Balcony and Garden Photovoltaic for Plug & Play Hydrogen Production

With the relentless increase in energy prices that seem to increase year after year, many are considering installing solar panels as a solution to reduce energy costs . However, getting into solar requires some basic knowledge, from selecting the most reliable panels to installing them alongside storage batteries.

This guide will explore various aspects of the sector, with a particular focus on plug & play solar panels . Sold as individual units, these panels can be connected relatively easily to batteries, offering a quick solution for those who want to get started with solar energy without having to deal with complex and expensive installations, such as those required for solar kits with storage .

Throughout these pages, we will provide you with practical and detailed advice on how to select and install these systems , making the approach to solar energy more accessible and allowing you to start experimenting with this technology in an effective and, if possible, most economical way.

How to choose a photovoltaic panel

As promised, in the following paragraphs we will provide you with the essential information to allow you to independently evaluate whether a solar panel actually meets your needs. We will examine a series of crucial criteria to consider before making the purchase. Choosing the wrong panel can in fact lead to disappointing results, with the consequent need to manage returns and refunds. Although platforms such as Amazon offer quick and hassle-free return processes, it is always better to avoid these inconveniences by choosing carefully from the beginning.

What types of photovoltaic panels are there?

The first element to evaluate when you are about to buy a photovoltaic panel is to understand which of the 3 typologies it belongs to. You should know, in fact, that these types of panels can be made in monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous .

Monocrystalline

This type of panels are known for their high efficiency and performance . They are made from cells created from a single crystal of silicon, which allows for greater purity and consequently higher efficiency than other types of panels. These panels are recognizable by their typical black surface and the cut corners of the cells. The fact that they are the most efficient is reflected in the price, which tends to be higher than other types of panels with the same power. However, despite being the best, do not expect great differences compared to polycrystalline panels, since the latter have evolved in recent years and, as we will see in the next paragraph, have a strong point that could make the difference in daily use.

Polycrystalline

These panels consist of cells made of silicon fragments fused together. Compared to monocrystalline panels, they have a slightly lower efficiency, but are cheaper and therefore a good option for those on a limited budget . They are recognizable by their blue color, as well as by their more grainy surface due to the silicon fusion process. Their main advantage, which is however almost imperceptible in everyday use, is that they perform slightly better than monocrystalline panels in diffused light conditions, such as on cloudy days. As mentioned, however, the difference is so small that it cannot be said that they conserve energy better on days with less sun.

Amorphous

These are made from amorphous silicon and are the least efficient of the three types . However, they offer the advantage of being lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for applications on surfaces that cannot support the weight of traditional panels. They are great for mounting on uneven surfaces or for architectural integration into buildings, where aesthetics are as important as functionality.

The third generation of photovoltaic panels refers to advanced photovoltaic modules that use innovative materials and technologies to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels. These third-generation solar panels can be lighter, more flexible, and more efficient than previous models, and can also be integrated into buildings and everyday objects, such as roofs, windows, and clothing. However, this technology is still in the development stage and is not yet available on the mass market.

Third-generation photovoltaics develops its technologies in different types of panels: such as concentrated solar panels, organic solar panels, thin-film solar panels, hydrogen solar panels and fuel cell solar panels. These technologies focus on increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs compared to conventional solar technologies.

The types of panels on which Third Generation photovoltaics is developed:

Concentrating Solar Panels: These solar panels use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto large-area solar cells, increasing energy efficiency.
Organic Solar Panels: Organic solar panels use organic materials such as polymers and composites to convert sunlight into electrical energy. These materials are flexible and lightweight, making them suitable for installation on curved or irregular surfaces.
Thin-film solar panels: These solar panels use thin materials such as silicon or organic materials to convert sunlight into electricity. They are cheaper to produce than conventional solar panels, making them a more affordable option for solar energy.
Hydrogen Solar Panels: These solar panels use sunlight to produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of water. The hydrogen produced can be stored and used as fuel to generate electricity when needed.
Fuel Cell Solar Panels: These solar panels use sunlight to produce electricity through a chemical process that uses hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. These cells are very efficient at converting sunlight into electricity and can be used to generate electricity at night or in low-light conditions.

Third Generation Cell Type.

The main cell technologies considered "Third Generation" are shown below:

polymer and organic cells
hybrid cells
multi-junction cells
the one with tandem
the cell with nanocrystals
the cell based on quantum dots

Polymer cells: Polymer cells are made of organic materials such as polymers and composites, which can be flexible and lightweight. These cells are less efficient than silicon-based cells, but are cheaper to produce and can be easily integrated into a wide range of applications. They can be produced on large surfaces with a printing process, making them cheaper and more suitable for curved or irregular surfaces. Learn more.

Hybrid Cells: Hybrid cells combine organic and inorganic materials to create a solar cell that is more energy efficient than polymer or organic cells alone. Click here for more information.

Multi-junction cells: These cells use more than one type of semiconductor material to create a highly efficient solar cell. Each semiconductor material is optimized for a specific wavelength range of sunlight, allowing the cell to capture more of the sun's energy.

