A solar panel is a component of a solar energy system where the sunlight is used to produce electricity. Solar panels use PV (Photovoltaic) cells made of semiconductor materials like silicon. The PC cells absorb photons from sunlight and it triggers the photovoltaic effect. In this process, the semiconductor releases electrons, and the flow of these electrons creates an electric current.
We can use this electricity to power our houses and even the grid. This process doesn’t harm the environment and uses renewable energy. Now, you may wonder, “What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels?” Keep reading to find out!
Solar Panels in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh government made it mandatory to include solar energy for new domestic, industrial, and commercial electricity connections in 2010. The goal was to increase renewable energy generation. The domestic connections were required to generate 3% of their total energy needs through solar energy. The industrial connections, where the energy consumption was more than 50KW, had a higher target of 10%.
Popular Solar Panels in Bangladesh
Solar panels have grown more and more popular in Bangladesh. Currently, many solar panel companies in Bangladesh offer solar panels at a reasonable price. The most popular ones are:
- Solarland Bangladesh Co. Ltd.
- Solar Electro Bangladesh Ltd.
- Green Power Ltd.
- Alfanar Group
- Bangladesh China Renewable Energy Company (Pvt.) Limited
Besides these, there are some solar system companies in BD that sell quality solar system products. It includes solar panels, MPPT solar charge controllers, home IPS, and many more. The price of solar products like IPS battery can vary depending on the specifications and brand.
Advantages of Solar Panels
There are tons of advantages to using solar panels. We will dive into the advantages of solar panels and explore the details.
Renewable Energy Source
Solar panels use sunlight to produce energy that is a renewable energy source. The resources on our planet are very limited. Overusing natural resources to generate energy is not the best solution, as we will eventually run out of it. Additionally, using fossil fuels is a leading reason for carbon emissions that devastates our environment. The use of Solar panels can solve all these problems in one go.
Reduces Electric Bill
Solar panels are a great alternative to grid energy. Using it, you can generate almost all the electricity you need. You can even go off-grid and use only solar panels if you want. Even if you use a small solar power unit and stay connected to the grid, it will significantly reduce your monthly electric bill.
Sufficient Backup
A home completely going off-grid and using solar energy has the highest energy independence. In this case, you must have a sufficient battery backup for cloudy weather or nighttime. In this position, you will not depend on the government for your energy needs. You can also escape the annoying load-shedding period with the help of solar panels.
Increased Property Value
Implementing solar panels can increase the value of your house in the market. A proper and functioning solar system is considered a premium feature of your house. It will significantly increase your property value and keep going up.
Long Term Savings
Initially, the installation expense of solar panels may seem pretty high. But looking at the bigger picture, you will see the benefits. Solar panels can easily function for 20 years with proper care and maintenance. You will understand the equation if you calculate your total approximate electricity bill for such a long time.
Low Maintenance Cost
Once installed, the solar panels require very little maintenance if it is safe from environmental factors. If the panels are kept clean regularly, they will function without additional care for years. Even if you hire professionals occasionally, you can get everything checked at a reasonable price.
Disadvantages of Solar Panels
There are also some disadvantages to using solar panels. The major disadvantages are explained below:
High Cost of Solar Panels
The price of solar panels and the other equipment required for solar energy systems has decreased over the years. Even after that, the price of solar panels and other equipment is rather high. Due to inflation and other issues, the price of installing solar panels can cost a fortune now. Although it is a long-term investment and you will benefit in the long run, the initial cost is still very high.
Sunlight Dependency
As solar panels need sunlight to produce energy, this system is highly dependent on weather. Solar panels can not produce up to their potential in gloomy weather like the rainy season and winter. As a solution, you can use a battery storage system to store energy for emergency situations. But that will also add to the installation cost.
Space Constraints
The solar panel and the other equipment take a considerable amount of space. Depending on how many panels you need, it can be hard to find enough space with proper sunlight and maintenance convenience. It can become a hard task, especially if you have a narrow housing space.
Difficulties With Relocation
Uninstalling a solar system and relocating it is a very complicated task. It will take considerable time and effort and is pretty expensive. You can’t just move the whole system from house to house. The infrastructure is pretty much fixed for a house after installation. Therefore, it is recommended to install solar panels in a permanent residence.
Final Words
Using solar panels indeed has both advantages and disadvantages. But, in all aspects, the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. It may take some years, but eventually, installing solar panels will result in major savings in the future.
Most importantly, your power dependency will be reduced to a minimum, and you will generate your own power. Solar panels are the smartest and most environmentally friendly solution, as the power cost is going significantly higher every day.
FAQs
How long do solar panels last?
An average solar panel can maintain its peak performance for at least 25-30 years with proper maintenance. After this time, the system can still produce energy, but it may reduce its production and efficiency.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes, the solar system will continue to work in the cold weather of winter. The temperature itself will not affect the production. However, the lack of direct sunlight and shorter daytime may reduce the production and efficiency of the system.
Do solar panels work in the rain?
Yes, solar panels will work in the rain and continue to produce energy. But the energy production will not be as high as on sunny days. Solar panels can still produce at least 30-50% of their maximum output in cloudy weather. It will be at least 10-20% of its maximum output in heavy rain.