Solar panels for home heating: types, how to choose and install them correctly

Materials for creating a solar plate

When starting to build a solar battery, you need to stock up on the following materials:

• silicate plates-photocells;
• chipboard sheets, aluminum corners and slats;
• hard foam rubber 1.5-2.5 cm thick;
• a transparent element that acts as a base for silicon wafers;
• screws, self-tapping screws;
• silicone sealant for outdoor use;
• electrical wires, diodes, terminals.

The amount of materials required depends on the size of your battery, which is most often limited by the number of photocells available. Of the tools you will need: a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers, a hacksaw for metal and wood, a soldering iron. To test the finished battery, you need an ammeter tester.

Now consider the most important materials in more detail.

Silicon wafers or solar cells

Photocells for batteries are of three types:

• polycrystalline;
• monocrystalline;
• amorphous.

Polycrystalline plates are characterized by low efficiency. The size of the useful action is about 10 - 12%, but this figure does not decrease over time. The life of polycrystals is 10 years.

The solar battery is assembled from modules, which in turn are made up of photovoltaic converters. Batteries with rigid silicon photocells are a kind of sandwich with successive layers fixed in an aluminum profile.

Monocrystalline solar cells boast a higher efficiency - 13-25% and long service life - over 25 years. However, over time, the efficiency of single crystals decreases.

Single-crystal converters are obtained by sawing artificially grown crystals, which explains the highest photoconductivity and performance.

Film photoconverters are obtained by depositing a thin layer of amorphous silicon on a flexible polymer surface.

Flexible amorphous silicon batteries are state of the art. Their photoelectric converter is sprayed or welded onto a polymer base. Efficiency in the region of 5 - 6%, but film systems are extremely easy to install.

Film systems with amorphous photoconverters have appeared relatively recently. This is an extremely simple and as cheap as possible, but losing consumer qualities faster than rivals.

It is not advisable to use photocells of different sizes. In this case, the maximum current generated by the batteries will be limited by the current of the smallest cell. This means that larger plates will not work at full capacity.

When buying photocells, ask the seller about the shipping method, most sellers use the waxing method to prevent the destruction of fragile elements

The cost of photocells is quite high, but many stores sell the so-called elements of group B. Products assigned to this group are defective, but suitable for use, and their cost is 40-60% lower than that of standard plates.

Frame and transparent element

The frame for the future panel can be made of wooden slats or aluminum corners.

The second option is preferable for a number of reasons:

• Aluminum is a light metal that does not put a heavy load on the supporting structure on which the battery is planned to be installed.
• When carrying out anti-corrosion treatment, aluminum is not affected by rust.
• Does not absorb moisture from the environment, does not rot.

When choosing a transparent element, it is necessary to pay attention to parameters such as the refractive index of sunlight and the ability to absorb infrared radiation. The efficiency of photocells will directly depend on the first indicator: the lower the refractive index, the higher the efficiency of silicon wafers

The efficiency of photocells will directly depend on the first indicator: the lower the refractive index, the higher the efficiency of silicon wafers.

The minimum light reflection coefficient for plexiglass or its cheaper version - plexiglass. The refractive index of polycarbonate is slightly lower.

It depends on the value of the second indicator whether the silicon photocells themselves will heat up or not. The less the plates are exposed to heat, the longer they will last. IR radiation is best absorbed by special heat-absorbing plexiglass and glass with IR absorption. A little worse - ordinary glass.

If possible, the best option would be to use anti-reflective transparent glass as a transparent element.

In terms of the ratio of cost to the refractive indices of light and absorption of infrared radiation, plexiglass is the best option for the manufacture of a solar battery

The principle of operation of the solar battery

The device is designed to directly convert the sun's rays into electricity.

This action is called the photoelectric effect.

Semiconductors (silicon wafers), which are used to make elements, have positive and negative charged electrons and consist of two layers, the n-layer (-) and the p-layer (+).

Excess electrons under the influence of sunlight are knocked out of the layers and occupy empty places in another layer.

This causes free electrons to constantly move, moving from one plate to another, generating electricity that is stored in the battery.

Specifications

The solar battery device consists of several components:

Directly solar cells / solar panel;

An inverter that converts direct current to alternating current;

Battery Level Controller.