Tandem Cells: Tandem cells use two or more semiconductor materials that work together to increase the energy efficiency of the solar cell. These cells can be more expensive to produce than conventional cells, but offer greater energy efficiency.
Nanocrystal cells: These cells use nanocrystals of semiconductor materials to convert sunlight into electrical energy. They are cheap to produce and the cells are very efficient at converting sunlight into electrical energy.
Quantum dot cells: These cells use nanocrystals of semiconductor materials with quantum properties to convert sunlight into electrical energy. These cells are very efficient, but their production is still under development and may be more expensive than conventional cells.

How much energy do I need from a solar panel?

Now that you have a clear idea of the different types of solar panels available on the market, it is important to consider other crucial factors in order to make a targeted purchase. Elements such as the amount of energy you want to generate and the size of the panel are the next factors you should consider.

As for energy, it obviously depends on what you plan to power with the solar panel. Typically, the average power of a single residential panel is between 400 and 700 watts . To determine how much energy you need, you should first calculate the daily energy consumption of your home or the unit you plan to power. This can be done by adding together the energy consumption of all the appliances and devices you plan to use. It is important to note that the energy produced by solar panels can be additive, meaning that even if you only have a 100W panel, the power can reach much higher levels if you connect more panels to the system.

For example, if each panel produces an average of 300 watts and you assume a production efficiency of about 5 hours of peak solar per day, then one panel can generate about 1.5 kWh per day. Therefore, to cover a demand of 10 kWh per day, you would need about 7 solar panels.

How much space does a photovoltaic panel take up?

In general, a standard solar panel producing about 300 watts is about 1.6 meters high by 1 meter wide . As you might expect, dimensions can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of panel. So, to install 7 solar panels, as in the example above to cover a 10 kWh daily need, you would need about 11 square meters of space on your roof or other suitable area. This calculation is based on the surface area of the panels only, without considering any additional space that may be needed for installation and maintenance.

What is meant by conversion rate?

In the context of photovoltaic panels, the conversion rate is a measure of how efficiently a photovoltaic panel is able to convert sunlight into electrical energy . It is expressed as a percentage and indicates how much solar energy is actually transformed into usable energy.

For example, a panel with a conversion rate of 20% means that 20% of the solar energy that hits the surface of the panel is converted into electrical energy. This percentage is crucial in evaluating the efficiency of a panel: the higher the conversion rate, the more efficient the panel is at producing energy from a given amount of sunlight.

Monocrystalline panels, which if you remember we said were the best, offer the highest conversion rates, usually up to 22% or 23% . Polycrystalline panels follow with an efficiency that can vary from 13% to 18%. Amorphous panels instead have the lowest conversion rates, often between 7% and 10%, due to their less ordered and uniform structure.

How and where to position photovoltaic panels?

Since these are products that need constant sunlight to be truly efficient, you understand that positioning is very important. This obviously cannot be the same for everyone, as it depends on your residential area, as well as the presence of any trees or other homes nearby that could compromise sunlight at certain times of the day. The ideal is to understand where in the area the sun shines for a longer period of time during the day . The angle of the panels with respect to the ground should also be optimized. Then make sure that there are no shadows that could cover the panels during peak solar hours, such as trees or various structures.

Are solar panels rainproof?

Absolutely. In fact, if they were not water resistant, it would be extremely difficult to manage them, since it would be necessary to cover and uncover them every time it rains. Just imagine the difficulty of performing this operation on panels installed on the roof of a house! Water resistance is guaranteed by the tempered glass that covers the surface of the panels. This type of glass ensures that no internal damage can be caused by water, including rain.

How much can you save with photovoltaic panels?

This is a common question, especially considering that the initial investment for these systems can be significant, especially if you opt to install multiple high-performance panels. Much also depends on the energy costs in your geographic area.

In general, we can say that the adoption of photovoltaic solutions can lead to annual savings that range between hundreds and thousands of euros . Such savings are naturally proportional to the number of panels installed and their efficiency.

It is also important to consider the role of government incentives and tax deductions, which can reduce the burden of the initial investment, although these tax advantages are usually seen in the long term.

Instead of lithium batteries and the electrical grid

Through 2000Wp of photovoltaic panels, hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis of water, which can be stored directly for the supply of hydrogen for distribution and emergency power supply. It solves the pain points of hydrogen use

Can I install the photovoltaic panel on the balcony or in the garden?

It is possible to install a photovoltaic panel on the balcony , a practical solution for many apartments. The feasibility and the number of panels that can be installed will obviously depend on the space available on the balcony. Generally, there are no photovoltaic panels designed exclusively for balconies; however, those considered more suitable for this purpose are typically more compact in size and equipped with Plug & Play technology,

Does a solar panel work alone?

It is a common misconception that once solar panels are installed and exposed to the sun, they can immediately begin producing usable energy. In reality, the use of a few key components is essential to transform solar energy into ready-to-use electricity.

In particular, a photovoltaic panel requires an inverter and, for energy storage, batteries . The inverter has the task of converting the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current, which is the one used in most homes and electrical appliances. Batteries, on the other hand, are essential for storing the energy produced, allowing it to be used even when the sun is not present.

There are also more immediate alternatives such as portable power stations , which allow you to directly connect appliances using traditional power sockets, offering a practical solution without the need for complex installations.