Solar panels: What they are, how they work and how much they cost
A solar panel is a device that harnesses the sun's energy to generate heat or electricity.
Photovoltaic solar panels consist of a multitude of cells, called photovoltaic cells, which convert solar radiation into electricity.
The photovoltaic cells are made of silicon which, upon receiving sunlight, creates a movement of electrons that convert the radiation into electricity suitable for our systems.
The frame of the solar panels is usually made of anodized aluminum, so that it is light and has an outer coating that prevents that in the case of an electrical failure to touch the panel can cause us an electric shock.
The panels are built with tempered glass "tempered" to have a higher resistance than normal glass. The thickness of the glass will always be important to withstand inclement weather.
Even when the sun is not directly shining on your solar panels, they still charge. In fact, they do so with any type of light, even artificial light. They work by attracting various wavelengths of light, even those that can pass through clouds.
Solar panels do not cause any harm to our health or have an effect on the environment because they produce clean energy from a natural source and solar energy does not generate any waste, does not need any type of fuel or produce any sound.
The solar panels begin to generate energy from the time the sun rises until it sets.
The care and maintenance of solar panels is inexpensive and a monthly cleaning is enough. In addition, most manufacturers offer warranties of up to 25 years.
The installation of solar panels significantly reduces the monthly electricity bill and the dependence on the public grid. This energy independence protects against rising electricity costs and fuel price volatility.
The price of photovoltaic panels ranges from €150 to €400. They are the key element in self-consumption installations, as they are responsible for transforming solar radiation into electricity. Power converters for residential use are priced between €400 and €1,500.
At present, the price of a photovoltaic installation for a single-family house can be between €0.8 and €1.4 per kWh of annual consumption. This means that, for a house with an annual consumption of 6,000 kWh per year, the price of the installation will be between 4,000 and 7,000 euros approximately.
The profitability of solar energy with solar panels in the northern area of Madrid
One of the key factors when opting for the installation of solar panels in urbanizations in the north of Madrid, such as La Moraleja, El Soto, El Encinar de los Reyes or Ciudalcampo, is related to the savings in the electricity bill.
With solar panels, the energy not consumed, that is to say, the remaining energy is the one that is poured to the electric current and for which we will receive compensation.
The surplus compensation method basically consists of feeding the surplus energy from the solar panels into the grid and the supplier pays for this surplus energy at the end of each month in the electricity bill.
The greater the number of activities that need energy can be located in the time slot corresponding to the green zone, the greater the savings that will be obtained.
Something as easy as putting the washing machine on at two o'clock in the afternoon or preparing dinner a couple of hours earlier can mean a before and after in your electricity bill.
In the area corresponding to Alcobendas (La Moraleja and Soto de la Moraleja) you get a rebate in the IBI and ICIO (Tax on Construction, Installations and Works) in the installation of solar panels.
This economic saving is enhanced by the tax rebates of the municipality, since Alcobendas has a maximum exemption of 50% of IBI for a period of 1 year, while the tax rebate applicable to ICIO is 50%.
Spain is one of the fastest growing markets for renewable energies in Europe. In the first half of the year, solar energy grew by 26%. This dynamic is not only expected to continue but should accelerate.
With the sharp increase in electricity prices in our country, many communities in the urbanizations of the northern area of Madrid are agreeing to start with the installation immediately and thus is able to enjoy all its benefits.
We must remember that, by opting for solar panels, we are increasing the value of a property. This would undoubtedly be a plus when selling a house. When you invest in a house and install solar panels, you probably do not think about selling it, but, if this happens, the house acquires the status of an intelligent building and will be revalued thanks to modern technology.