The use of solar panels is gaining popularity as a source of <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/fossil-fuels-and-renewable-energies">renewable and clean energy</a> in Spain. However, there are certain environmental factors that can affect its efficiency, such as the presence of dust or haze. In this article, we discuss how these factors can influence PV modules and suggest measures to avoid and fix these drawbacks.

The haze is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when dust and sand particles rise in the atmosphere, which are transported by the winds towards lower areas. It is common in Spain and can have a significant effect on the generation of solar energy.

Dirt and dust can settle on the surface of solar panels, creating a dull layer that reduces the flow of sunlight hitting them. All this can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of solar panels and decrease their productive capacity, since they are in charge of collecting energy.

How to prevent the accumulation of dust and haze on solar panels?

Various measures can be taken to prevent this. First of all, it is essential to keep the panels clear and free of debris. To avoid dust accumulation, it is suggested to clean them regularly with a soft cloth and water.

Another preventive measure is to place the solar panels in an inclined position so that the rain can naturally clean them. Likewise, it is advisable to install a monitoring system that allows detecting the accumulation of dust and dirt on the solar panels and to schedule regular cleaning accordingly.

What to do if there is already accumulation of dust and haze on the solar panels?

If they have already accumulated dust and dirt, it is crucial that you clean the solar panels as soon as possible to restore their optimal performance. An expert can be hired to avoid any damage, but as we have told you in <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/cleaning-of-solar-panels">our article on cleaning</a>, you can also do it. In addition, it is essential to check if the dirt has generated any type of damage and replace them if necessary.

In short, sand and dust can have a significant effect on solar power generation in Spain. However, through the implementation of preventive measures and periodic cleaning of photovoltaic installations, their efficiency can be preserved and the use of this renewable energy source can be increased.

At Quiero Sol, in addition to helping you to <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">compare installers and budgets</a>, we want you to understand the concepts of solar energy, photovoltaic self-consumption and the different factors that determine a good performance of a solar system. For this reason, so that you continue deepening concepts, we recommend reading this article with <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/5-tips-for-the-maintenance-of-solar-panels">5 tips for the maintenance of photovoltaic panels</a> and thus guarantee the maximum productivity of your installation. 🌞

Calima y polvo en las placas solares.jpeg

Calima y polvo en las placas: cómo afectan y qué hacer

Calima i pols a les plaques solars: com afecten i què fer

Dunst und Staub auf Solarmodulen

Smuts och damm på solpaneler

Haze and dust on solar panels: how they affect and what to do

We have been talking a lot about photovoltaic energy, so today we ask you, do you know what aerothermal energy is and what are the advantages of combining it with solar panels?

In this article, we will see what it means to combine aerothermal energy with photovoltaic energy, why it is advantageous and how to apply it to a home to obtain greater performance and achieve a high level of self-consumption.

First, how does an aerothermal heat pump work?

It is an air-water technology in which a heat pump feeds an exchanger that cools or heats an air current driven by fans.

Aerothermal heat pumps capture free energy from the environment and transform it into useful energy for the home in the form of sanitary hot water, heating and cooling (if it has a reverse cycle).

Heat pumps are the most efficient system that exists today to heat or cool a home, since with a single piece of equipment the energy needs of the home are covered and at a low cost. This is thanks to its operation and efficiency.

It has a very high efficiency: it has a COP (Coefficient Of Performance) greater than 4. This means that for every kW of electrical power it consumes, it is capable of supplying 4 kW of thermal power.

How does aerothermal work with radiators?

Through the energy of the air, the aerothermal pump manages to heat or cool the water of the hydraulic installation (hot or cold water generator) and emits that temperature into the environment.

Why today is photovoltaic with aerothermal energy more imposed than solar thermal? Which heating system works best with solar energy?

Currently, the installation of photovoltaic solar panels is more advantageous than thermal ones, when combined with aerothermal energy. Why?

