Photovoltaics – are photovoltaic installations profitable in 2024?
Definitions and meaning of photovoltaic installation – what is a photovoltaic installation?
Photovoltaics is a technology that uses renewable energy sources (RES) to produce electricity from solar radiation. Photovoltaic modules These are flat devices made of silicon crystals that generate electrical potential differences when light strikes them. The more light reaches the module, the higher the voltage the crystals can generate, the greater the current flow, and therefore the more electricity is produced.
The module consists of photovoltaic cells, while a set of modules arranged in one plane is photovoltaic panel.
Photovoltaic installation (PV installation) it is not only a PV panel, but also appropriate electrical protection, mounting structure, inverter and a power connection with a bidirectional meter for settling electricity bills with the grid operator – both the energy consumed and the energy fed into the power grid.
Thanks to this technology, electricity bills are significantly reduced in the summer period in the billing system netbillingand in winter they can be balanced with the overproduction of energy produced by the photovoltaic installation.
Investment in photovoltaics currently means a payback period of around 6-7 years, and this time can be further shortened by support programs and subsidies such as My CurrentFavorable electricity billing conditions are a strong argument for installing a PV system.
Advantages of PV installations – why is it worth investing in photovoltaics?
Photovoltaics as a renewable energy source has many attractive features. First of all, photovoltaic installation is relatively simple, safe and does not pose a significant risk to the prosumer, i.e. the owner of the installation.
Flexible power of the photovoltaic installation
A PV installation can have a wide range of power outputs, from micro-installations with an output of 0.4 kWp to large photovoltaic farms generating over 50,000 kWp. It's up to the user to decide whether they want a small photovoltaic installation for a single-family home or a larger system for a farm or business. Most other energy sources don't offer such flexible power selection.
Photovoltaics and CO₂ emission reduction
Solar energy is a renewable energy source, therefore the PV installation contributes to the reduction of energy produced from fossil fuels and to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Auto-consumption and savings on electricity bills
Electricity produced by photovoltaic panels can be used on an ongoing basis, which reduces energy consumption from the power grid. High self-consumption of energy allows you to significantly reduce electricity bills.
However, it's important to remember that a photovoltaic system produces energy for several to a dozen or so hours a day, depending on the season and weather conditions. Any excess energy can be used for charging. energy storage, which allows you to use solar energy even when the sun is not shining.
Low investment costs and quick installation
The investment costs for a photovoltaic micro-installation are relatively low compared to other energy technologies. It's also worth exploring available subsidies and preferential loans for renewable energy installations to shorten the payback period.
Installing a photovoltaic system on the roof of a single-family home usually takes 1 to 3 working days, making this technology one of the fastest to implement.
Sunlight conditions in Poland
The profitability of photovoltaics depends on geographic location and solar radiation levels. In Poland, solar radiation currently ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 kWh/m² per year, which favors investment in photovoltaic installations and increases electricity production from PV panels.
Disadvantages of photovoltaic panels and limitations of PV installations
Currently, one of the challenges facing investors is the formalities related to reporting a photovoltaic installation, meter replacement, and connecting to the electricity grid. In some regions of Poland, the grid is saturated with PV installations, which can make obtaining connection approval difficult.
Another issue is the seasonality of energy production. Approximately 90% of electricity is generated from photovoltaics during the summer. In winter, production is significantly lower, so cooperation with a heat pump is not always an optimal solution without the support of a energy storage.
To achieve maximum savings, it is worth adapting energy consumption to the energy production profile of the PV installation and increasing the level of self-consumption.
Photovoltaics and energy storage – cooperation in the netbilling system
In the current settlement regulations, cooperation photovoltaics with energy storage is a very financially advantageous solution. Energy storage for PV installations increases the solar energy utilization factor and limits the sale of energy at unfavorable prices in the system netbilling.
This makes it possible to further reduce electricity bills and increase energy independence.
Summary – is it worth investing in photovoltaics?
Photovoltaics is an effective and proven renewable energy source which, despite its seasonality, is perfect for powering homes, farms, livestock facilities and production plants.
In summer, the PV system easily covers the energy needs for air conditioning, electrical appliances, and domestic hot water heating. Combined with energy storage is a comprehensive energy solution.
Ledkomplex offers proven solutions in the field of photovoltaic installations, including:
photovoltaic modules with an efficiency of 22.5% and long service life (89% of power after 25 years),
Huawei and Solplanet inverters,
Huawei and Dyness energy storage facilities,
complete electrical protection,
application for monitoring the performance of PV installations.
Contact us to receive an individual quote for a photovoltaic installation, including installation, a profitability analysis and assistance in obtaining funding from the program. My CurrentOur advisor will guide you through the entire process – from design, through reporting the PV installation to the grid operator, to system commissioning.