The use of photovoltaic panels brings us closer to the future, we are in need of optimizing natural resources for our benefit without degrading the environment and this also means a considerable reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

As we already know, producing electrical energy in many countries means into high costs and complex processes, for example: wind, solar and aquatic energy, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, energy from fossil fuels and hydroelectric energy (main source of electricity in the case of Venezuela). However, all these sources of energy production are not available in every country in the world, it is obvious that in each country there are one or two of these alternatives depending on the resource they have, and that is where this issue comes into discussion.

Solar energy could be considered an inexhaustible source, but only for those countries where climate conditions allow it to be used for the greatest number of hours a day, and the greatest number of months a year. We already see here the first great limitation.

This form of natural energy comes from solar radiation, and must be captured through photovoltaic panels, which are responsible for converting the energy from solar radiation into electrical energy (in the form of direct current). But in real life, nothing is as easy as it seems.

Each photovoltaic panel is made up of cells or cells interconnected, and each of these cells can generate approximately 2 Watts of power, which is why the panels are large. In the market you can get photovoltaic panels between 100 Watts and 500 Watts. There are also small panels for specific uses that can range from 10 to 100 Watts.

It is important to clarify that the solar panel only produces electrical energy in the form of direct current, to bring it to alternating current it is necessary to use other equipment and elements.

From the beginning, knowing its limitations, it is intended for use in commercial facilities such as buildings or offices, and secondly for domestic use. Understanding that to produce "small amounts" of electrical energy, a large number of cells or cells are needed and this proportionally means a large number of panels.

For example, if we orient this visualization to what a typical home needs, we would be talking about at least 13,50 Kw (estimated energy consumption, including the use of air conditioners and electric stoves, just like my house in Venezuela) which can be much more and in other cases a little less, depending on the country where you are and some housing conditions.

Now, the most important variable is taken into account, which is the peak hours of sunlight (peak solar hours), which in Venezuela is close to 4,5; this value represents the hours of equivalent sunlight (irradiance), seen as simply mathematical variable.

If I wanted to use photovoltaic panels for my home, I would have to use at least 15 panels of 200 Watts, and each of these measures approximately 1,50 m2, so they would occupy a total area of 22,50 m2; but the arrangement and location of the photovoltaic panels requires a study of solar radiation, in addition to influencing the number of months a year in the winter and summer seasons, luckily in Venezuela it is summer most of the year, in other countries it is not so simple.

If we try to raise this simple example to a complex sample such as an office building, we would already be talking about a large energy consumption and proportionally a large number of solar panels, this without talking about the location and arrangement of these, on the roof? or on the facade?

There is another aspect that has not been mentioned, and it is in relation to that last point, each 200 Watt solar panel (like the one in the previous example), weighs about 15 kg and depending on the number of panels that are required, a additional weight for the structure of the building, which in an instant could significantly affect the stability and structural behavior of the building. This is why in many cases an additional space is required to arrange the panel system. This can complicate things.

I continue to recreate the example based on my experience in Venezuela, each 200 Watt panel costs approximately 250 USD, if I need 15 pieces, we would be talking about 3.750 USD, this not including the cost of wiring, regulator, inverter, batteries, other equipment and installation cost, so the total cost could easily approach 5.000 USD. It's amazing right?

In contrast, in Venezuela you can buy a nice and modest little house at a cost between 6.000 and 15.000 USD, and this is not a joke, it is only a comparison.

We know that it is absolutely necessary that we become aware of the use of alternative energies and the need to reduce CO2 emissions that are typical of the use of fossil fuels and although in Venezuela our main source is hydroelectric energy, also the use of fossil fuel it is present, among other problems.

The use of photovoltaic panels does not necessarily satisfy 100% of the energy requirements in a house or commercial installation, as it depends on solar radiation and weather conditions. And to make use of this energy at night or on “cloudy days”, “batteries” are required for storage, this means an investment of money.

But in contrast, research continues on the need to improve these aspects and add more advantages than disadvantages, because without a doubt the use of alternative energy will be standardized at some point. So we must ask ourselves:

I hope this review has been to your liking..!