A great advantage is that 75% of the energy required by aerothermal energy is free from the air, and the remaining 25% of energy is needed for the heat pump to work. If we produce that 25% of energy through renewable sources such as photovoltaics, it is a great possible combination. This translates into 100% clean energy.

Following the COP concept seen above, for every electrical kW produced by the solar panels, the aerothermal machine will transform it into 4 thermal kW for the home.

In this way, the circle of renewability and energy efficiency is closed, where the thermal needs and demands of the home are covered.🏡

That's all for today! We hope we have resolved your concerns about the combination of aerothermal energy with photovoltaics and its benefits.💪

If you are thinking of switching to solar self-consumption, from <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">Quiero Sol</a> we will connect you with installation companies and you will be able to find information such as prices, delivery times and guarantees, among others.

By simply entering your monthly electricity consumption and zip code, you will receive the necessary <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">information from all the installers</a> in your area so that you can compare and make the best decision for your installation. 😎

aerotermia y fotovoltaica.jpeg

Ventajas de combinar aerotermia con placas solares para autoconsumo

Avantatges de combinar aerotèrmia amb plaques solars

Vorteile der Kombination von Luftwärme und Sonnenkollektoren

Fördelar med att kombinera aerotermisk energi med solpaneler

Photovoltaic and aerothermal

In Spain, photovoltaic solar self-consumption is an increasingly chosen alternative to reduce dependence on the conventional grid and contribute to the energy transition towards <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/fossil-fuels-and-renewable-energies">renewable energy sources.</a>

With this, a provision that has been implemented to encourage self-consumption is the so-called surplus compensation, which allows users who produce more energy than they consume to sell it to the electricity grid and receive financial compensation for it. <a href="https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2019-5089">Royal Decree 244/2019</a> in Spain establishes the regulatory framework for self-consumption with surpluses. According to this decree, those who have self-consumption facilities of up to 100 kW can take advantage of the measure, as long as they meet certain technical and administrative requirements.

When the generation of solar energy is greater than the energy used in the home, the excess energy is turned into the electrical network and the owners are financially compensated. This measure allows users to make their <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels/installation">solar panel installation</a> profitable, while contributing to the generation of renewable energy in the electrical system. In addition, self-consumption with surplus compensation also promotes energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar rates with compensation for self-consumption surpluses

The owners can take advantage of the compensation mechanism through the simplified modality or by contracting a specific surplus compensation contract.

In both cases, the user can reduce their electricity bill and, in some cases, even generate additional income by selling the excess energy, saving money as a result.

Having a photovoltaic installation is an excellent option to reduce the costs of conventional electricity consumption while contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable energy model.

The concept of simplified compensation is the mechanism most used by users of photovoltaic solar self-consumption in Spain. In this, the excess energy that is produced is poured directly into the conventional electrical network and is deducted from the household electricity bill.

In this way, the need for electrical energy that is used from the electric company is reduced. Electricity fed into the network is valued at the average wholesale market price at the time it is produced and is deducted from the home's electricity consumption at the same time.

Hiring a contract with the retailer is another option for users of photovoltaic self-consumption in Spain. In this case, users and the electricity company agree on a price per kilowatt hour (kWh) of solar energy that is poured into the network.

In this way, the excess energy produced is poured into the network and is financially compensated at the price agreed with said company.

Which company pays the best for self-consumption surpluses?

Most of the electricity companies in Spain have special compensation agreements for users of self-consumption systems. The value per kilowatt hour of energy produced and sent to the network depends on the company and the selected rate, however we can say that the price of the surplus changes every hour and is approximately 0.05 - 0.06 €/kWh. The best rate for compensation is that of the regulated market or PVPC.

Therefore, it is necessary to compare the different alternatives available in the market to determine which company offers the best compensation for selling the energy.

In general, the term is usually one to three months from the billing date on which the surplus was recorded (that is, the energy that you have not consumed). Even so, it is important to bear in mind that this period may vary depending on the marketing company with which the service is contracted and the number of procedures to be carried out.

