Energeek Solar Energy: How to choose the most suitable photovoltaic module?Written by: The next time writing:

Encouraged once again by the government through the last decree on electricity self -consumption, the installation of photovoltaic panels in individuals is enjoying growing success in France.More and more consumers are choosing to produce electricity intended for their own use or resale, and embark on installation work.Be careful, however, to choose the most suitable photovoltaic model.The technologies marketed at present are varied and offer very different levels of return depending on the available operating area.

Operating principle of a photovoltaic panel

Non -polluting, economical, easily available, and renewable, solar energy allows you to produce electricity, which you can use for your needs or sell to an energy distributor.If solar thermodynamic energy produces electricity via heat production, photovoltaic solar energy (the most common) transforms solar radiation into electricity thanks to photovoltaic cells integrated into panels which can be installed on buildings orplaced on the ground.

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From a technical point of view, the photons contained in the rays of the sun will stimulate silicon semiconductors which will in turn release electrons in motion, source of creation of electric current.This is the photovoltaic effect discovered by Becquerel in 1839. This current disorganized current will be collected by a very fine metal grid and then channeled by the electric wires of photovoltaic solar panels.

Each cell generating only a small quantity of electricity, they are assembled in series in order to provide an exploitable voltage and electric current, and form the photovoltaic modules.Without mechanical parts, without noise, without production of pollutants, photovoltaic cells thus directly convert solar energy into electricity, in the form of direct current.A inverter then takes care of transforming this current product into an alternating 230 volts current compatible with the electricity distribution network.The whole is a photovoltaic system whose average lifespan is generally 25 years.

The different technologies available

Several technologies of photovoltaic systems currently coexist, and are to be favored according to their yields of course but also the operating support.Crystalline technologies first use little thick cells (0.15 to 0.2 mm) connected in series and glued under a protective glass.The silicon that composes them can be multicristalline or monocrystalline.The “multicristalline silicon” modules are the most common and offer yields of around 13 to 15 %.These panels are often the best quality/price option if your installation is not limited in place because the starting investment is less expensive.More dear to purchase and more aesthetic, the modules of the "monocrystalline silicon" modules are also more effective with a conversion yield of almost 18%.They will therefore be advised in the event of a restricted operating area.

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The “thin layers” technologies are defined by a very thin layer (a few thousandths of mm) of one or more materials deposited on a support (glass, stainless steel, plastic material, etc.).For example, we find in this category the modules of the “amorphous silicon” type modules whose conversion yield is between 6 and 9%.Not expensive, robust, flexible and not very sensitive to inclination and orientation, they nevertheless require a very important operating space and are therefore not very suitable for building.Their use is generally limited to very specific cases such as solar calculators for example.Other “thin layers” technologies (composed of cadmium tellurure [CDTE], copper and indium saylenory [CIS or CIGS] for example) are also available on the market.

Finally, the two -legged solar panels, offer to mix crystalline technologies and "thin layers" in order to improve the yield of photovoltaic solar panels.If the yield is actually higher in this case, they are currently far too expensive to be profitable.

Integrated or unintegrated solar panels?

In case of hesitation, your installer or energy supplier can help you choose the most suitable photovoltaic modules.Do not forget to request the manufacturer's warranty and the reference to NF-en-Cei 61215 (crystalline silicon) standards, NF-EN-CEI 61646 (thin layers), and NF-EN-CEI 61730 relating to the safety ofoperation of photovoltaic modules, as recommended by Ademe.

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Once the type of modules have been chosen, two large options are available to you for their on -site location.The modules not integrated at first, are not part of the building envelope, and are simply fixed over an inclined roof, placed on chassis on a terrace roof or installed on the ground in your garden.

Integrated panels are considered to be building materials and are an integral part of the house envelope.They become elements of the roof or canopy, walls or exterior panels of insulating glazing.They do not overwhelm an existing construction, but provide a function of closed and coverage.Note however that in the case of a real desire for architectural integration of solar panels, certain modules included in building materials (tiles, slates, facade elements, etc.) will be easier to integrate and more harmonious in terms ofaesthetic.

Photo credits: Markus spiske / Solarsis