If you ask us, “Which solar PV panel is best for me?”, without more information, the answer may not be as definitive as you expect. And that’s because when it comes to long-term investments like solar panels, you have several options that will depend on factors such as the amount of energy you need and the space you have available to install a self-consumption PV system.

For example, a standard panel may perform as well as an expensive, high-efficiency panel under certain circumstances. The same applies to the dimensions. A large panel is not always the best choice. It is also worth paying attention to the features of the equipment (efficiency, power, aesthetics, etc.) and the price, especially if you are on a tight budget.

What do you need to know before choosing photovoltaic panels?

There are a few things you need to know before you start looking for the PV panels that are best for you: the consumption and power you need, as well as the features and space available for installation.

Electricity consumption and contracted capacity

To find out what your annual electricity consumption is, you can look at one of your electricity bills. If you have a smart meter, you can register on your provider’s digital platform and view your consumption directly from there.

You can check the contract to check the capacity you signed up for, which indicates the number of kWh you can consume at one time. This will be very useful when you need to see the required power of your installation.

Space for photovoltaic panels

To calculate the space available for a PV installation, you must take into account not only the meters you have, but also any physical obstructions (windows, chimneys, air conditioning systems, antennas, etc.) in the form of shadows that may affect the solar panels. such as those produced by trees, nearby buildings, etc.

And why is it important to know free space? Very simple as it will depend on the number of PV panels you can install. And this, in turn, will determine the type of solar battery that is most suitable for you. For example, if you have enough space, you may be interested in installing less efficient PV panels, which are also cheaper, so you can install more. However, if you have limited space, you may be interested in more efficient solar panels that produce more energy per square meter, even if they are more expensive.

The type of roof, its slope and orientation can also affect the number of panels you need, and if your roof does not have the optimal slope or orientation, you will need to evaluate whether you should install sloped solar panels for maximum performance, or if, conversely, the loss of performance due to any of these characteristics should be compensated by increasing the mounting surface of the panels. In these more specific cases, it is recommended to consult with expert installers who will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Efficiency of solar batteries

The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight that the panel receives and converts into electricity. At the moment it is possible to distinguish:

• Panels of standard efficiency. These include most modern solar panels, the efficiency of which is between 17% and 18%.
• Highly efficient panels. Its efficiency can range from 19% to 23%.

The more efficient it is, the more it will produce, but also the more expensive it will be. Therefore, you should know that the highest efficiency is not always the best option.