(Tesla Powerwall - a 7 kW solar panel battery - and home charging for electric vehicles)

The principle of operation of a solar power plant at home

A solar power plant is a system consisting of panels, an inverter, a battery and a controller. The solar panel transforms radiant energy into electricity (as mentioned above). Direct current enters the controller, which distributes the current to consumers (for example, a computer or lighting). An inverter converts direct current into alternating current and powers most electrical household appliances. The battery stores energy that can be used at night.

Video description

A good example of calculations showing how many panels are needed to provide an autonomous power supply, see this video:

How solar energy is used to generate heat

Solar systems are used for water heating and home heating. They can provide heat (at the request of the owner) even when the heating season is over, and provide the house with hot water for free. The simplest device is metal panels that are installed on the roof of the house. They accumulate energy and warm water, which circulates through pipes hidden under them. The functioning of all solar systems is based on this principle, despite the fact that they may be structurally different from each other.

Solar collectors consist of:

• storage tank;
• pumping station;
• controller
• pipelines;
• fittings.

According to the type of construction, flat and vacuum collectors are distinguished. In the former, the bottom is covered with heat-insulating material, and the liquid circulates through glass pipes. Vacuum collectors are highly efficient because heat losses are kept to a minimum. This type of collector provides not only heating with solar panels of a private house - it is convenient to use it for hot water supply systems and heating pools.

The principle of operation of the solar collector

Popular manufacturers of solar panels

Most often, products of Yingli Green Energy and Suntech Power Co. are found on the shelves. HiminSolar panels (China) are also popular. Their solar panels produce electricity even in rainy weather.

The production of solar batteries has also been established by a domestic manufacturer. The following companies do this:

• Hevel LLC in Novocheboksarsk;
• "Telecom-STV" in Zelenograd;
• Sun Shines (LLC Autonomous Lighting Systems) in Moscow;
• OJSC "Ryazan Plant of Metal-Ceramic Instruments";
• CJSC "Termotron-zavod" and others.

You can always find a suitable option for the price. For example, in Moscow for solar panels for a home, the cost will vary from 21,000 to 2,000,000 rubles. The cost depends on the configuration and power of the devices.

Solar panels are not always flat - there are a number of models that focus light at one point

Battery Installation Steps

1. To install the panels, the most illuminated place is selected - most often these are the roofs and walls of buildings. In order for the device to function as efficiently as possible, the panels are mounted at a certain angle to the horizon.The level of darkness of the territory is also taken into account: surrounding objects that can create a shadow (buildings, trees, etc.)
2. Panels are installed using special fastening systems.
3. Then the modules are connected to the battery, controller and inverter, and the whole system is adjusted.

For the installation of the system, a personal project is always developed, which takes into account all the features of the situation: how solar panels will be installed on the roof of the house, price and terms. Depending on the type and scope of work, all projects are calculated on an individual basis. The client accepts the work and receives a guarantee for it.

Installation of solar panels must be carried out by professionals and in compliance with safety measures.

As a result - the prospects for the development of solar technologies

If on Earth the most efficient operation of solar panels is hindered by air, which to a certain extent scatters the radiation of the Sun, then in space there is no such problem. Scientists are developing projects for giant orbiting satellites with solar panels that will operate 24 hours a day. From them, the energy will be transmitted to ground receiving devices. But this is a matter of the future, and for existing batteries, efforts are directed towards improving energy efficiency and reducing the size of devices.

Assembly diagram of a solar power system

The connection of solar panels is carried out by using the built-in connecting wires with a cross section of 4 mm2. The best suited for this purpose are solid copper wires, the insulating braid of which is resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

In the case of using a wire whose insulation is not resistant to UV rays, it is recommended to carry out its outer laying in a corrugated sleeve.

The end of each wire is connected to an MC4 connector by soldering or crimping, which ensures a tight connection.

Regardless of the chosen scheme, before connecting the solar panels, it is imperative to check the correct wiring.

When connecting panels, it is not recommended to exceed the technical requirements for permissible current and maximum voltage of other devices.

It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for the charge controller and inverter.

The standard assembly scheme for the simplest solar power plant is as follows.