Therefore, it is important to find out in advance about the conditions for the sale of energy and the return of surpluses, as well as the terms and requirements necessary to receive the corresponding compensation.

In conclusion, photovoltaic solar self-consumption with surplus compensation is a great alternative to promote the generation of renewable energy in Spain. However, it is necessary to continue working on removing barriers and promoting measures that promote self-consumption and the energy transition towards a more sustainable and efficient system.

Therefore, if you also want to contribute your bit in the transition towards clean energy for a healthy and habitable planet for future generations, from Quiero Sol we help you to <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">understand the concepts</a> of solar energy, photovoltaic self-consumption, and also to <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">get instant quotes</a> so you can compare before buying your solar products or hiring an installation company. <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/contact">Contact</a> us if you have questions!

Compensación de excedentes.jpeg

Compensación de excedentes: ¿qué es y cómo funciona?

Compensació d'excedents: què és i com funciona?

Überschussausgleich: Was ist das und wie funktioniert er?

Överskottsersättning: vad är det och hur fungerar det?

Surplus compensation: what is it and how does it work?

Promised is debt! After talking about <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/5-tips-for-the-maintenance-of-solar-panels">solar panel maintenance</a>, today we are going to share with you how to clean them, their importance to maximize efficiency and energy production, and how to use a solar panel cleaning kit to save money on your electricity bill. .

Next, we answer the main questions that those who have self-consumption systems have, about the maintenance of solar panels and the washing of photovoltaic modules.

What to take into account when using a module cleaning system? You could assess about the advantages of investing in a solar panel cleaning brush for your self-consumption installation and/or keep up to date with the innovative cleaning solutions for Karcher solar panels. With this you will achieve a good regular maintenance of the solar panels and a reduction of the electricity bill thanks to it.

Over time, it is normal for a layer of dirt to accumulate on the surface of the panel. This is a consequence of airborne dust, bird droppings, pollen from flowers, tree leaves and other particles. All of this can decrease the power of solar panels and even lead to hot spots.

To generate energy, photovoltaic panels must be exposed to sunlight. For this reason, they are also subjected to unfavorable weather conditions and have to withstand the elements. Unless you live in an area with significant levels of pollution, dirt, sand or snow, it is not necessary to clean your solar panels frequently. In most cases, rain is enough, although if you are in coastal or highly polluted areas it might be beneficial to periodically spray the modules.

When cleaning, it is essential to take into account that the surface of the panel (glass) should not be scratched or damaged, as this can considerably reduce its performance.

The ideal method to do this is to use lukewarm water and carefully. Try to use only water, without chemicals or abrasives. It is not recommended to use these harsh cleaning products as they can damage or even scratch the glass. Therefore, to remove dirt, it is advisable to use something that does not push or scratch the panels, such as a window cleaner.

The use of drones is on the rise and outdoor activities such as cleaning can benefit from this advanced technology. At the moment, only a few engineers use them for facility maintenance activities. However, little by little the designs will adapt to the cleaning of the crystals.

How many times are the solar panels cleaned? How often do you have to clean the solar panels?

Para planTo consider cleaning photovoltaic solar panels, the initial step is to assess the amount of dirt they may have. To assess this there are at least two options:

Is it necessary to hire a solar panel cleaning service? How much do you charge to clean solar panels?

Good cleaning and maintenance -and the complexity of the task- depends on the type of photovoltaic installation. We have observed in this article that doing the cleaning ourselves, with the help of an assistant, is not a difficult task. Of course, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to adopt all the necessary security measures to access your solar panels.

However, in the event that the solar installation is located in a place that is difficult to access or you have doubts about carrying out work on a roof, it is better to avoid possible dangers. For this, there are services that are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the solar panels, with the essential security guarantees, and with their prices depending on the company and the installation.

