Photovoltaic self-consumption: types, advantages and costs

Photovoltaic self-consumption is the capacity of a home or business to produce electricity for its own consumption. Every construction can count on this self-consumption system, as long as the electricity is consumed, only, by the person responsible for the installation.

Currently, the energy for self-consumption The most common and used is solar, since it is the most accessible and easiest to install in homes. In addition, it is clean, that is, it does not pollute the environment, and economically profitable.

Types of photovoltaic self-consumption installations

There are two types of photovoltaic self-consumption installation, with connection to the power grid and Isolated.

The first one is the most common and recommended for conventional homes with a good connection to the network. This installation is connected to the conventional grid, and there is a constant flow of electricity between the solar panels and this one. With this system, the most important concepts are: dumped to the network and surplus system.

Instead, the isolated installation operates autonomously, that is, it does not require the backup of the conventional network. However, its cost is high and is recommended if it is located in a place where there is no supply network or is very poor.

Components of a photovoltaic self-consumption system?

The grid-connected photovoltaic self-consumption system consists of photovoltaic panels and an inverter. Los photovoltaic panels, thanks to photovoltaic cells, generate electricity from the sunlight that falls on them. On the other hand, the inverter allows the electricity generated by the plates, which is direct current, is useful for homes, converting it into alternating current.

In addition to these two components, a self-consumption system can have other accessories that improve the profitability and quality of the installation. This is the case of the solar batteries, devices that allow the energy generated by photovoltaic panels to be stored. Batteries are mandatory, only, for isolated installations.

Advantages of photovoltaic self-consumption

There are several advantages offered by a photovoltaic self-consumption installation, offering a range of possibilities to families in terms of energy.

• Contribution to the environment: solar energy, apart from being renewable, is clean energy. A solar panel installation allows you to generate energy without emitting CO₂ into the atmosphere nor do any harm to the planet.

• More autonomy: with photovoltaic panels, a family can become more independent from electricity companies, since it is not 100% dependent on electricity supply. This means greater freedom of time and reduced expenses.

• Good picture: For companies, having solar panels in their offices implies a reinforcement of their commitment to the environment and, in a direct way, improves their corporate image.

• Bill savings: thanks to the cheapening of these self-consumption systems, and the sharp rise in electricity rates, producing energy autonomously can become cheaper on a monthly basis. There is a real reduction in household consumption costs. From Eltex we provide you with a Calculator to find out your savings.

What is the cost of a photovoltaic system?

In recent years, the cost of energy production through a self-consumption system has undergone strong reductions, thus achieving a competitive cost with conventional energy sources. That is, the cost of Is solar electricity profitable, and this fact is reflected in the number of installations that are being carried out across Europe.

The favorable situation has been made possible thanks to the sophistication and technological advances of the sector. In addition, the possibility of benefiting from shared self-consumption, thanks to new models, allows this type of installation to be viable in neighboring communities, thus reaching the whole world.

Another aspect that makes it even more attractive to install panels is the program of grants and financial aid that are in place. These grants are intended for self-consumption facilities with the ultimate objective of encouraging and promoting this type of energy. At Eltex, we are responsible for processing these grants.