The scheme for connecting panels to the battery, inverter and controller has a simple design, and therefore does not cause any special difficulties in connection

To avoid damage to the controller, it is important to follow the sequence when connecting the elements of the system. Installation work is carried out in several stages: Installation work is carried out in several stages:

Installation work is carried out in several stages:

1. The battery is connected to the controller, using the appropriate connectors for this and not forgetting to observe the polarity.
2. A solar battery is connected to the controller through the connectors, while observing the same polarity.
3. A 12 V load is connected to the controller connectors.
4. If it is necessary to convert the electrical voltage from 12 to 220 V, then an inverter is included in the circuit. It is connected only to the battery and in no case directly to the controller.
5. Electrical appliances designed for a voltage of 220 V are connected to the free output of the inverter.

After making the connection, you need to check the polarity and measure the open-circuit voltage of the panels. If the indicator differs from the passport value, the connection is not made correctly.

To connect the device to the system, there is no need to open the junction box - all connectors are located within easy reach

At the final stage, the solar battery must be grounded. To minimize the possibility of a short circuit, fuses are installed at the connections between the battery, the inverter and the controller.

The energy of solar power plants will find application in powering low-power household appliances and in charging batteries of mobile equipment:

Those who wish to build a solar battery with their own hands will be helped by the information provided in the following article.

Type of solar panels and their equipment

Separation of solar panels occurs by power. There are two types here:

1. Low power - 12-24 in. This energy is enough to provide electricity to several household appliances. For example, a TV or a computer can completely illuminate the house.
2. Big power. This is a whole system that will provide electricity not only for household appliances and lighting, but also for the heating system. You can choose the power of the batteries so that it is enough only for certain needs. For example, only for heating.

If we talk about the complete set of heating from solar panels, then it includes:

• Collector-type solar cells. They are also called vacuum.
• A controller that controls the operation of the entire system as a whole. A very necessary device, on the operation of which the efficiency of the entire heating depends.
• A circulation pump that drives water from the storage tank through the collector throughout the heating system.
• Storage tank for coolant. Its volume can vary between 500-1000 liters.

The nuances of calculating power

To accurately determine the required power of solar panels, you need to decide for what purposes the energy consumed will be used. And this will depend on the area and volume of the house, on the number of people living in it and on the frequency of consumption of this energy.

For example, a family of three to four people consumes 200-500 kW per month. And this is only the total consumption for lighting, appliances and heating. If hot water supply is added here, then the power of solar cells will have to be increased. The same applies to the underfloor heating system. By the way, with underfloor heating, the power is calculated from the ratio of 10 m² of floor to 1 m² of the solar cell plane. If conventional water pipe heating is used, where a conventional electric heating boiler is installed, then the ratio will be different: 1000 kWh per square meter of house area per year

Please note - per year. If we compare this consumption, transferring it to the use of natural gas, then the ratio will be as follows: 100 liters of gas per 1 m². Currently, manufacturers offer high-power solar panels in compact sizes.

There are models on the market with an area of ​​​​4 m², which can produce 2000 kW / h per year

Currently, manufacturers offer high-power solar panels in compact sizes. There are models on the market with an area of ​​​​4 m², which can produce 2000 kW / h per year.

Experts, on the other hand, believe that for the Russian climatic conditions, the rejection of the main methods of space heating is the wrong decision. Solar panels will not work efficiently in winter, so there will always be problems with internal temperature. The best option is a combined approach to solving this problem. That is, use traditional fuels for the heating system, and use solar panels as an auxiliary option.

Types and models

General characteristics and availability of purchase

The equipment does not harm the environment and provides stable power without power surges. And, most importantly, it supplies free energy: for which utility bills do not come.

The appearance of solar panels has changed little after their invention, which cannot be said about the internal "stuffing"

The solar module converts light into electrical energy by generating direct current. The area of ​​panels can reach several meters. When it is necessary to increase the power of the system, increase the number of modules. Their effectiveness depends on the intensity of sunlight and the angle of incidence of the rays: on location, season, climatic conditions and time of day. To correctly take into account all these nuances, installation should be carried out by professionals.

Types of modules:

Monocrystalline.

Consist of silicone cells that convert solar energy. Differ in the compact sizes. In terms of performance, this is until recently the most efficient (efficiency up to 22%) solar battery for the home. A set (its price is one of the most expensive) will cost from 100 thousand rubles.

Polycrystalline.

They use polycrystalline silicon.They are not as efficient (up to 18% efficiency) as monocrystalline solar cells. But their cost is much lower, so they are available to the general population.

Amorphous.