If you already have a solar panel system in your home, we hope this article has been useful to you. If this is not your case and you are considering installing <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels">solar panels</a> or <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/batteries">batteries</a> for your home or business, we help you compare before buying solar products and obtain quotes from installers quickly and easily <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">here</a>. 😎

At Quiero Sol we help you to compare installers, but also to understand the concepts of solar energy, photovoltaic self-consumption and the different factors that determine a good performance of a solar system, such as good maintenance and cleaning to guarantee the maximum performance of solar panels, as in the case today. 🌞

Limpieza placas solares.jpeg

Limpieza de las placas solares

Neteja de les plaques solars

Reinigung von Sonnenkollektoren

Rengöring av solpaneler

Cleaning of solar panels

We know very well that installing solar panels in your home (or business) can be a significant investment. But we cannot ignore that these photovoltaic modules allow us to save between 60% and 70% on the electricity bill and that their useful life is usually around 25 to 30 years, depending on how they are treated, their use and its maintenance (the topic of today's article!).

And why is it important to maintain the panels? Well, on the one hand, it will help you improve the production of clean energy and thus increase savings on your electricity bill. On the other hand, to extend the useful life of the solar panels and thus increase the performance of the photovoltaic installation.

In today's article, we tell you everything you need to know about the maintenance that a panel requires, what is the price of maintenance for the panels, along with some tips for its maintenance.

Although solar panels are durable and very resistant, they are installed outdoors (rooftops or on the ground) and are exposed to inclement weather that can damage the surface, among other things.

Apart from cleaning, the type of maintenance of solar panels involves other actions to take into consideration, such as checking that there is no structural damage to the surface of the panels such as: cracks, breaks or other visible inconveniences.

All this is recommended to be done with the very purpose of achieving greater photovoltaic production in solar systems, and therefore, greater profitability.

Although solar panels do not have moving parts that wear out, some problems can arise, such as deterioration in cables, conduits, insulation and other components of the installation.

It doesn't hurt to also be attentive to animals that may be chewing cables, damage from natural disasters (earthquakes, forest fires or storms) and damage or corrosion from home renovations.

Can I do the maintenance of the solar panels or is it necessary to hire a company?

And here we return to the topic at the beginning of this blog: the initial investment. Nobody invests part of their capital and then does not follow up on the status of what they have allocated their money to, right? Be it an installation of solar panels, a vehicle, a drone or an appliance.

Therefore, having a professional review the system can mean identifying a defect before it becomes a bigger problem. For example, checking the panels, the cables, the connections, the assembly and the inverter, among others.

How much does the maintenance of a solar panel cost? What is the maintenance cost of solar panels?

The price of solar panel maintenance will depend on the rates with which the company or self-employed professional works, as well as the materials or components of the installation that must be replaced.

What care and maintenance must be taken for the solar installation?

5 Tips for the maintenance of solar panels

Carrying out regular, periodic and preventive maintenance is very important to ensure optimal performance of the installation and take advantage of the increased energy production of photovoltaic modules.

These 5 tips may help you to obtain proper maintenance:

1. Visually inspect the installation, if there are broken or damaged solar panels, deteriorated cables, accumulated dirt or dust.

2. Clean with water and a soft cloth, without abrasive or chemical products. Do not miss more information about cleaning solar panels in this article that we have made for you.

3. Check that the panels are correctly tilted and oriented.

4. Make sure that the electrical connections are safe and there is no risk of shock.

5. Make sure that the temperature of the panels is not too high, as it could reduce the power and performance of the solar system, as we have seen in our blog about the effect of <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/loss-of-power-and-performance-of-solar-panels-due-to-the-effect-of-temperature">temperature</a>.

