and Regulations: A correct installation scheme ensures compliance with local or national standards and regulations regarding the installation of photovoltaic panels. Compliance with these rules is important to avoid fines and to benefit from subsidies or tax incentives available for solar installations.

What are the Benefits of a Photovoltaic Panel?

First and foremost, cost control and cost reduction are the most significant benefits of a solar panel system. Such an installation offers stability and predictability in terms of the energy consumption bill, and the return on the investment itself is achieved within a period of up to 7 years, depending on their value and actual production capacity.

Another benefit is the reduction of dependence on suppliers, and in the event that you produce more energy than you need, you can become a prosumer and sell the excess electricity to the grid.

In terms of the technical aspects of photovoltaic panels, due to advanced technologies, they can operate even when it is cloudy, have low maintenance costs, with the inverter being the only component requiring attention after the first 5-10 years of operation, while the panels only need an annual cleaning. Their lifespan is another advantage, with manufacturers providing a warranty for the optimal functioning of photovoltaic panels for 25-30 years.

Last but not least, sustainability and setting a good example for the community are part of the benefits of installing a photovoltaic panel. In addition to the fact that solar energy is free and renewable, and at the same time completely non-polluting, a photovoltaic panel system makes the owner become an example for the community on how we can non-invasively use nature to our advantage.

In terms of money saved, photovoltaic panels can reduce energy bills by up to 65-70%, which can lead to a reduction of up to 100% if you have a larger available area for installing these panels.

Types of Photovoltaic Systems

If you have decided to purchase a photovoltaic system for residential (400-450 W) or industrial (over 500W) use, you should know that these are divided into three main categories: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid.

On-grid Photovoltaic Systems

The on-grid photovoltaic system is connected to the public electricity network, and the electricity produced by the panels during the day can be used for household needs. If the production exceeds the household's consumption, the surplus energy will be fed into the grid, making the owner a prosumer. Additionally, if the photovoltaic panels of an on-grid system do not capture enough solar energy, the difference for household consumption will be covered from the public grid, and the payment will be made based on the difference between the energy produced and consumed. When production exceeds consumption, the owner will receive payment for the amount of electricity injected into the public grid.

Off-grid Photovoltaic Systems

An off-grid system means that energy is stored using batteries and can be used during periods of low or no solar energy production. With this system, you are not at all dependent on public suppliers, but the disadvantage is that you may be left without electricity if the project is not designed and sized correctly.

Hybrid Photovoltaic Systems

This system combines the advantages of both on-grid and off-grid types and is considered the most advantageous type of photovoltaic system, but also the most expensive. The hybrid system is equipped with an inverter that offers multiple settings, utilizing all the combined functions of the two types of systems: it can supplement electric energy from the public grid, store surplus energy in batteries for use when needed, charge the batteries from the grid at night, and consume stored energy.

How to Reduce Costs with Photovoltaic Panels

If you have the opportunity to install photovoltaic panels, you should know that generating the required amount of clean electrical energy on your own is an efficient way to save money on your electricity bill.

Two ways to have lower bills:

• Use solar energy as a power source, trying to depend as little as possible on the energy supplier.
• Be a prosumer, meaning that when the photovoltaic system produces more energy than you use, the surplus will be reintroduced into the national electricity grid and practically sold at a predetermined price, called a feed-in tariff.

Becoming a Prosumer

To become a prosumer, a contract with one of the electricity suppliers approved by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) is required. According to ANRE, distribution operators have responsibilities regarding connection to the electricity grid, certification of prosumer status, measurement of electricity consumed/injected into the grid, and transmission of information to the supplier for electricity billing.

As mentioned in the introduction, prosumers are both consumers and producers of electricity, owning decentralized production units (DPU) connected to the grid, with two types of exchanges with the grid: they consume from the system when their own production is insufficient for household needs, but also provide energy to the system when there is a surplus.

The amount of energy consumed from and supplied to the grid is measured through a bidirectional meter. This meter is the responsibility of the electricity supplier with whom the contract has been concluded and needs to be replaced.

Each residential prosumer will offer the surplus electricity to the grid, which will subsequently reduce the amount owed from future bills, using the previously produced energy, effectively achieving an exchange.

For those who want to install a photovoltaic panel system, Anche Yakubu offers a free on-site visit as part of the purchase package, as well as design, installation, and verification services tailored to specific needs. Additionally, Anche Yakubu can assist in completing the entire prosumer documentation file, simplifying the process for you as much as possible.