More and more Italians are choosing to install solar panels on the roof of their homes. The economic and environmental benefit of installing a residential photovoltaic system is now known.
In fact, with your solar modules mounted on the roof, you will be able to feed your domestic users directly with the energy produced by your system, and by taking advantage of your self-consumption, you will be able to become increasingly independent from the national electricity grid and thus escape the rising prices in the bill.
On an environmental level, however, you will help to counteract the rise in temperatures due to the emissions of harmful gases. This is because solar energy is a clean and free renewable source!
Several times in our blog articles, we have talked about the size and power of a solar panel. We have dealt with energy performance calculation and explained how to calculate the correct sizing.
Today we will tell you about a very interesting project launched by Enel to increase the efficiency of solar panels while keeping the dimensions of the modules unchanged. A breakthrough for the efficiency of your photovoltaic system, even in a condominium!
The solar panel of the future
2024 will be an important year for the photovoltaic sector: Enel will put into production new solar panels capable of increasing the efficiency in the absorption capacity of sunlight. Currently, a photovoltaic module has an absorption capacity of 21%, while Enel will try to raise this figure to 28%.
What does this increase mean? For the same surface area occupied, the energy production capacity of solar panels will increase by almost 10%! This increase will represent an important advantage from many points of view: environmental but also and above all economical since the energy produced will be significantly higher for the same occupied area and investment expenditure.
A turning point for condominiums
This innovation brought about by the Enel project can become decisive for anyone who wants to installing solar panels in a condominium since it would significantly reduce the surface occupied by the solar panels and consequently avoid most of the problems between condominiums for the division of common areas on the roof of the building.
These photovoltaic modules with greater efficiency will be marketed through the dealer network and, therefore, available for private citizens starting in 2024.
3Sun: the new factory inaugurated in Catania
The 3Sun factory was inaugurated in Catania on 6 February. The added value of this reality lies in the innovation of its production processes and the more efficient performance of the panels. The presence of CEO Francesco Starace and the Minister for the Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratin also witnessed the start of the works.
Innovation allows us to be competitive with Chinese products because the panels are more efficient, producing more energy per unit. To produce cells and modules, the factory needs silicon slices and wafers – explains Starace -. For the first two years, we will buy silicon from China because there is not enough silicon elsewhere. But we have made agreements with European wafer and polysilicon producers, who today have a niche production, to allow these wafers to be produced in Europe and then exported. We must wait a year and a half because these producers must invest in expanding production capacity. There is no 3-gigawatt factory like the one we are building in Catania in Europe. The production of silicon in Europe can become competitive with China provided the European Commission intervenes with contributions, which I believe will happen with the RepowerEu tool.
In reality, the Catania factory has existed for over 10 years. It is the same one that designed and produced the first bifacial solar panels, which can absorb light from both sides. At the moment, however, the production of these modules has stopped to prioritize the expansion of production capacity and the production of even more innovative solar panels.
The opportunity presented itself thanks to a loan obtained with the European funds for innovation, for 118 million euros, to which another 400 million invested by Enel must be added.
To increase the production capacity from 200 MW (megawatts) of current power to 400 MW at the end of 2023 to finally reach 3 GW (gigawatts) in 2024.
The solar panel manufacturers
One of main objectives is to offer excellent quality products to our customers who decide to install a solar panels system with us. For this reason, to select the producers to rely on, we base ourselves on the following quality criteria:
- We choose companies with a long history and experience capable of covering the guarantees they offer
- We verify that the materials they use are of the highest quality
- We choose producers who care about sustainability
- We select producers who invest in R&D
The solar panel manufacturers we currently cooperate with in Otovo are the following:
- Renogy
- Sun Power
- Futura Sun
- LG
- Trina Solar
- Hanwha Q Cells
- REC
- Canadian Solar
Switch to solar and start producing clean energy and saving on bills as soon as possible!
How to improve the efficiency of solar panels
Increase the surface area: One of the most effective ways to improve the efficiency of solar panels is to increase their surface area. By increasing the surface area of the solar panels, you can capture more sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Optimize the angle: It’s important to ensure that solar panels are positioned at the optimal angle for the latitude and season. In general, solar panels should be tilted at an angle equal to the latitude of the location. This will ensure that they receive maximum sunlight throughout the year.
Keep the panels clean: Dirty solar panels can reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning is necessary to remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking the sunlight.
Use high-quality materials: Using high-quality materials in the manufacturing of solar panels can increase their efficiency. High-quality materials can also help to ensure that the solar panels last longer and require less maintenance.
Install a tracking system: Solar panel tracking systems can improve efficiency by following the sun’s movement throughout the day. This ensures that the solar panels are always positioned to receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
Improve the solar storage batteries system: Solar panels generate energy during the day, but it may not always be used at the same time. An efficient storage system can store excess energy generated by the solar panels during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.
Use solar concentrators: Solar concentrators can increase the amount of sunlight that is directed onto the solar panels. This can help to improve their efficiency.
By implementing these measures, you can significantly improve the efficiency of your solar panels and make the most out of your investment in renewable energy.
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