At Quiero Sol we help you to compare installers, but also to understand the concepts of photovoltaic self-consumption and the different factors that determine a good performance of a solar system, such as maintenance to guarantee maximum productivity, in the case of today .🌞

Mantenimiento de placas solares.jpeg

5 Consejos para el mantenimiento de las placas solares

5 Consells per al manteniment de les plaques solars

5 Tipps für die Wartung von Solarmodulen

5 tips för underhåll av solpaneler

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that <a href="https://www.irena.org/news/pressreleases/2021/mar/fast-track-energy-transitions--to-win-the-race-to-zero">90% of the world's electricity</a> can and should come from renewable energies by 2050. But do you know what renewable energies are or what is the difference between them and the energy that is obtained from fossil fuels?

If you are not very clear about this, do not worry! 😅 Here, we explain the advantages of using renewables, why they are considered the best alternative to fossil fuels and how the environment benefits from this.

What is the difference between fossil energy and renewable energy?

Fossil energy is that which comes precisely from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas or oil. These in turn are generated by the natural decomposition of organic matter (plants, microorganisms, bacteria and algae). The transformation process can last more than 600 million years.

On the other hand, renewable energy comes from natural and inexhaustible sources such as the wind, the Sun or water.

‘Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, emit little or no greenhouse gases, are readily available, and in most cases are cheaper than coal, oil, or gas’.

Fossil fuels are not renewable because they are limited natural resources that require a long period of time (more than 600 million years) and specific conditions (pressure and temperature) to form.

In addition, they are not replenished by biological processes and the time will come when they will run out and it will take millions of years of similar evolution and decomposition for them to re-emerge.

What advantages do we find in renewable energies compared to fossil fuels?

✔️Renewable energy sources are abundantly available, naturally replenishing, and emit little or no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

✔️Renewable energies allow countries to become independent from imports, diversify their economies and protect them from the unpredictable fluctuations of fossil fuel prices.

✔️They promote inclusive economic growth, the creation of new jobs and the reduction of poverty.

✔️According to IRENA, renewable energy is the cheapest energy option in most of the world today as prices for renewable energy technologies are falling rapidly. For example, the cost of electricity from solar energy fell by 85% between 2010 and 2020. The costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56% and 48%, respectively.

✔️Renewable energy is healthier. Switching to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health.

According to the World Health Organization, ‘about 99% of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year. are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air and its pollution’.

✔️Renewable energy creates jobs. Every dollar of investment in renewable energy creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the transition to zero emissions will result in a net gain of 9 million jobs in the energy sector. While some 5 million jobs could be lost in fossil fuel production by 2030, some 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy.

Additionally, energy-related industries would require another 16 million workers, for example to take on new roles in making electric vehicles or in innovative technologies like hydrogen. This means that more than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency and low emission technologies by 2030.

What is the best alternative to stop using fossil fuels?

The best alternative to stop using fossil fuels is to supply ourselves with renewable energies (such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass). The important thing is the combination of them, as well as the use of energy storage technologies.

Although a transition to cleaner forms of energy has already begun in many countries, and despite rapid technological innovation and cost reduction, renewable energy technologies still have to compete with carbon-intensive energy technologies that are also highly subsidised.

How does the use of fossil fuels affect the environment?

Today, approximately 80% of the world's energy and 66% of electricity generation come from the burning of fossil fuels. This contributes approximately 60% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions responsible for climate change (United Nations Organization).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for evaluating the science related to climate change, indicates that energy is at the heart of the climate challenge and is <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/2020/07/31/energy-climatechallenge/">key to the solution.</a>

To get closer to this much-needed clean and green energy transition, self-consumption is presented as a solution to burning fossil fuels when it comes to producing energy.

The IPCC expert group of scientists has been clear. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, pollutant emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

To achieve this, we must end our dependence on fossil fuels and invest in alternative energy sources that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable and reliable. Like photovoltaic energy. 🌞

If you also want to contribute in the transition towards clean energy for a healthy and habitable planet for future generations, from <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">Quiero Sol</a> we help you to obtain instant photovoltaic quotes that you can compare before buying your solar products or hiring a solar company.