They have thin-film silicon-based solar cells. They are inferior to mono and polycrystals in terms of energy generation, but they are also cheaper. Their advantage is the ability to function in diffuse and even low light.

Heterostructural.

Modern and most efficient solar modules today, with an efficiency of 22-25% (throughout the entire service life!). They work effectively both in cloudy weather and at high temperatures).

In Russia, the only manufacturer of modules for this technology is the Hevel company, which is one of the five world manufacturers producing heterostructure solar modules.

In 2016, the R&D center of the company patented its own technology for creating heterostructural modules and is now actively developing it.

Hevel solar panels

The system also includes the following components:

• An inverter that converts direct current to alternating current.
• Accumulator battery. It not only accumulates energy, but also levels out voltage drops when the light level changes.
• Controller for battery charging voltage, charging mode, temperature and other parameters.

In stores, you can purchase both individual components and entire systems. In this case, the power of the devices is determined based on specific needs.

System design and site selection

The design of the solar system includes calculations of the required size of the solar plate. As mentioned above, battery size is usually limited by expensive photovoltaic cells.

The solar cell must be installed at a certain angle, which would ensure maximum exposure of the silicon wafers to sunlight. The best option is batteries that can change the angle of inclination.

The place of installation of solar plates can be very diverse: on the ground, on a pitched or flat roof of a house, on the roofs of utility rooms.

The only condition is that the battery must be placed on the sunny side of the site or house, not shaded by the high crown of trees. In this case, the optimal angle of inclination must be calculated by the formula or using a specialized calculator.

The angle of inclination will depend on the location of the house, season and climate. It is desirable that the battery has the ability to change the angle of inclination following the seasonal changes in the height of the sun, because. they work most effectively when the sun's rays fall strictly perpendicular to the surface.

For the European part of the CIS countries, the recommended angle of stationary inclination is 50 - 60 º. If the design provides for a device for changing the angle of inclination, then in winter it is better to place batteries at 70 º to the horizon, in summer at an angle of 30 º

Calculations show that 1 square meter of the solar system makes it possible to obtain 120 watts. Therefore, by calculations, it can be established that in order to provide an average family with electricity in the amount of 300 kW per month, a solar system of at least 20 square meters is required.

It will be problematic to immediately install such a solar system. But even installing a 5-meter battery will help save energy and make a modest contribution to the ecology of our planet. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the principle of calculating the required number of solar panels.

The solar battery can be used as a backup energy source in case of frequent shutdown of the centralized power supply. For automatic switching, it is necessary to provide an uninterruptible power supply system.

Such a system is convenient in that when using a traditional source of electricity, the accumulator of the solar system is simultaneously charged. The equipment serving the solar battery is located inside the house, so it is necessary to provide a special room for it.

When placing batteries on a sloping roof of the house, do not forget about the angle of the panel, ideal when the battery has a device for changing the angle of the season

Once again about expediency

It is beneficial to use solar energy for heating instead of the usual energy resources. Depending on the chosen type of solar system, savings on paid heat consumption can be up to 100%.

An option for a complete replacement of the heating system is the use of collectors with vacuum tubes. This is a rather expensive project at the initial stage. In the future, it can guarantee complete energy independence, paying for itself in 6-8 years.

The ingenuity of home craftsmen knows no bounds - an ordinary hose can be adapted as a labyrinth for the circulation of fluid inside the collector

Service life of solar installations is up to 25 years. They require little maintenance - periodic cleaning of surfaces from snow, dust, debris. As for the repair, it can be carried out on its own. A significant drawback is that flat collectors and solar panels are “afraid” of hurricanes.

Such heating is safe for the inhabitants of the house and the environment.It is completely free and does not depend on the exchange rate, energy prices.

How to connect a solar panel to a charge controller

This equipment is used in a battery system to monitor their charge level. That is, it dumps excess electricity on them and prevents accumulation in cases of a full charge. It also makes it possible to connect devices with a low rated voltage - 12V, 24V, 48V, etc. (depending on how the panels are connected).

• 1 pair of contacts - a network of panels is connected.
• 2 pair - batteries are connected.
• 3 pair - connects the source and low consumption.

It is recommended to connect the batteries first to test the equipment. Then the panels themselves, after already the consumer, if it is provided for in the circuit.

Connection diagram, which was in the documentation for the controller. Everything is quite simple and clear.

