Photovoltaics, a set of devices that allows the extraction of electricity from the sun, is becoming an increasingly popular installation used in Polish homes. In addition to contributing to reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, they make it possible to reduce electricity collection fees from electricity suppliers. Not surprisingly, more and more photovoltaic panels are also appearing on office buildings and public buildings.

How it works

The operation of photovoltaics is relatively simple. It relies on the occurrence of a phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect – an electromotive force is generated in a semiconductor, such as photovoltaic cells. That is, in other words, solar energy is converted into direct current. Photovoltaic cells, on the other hand, are nothing more than a component of solar panels. The panels are manufactured from silicon, and are installed most often on roofs, although this is not the only place. Terraces, facades or lawns are equally suitable. It is important to choose a place with the best possible sunlight. Further down the line, photovoltaic systems do not require any maintenance, and there are no costs involved in their use.

Better, because cheaper, electricity

Is the electricity generated by photovoltaic panels different from the electricity obtained
From the public network? And yes, and no. Certainly, with the installation of a photovoltaic system, the electrical system does not change. It is only necessary to install a solar inverter to convert direct current into alternating current with electrical parameters compatible with those of the public grid. The only difference in the “current” itself is that the voltage of the one from the panels is slightly higher than that from the suppliers. Therefore, the electricity that photovoltaics produce is consumed first, and if it “runs out”, i.e. the consumer’s needs turn out to be greater than it can produce on its own, only then is electricity drawn from the power grid. And if the opposite happens – that the consumer doesn’t use all the electricity his panels produce – he can give the excess back to the public grid.

Benefits versus costs

No one needs to be convinced of the benefits of photovoltaics today. First of all, photovoltaic panels contribute to environmental protection. In addition, they allow to significantly reduce (or eliminate at all) electricity bills. What’s more- the Renewable Energy Act allows the owner of a photovoltaic installation who has produced more electricity than he has consumed to collect the surplus within a year (that is, collect the surplus from July in May, for example). The cost of installing photovoltaics alone is unfortunately not small, but the good news for entrepreneurs is that they can take advantage of grants or loans for its installation of up to 85 percent. eligible costs. This is due to Poland’s obligations under EU Directive 2009/28/EC on the subject of renewable energy sources, which has set a target for our country to reach 15 percent. share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy mix by 2020, and which is unlikely to be realized yet.

News in the photovoltaic market

It is worth mentioning that there are also solutions already available on the market that allow panels to be installed in building walls and roof tiles (BIPV system – Building-Integrated Photovoltaics), so photovoltaic panels can be used as a building material. Another solution is semi-transparent panels that, when installed on building facades, not only produce electricity but also cause the building not to heat up so much (which in turn translates into less electricity consumption for air conditioning operation).

Having a photovoltaic installation on an office building, in addition to the environmental and financial aspects for the building owner, has an image aspect. It is also not insignificant for tenants, who may be more likely to choose such office buildings due to the lack of additional electricity charges.