We're here to help you review your options and answer any questions you may have. Do not hesitate and <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/contact">contact us</a>! 😄

combustibles fósiles y energías renovables

combustibles fósiles y energías renovables.jpeg

Energías renovables y combustibles fósiles. ¿Qué son?

Energies renovables i combustibles fòssils. Què són?

Erneuerbare Energien und fossile Brennstoffe. Welche sind?

Förnybar energi och fossila bränslen. Vad är skillnaden?

Fossil fuels and renewable energies

What is necessary to be a <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels/installation">solar panel installer in Spain</a>? Due to the rapid growth that photovoltaic installations have experienced in recent years in the country, the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF) has presented the necessary guidelines to achieve the Quality Certification of self-consumption installation companies and thus guarantee standards of suitability and professionalism in front of the installations of self-consumption solar panels . Let's go into detail! 👇

How to be an authorized installer of solar panels? What requirements are necessary to be a solar panel installer?

To be an authorized installer, the following requirements must be met:

What is the UNEF Quality Seal for photovoltaic installers?

The <a href="https://www.unef.es/">Spanish Photovoltaic Union</a> (UNEF) has created a quality seal for photovoltaic self-consumption installations. This certification originates from the need for the rapid increase that has been experienced in this type of installation in recent years.

El director de la UNEF, José Donoso, reconoce que “necesitamos que los instaladores cuenten con una acreditación que demuestre su buen hacer, que están capacitados para realizar estas instalaciones y que ofrezcan a los usuarios la confianza que requieren ante la inversión que implica la instalación de las placas fotovoltaicas”.

The director of the UNEF, José Donoso, acknowledges that "we need installers to have an accreditation that demonstrates their good work, that they are trained to carry out these installations and that they offer users the confidence they require in the face of the investment that the installation implies. of photovoltaic panels.

👉 If you want to know more, we leave you here the Presentation ‘UNEF Quality Seal for photovoltaic installers’ of April 8, 2021.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkwC1y4LE1g&amp;t=713s">Presentación "Sello de Calidad de UNEF para instaladores fotovoltaicos"</a>

How to get the UNEF Quality Seal for self-consumption installation companies?

1. Fill out the application required by the UNEF for this certification. It can be found on <a href="https://www.unef.es/es/sello-autoconsumo">their website</a>.

2. Installers are required to complete a two and a half hour online training course. In addition, pass a 25-question exam to acquire the ‘trained installer diploma’ for photovoltaic self-consumption installations.

3. To obtain the certification it is necessary to submit the installation to an audit. The SGS or CERE companies are in charge of carrying out said inspection.

4. Once the certification has been obtained, after one year it must be reviewed if the installation is less than 1 MW per year, or two inspections per year if it is more than 1 MW.

It is intended for companies and installers that carry out self-consumption installations in Spain. The certification will support their technical capacity and good practices in the design and execution of the facilities.

Any company in the sector can request the UNEF Quality Seal, both associated companies and non-associated companies.

Once the Quality Seal Certificate has been granted, in order to maintain it, the installation company will receive an audit every year. The first year of monitoring, an audit will be carried out at the facility and the following year the audit will be carried out at the company. In this way, the audits will alternate each year: one year in installation and the following year in the company.

Did you find this article interesting? Now you know a little more about what it takes to be a solar panel installer in Spain. Also, if you want to discover <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels/installation">installation companies in your city</a>, in Quiero Sol we offer you multiple photovoltaic offers, immediate and free. You will receive <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">quotes on the spot</a> only with your consumption and zip code, it's that easy! 😉

You'll compare installers and solar products and easily see information like reviews, prices, and warranties to make the best decision for your home. 🏡☀️

Instaladores placas solares.jpeg

Guía completa para ser instalador de placas solares en España

Guia completa per ser instal·lador de plaques solars

Vollständige Anleitung zum Installateur von Solarmodulen

Komplett guide för att vara solpanelsinstallatör

Complete guide to be a solar panel installer in Spain

Blog index: How many solar panels do I need to/for…?🤔

1. How many solar panels do I need to charge an electric car?

The most appropriate answer will depend on factors such as the contracted power and the charging speed, the geographical location of the photovoltaic installation, and above all knowing how much electricity is necessary for the car to circulate.