Making a collector with your own hands

When purchasing a ready-made kit, the scheme solar panel connections usually indicated in the accompanying documentation. But some residents prefer to assemble a homemade collector at home. A simple unit is made from improvised materials using a serpentine structure taken from an outdated or broken refrigerator as the basis.

To make a collector, you will need to prepare:

• foil and glass sheet;
• a coil from the refrigerator (you can also dismantle the connecting clamps from it and use them in a new unit);
• rack elements to create a frame;
• adhesive tape;
• fasteners - screws and screws;
• rubber mat;
• liquid tank;
• supply and drain pipes.

The coil is first washed from dirt, dust and traces of freon, and then wiped dry. The slats are hewn to fit the dimensions of the serpentine structure in such a way that it fits into the frame assembled from them. Then you need to connect the rails to each other. The rubber carpet must match the dimensions of the frame. Trim off excess if necessary. In the process of connecting the rails, small holes must be made in the walls so that the coil tubes pass there if they need to be brought out.

The mat is covered with a layer of foil on top. If you have to use small cuts for coating, they are connected with tape. Then the rack structure is laid, and after that - the coil, which is fixed with clamps. The latter must be fixed on the opposite side with screws. The rails are also nailed from it to make the configuration more rigid.

If gaps are found between the rails and the foil, they are supposed to be sealed with adhesive tape. This will ensure that heat losses are kept to a minimum and increase the efficiency of the finished plant. When the unit is ready, a glass cover is placed on it. Then sizing is done with adhesive tape around the entire perimeter of the product.

Installation nuances

With a rooftop installation, these regulatory functions disappear, and you will not have to rebuild the roof to meet the desired angle of inclination.

Be sure to take into account the moment of shading the batteries with each other. If you put them on the same plane on the roof, then some farms use several levels.

In this case, the distance necessary to avoid shading should be taken into account. This distance is 1.7 times the height of the truss.

Expert tip: to make better use of the available space, it is recommended to combine the types of arrangement of solar panels. Fix the panels on the roof of the house and on special ground farms.

The result of the work done will be the fact that you have a solar battery on your site, depending on the material and area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich, you can receive different amounts of electricity.

By doing the installation yourself for the first time at your place, in the future you will be able to offer this service to others, and with the fact that solar panel sales are currently growing, this can put an extra “penny” in your pocket.

Watch the video, which shows in detail the steps for installing solar panels:

Solar battery installation

The construction of a solar-powered station has the advantage over the complete equipment of the ability to constantly increase capacity, and optimize the process.

You need to start manufacturing the station with the development of the project. At this stage, the following factors are taken into account:

— place of installation of modules;

- calculation of the angle of inclination of the structure;

- if it is planned to use the roof for installation, calculate the bearing capacity of the roof frame, walls and foundation;

- a separate room or corner in the house for batteries.

After purchasing the necessary equipment and photocells, installation is carried out.

• The framework gathers from an aluminum corner 35 mm wide. The volume of the cell must correspond to the dimensions of the required number of photocells (835x690 mm).

• Seal the inside of the corner with two layers of sealant.

• Lay a sheet of plexiglass, polycarbonate, plexiglass or other material in the frame.Seal the frame and sheet joints by lightly pressing the surfaces around the perimeter. Leave outdoors until completely dry.

• Fix the glass with ten hardware in the holes located at the corners and sides of the frame.

• Clean the surface from dust before fixing the photocells.

• Solder the conductor to the tile, after wiping the contacts with alcohol and putting flux on them. While working with the crystal, pressure on it should be avoided. A fragile structure may collapse.

• Turn over the plates and solder in the same way.

• Lay the photocells on the plexiglass in the frame, fix them with mounting tape. The layout is easier to do after the markup. It is also recommended to use silicone glue for fastening. It must be applied pointwise. One drop per tile is enough.

• It is necessary to place the crystals with a gap of 3-5 mm so that the surface does not deform when the material is heated.

• Connect the conductors along the edges of the photocells with common busbars.

• Use a special device to test the soldering quality.

• Seal the panel by applying sealant between the tiles

Gently press them down with your fingers so that the edges fit snugly against the glass. It is also necessary to coat the edges of the frame with sealant

• Close the frame with protective glass. Seal all connections to prevent moisture ingress.

• Fasten the panel to a rooftop or other sunny location.