In the same way that for gasoline cars the measurement of liters per 100 km is the amount of fuel that it will consume on average to travel 100 km, electric vehicles also have a similar measurement: kWh per km. This varies between electric cars, but on average most electric cars will get around 6 km of range with 1 kWh of electricity in their battery pack.

As we've mentioned, the number of miles an electric car can drive per kilowatt-hour of stored electricity varies. Some examples in descending order are:

🚘🔌Mitsubishi i-MiEV: 6.3 kilometers

On average in Spain around 12,000 km per year (32 km per day) are driven. So if we get 5 km of range for every kWh of charging in the car, it will use almost 8 kWh per day.

It is likely that you already know approximately how many kilometers you drive per year, so we recommend that you base your estimates on that figure and not on the average and example that we are giving.

So, for example, if we have an electric car with a 50 kWh battery that gives us a range of 340 km, and we drive 10,000 km a year, we will consume 1,470 kWh of energy per year (10,000 km x 50 kWh / 340 km), so it will be necessary to install 4 solar panels capable of producing 370 kWh annually each.

2. How many solar panels do I need for a 200m2 house?

In a 200m2 house with four people and an approximate annual consumption of 3,000 kWh, panels that produce those 3,000 kWh of energy will be needed.

Considering that a panel produces an estimate of 730 kWh per year, if we take as an example a 400 W solar panel that receives an annual average of 5 hours of sun per day (an average that compensates the hours of less sun in winter with those of more summer sun).

The solar panel generates 400 W for each hour of Sun, and the calculation to know how much energy it produces would be: 400 W x 5 hours of Sun per day = 2,000 Wh, which is equal to 2 kWh per day. Therefore, 2 kWh per day x 365 days of the year = 730 kWh per year.

The next calculation is to divide those 3,000 kWh per year by what can generate one panel per year (730 kWh) and discover that a house of 200m2 and 4 people could get by with 5 solar panels (3,000 kWh / 730 kWh = 4.1 panels).

However, we want to emphasize that each case (and each household) is very different in its consumption habits, the amount of annual consumption, the orientation and geographical location, and the annual hours of sunshine it receives.🏡

3. How many solar panels do I need for 10,000 W? (10 kW)

4. How many solar panels do I need for 5,000 W? (5 kW)

5. How many solar panels do I need for 3,000 W? (3 kW)

As we have seen in detail in our <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">Solar Guide</a>, solar systems are sized in kilowatts (kW), that is, by how much electrical power they produce.

For example, a home with 12 solar panels installed on its roof and where each panel is 450 watts (W), the power of the photovoltaic system will be 5.4 kWp:

12 panels x 450 W = 5,400 W = 5.4 kWp considering that 1 kW is equal to 1,000 W

Therefore, we can say that this installation is a 5.4 kWp solar system (peak kilowatts of production in its best conditions). Avoid the temptation (and confusion really) to think that this system will produce 5.4 kW all day, ⚠️ since it will produce this at noon on a perfect sunny day (clear and sunny skies but not too hot).

⚡For 10 kW or 10,000 W = 22 panels of 450 W

⚡For 5 kW or 5,000 W = 11 panels of 450 W

⚡For 3 kW or 3,000 W = 7 panels of 450 W

6. How many solar panels do I need for a refrigerator?

The refrigerator is the appliance that consumes the most energy in the home and represents 14% of the total electricity consumption in your home, according to data from <a href="https://www.ree.es/es">Red Eléctrica Española.</a>

The exact amount of solar energy you need depends mainly on the energy consumption of your refrigerator and your location. In addition, the annual energy consumption of a refrigerator depends on its energy efficiency category:

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