The main contribution to the task of providing the population with electricity is still made by traditional power plants that run on fossil fuels. However, more people are realizing how unstable this source can be in the future. That is why the emphasis is gradually shifting towards solar systems that use renewable natural resources. This causes a considerable flow of investments.
Their volume in recent years even exceeds the number of investments in fossil fuels. Such data is confirmed by the IEA. In the study of the organization, it is said that investments in clean energy amounted to 24%, while only 15% were invested in traditional resources. This indicates an increase in awareness, not only among homeowners but also among businessmen. In particular, the number of solar startups has increased. This is not surprising, because solar companies offer several types of technologies for launching their projects at once.
Solar Solutions for Startups With Different Performance Indicators
For innovators who plan to launch solar energy startups, there are wide opportunities. In particular, each of them can choose the best solution according to the level of efficiency. Thin-film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline structures can be used as a basis for your solar business ideas. Let’s consider each of the varieties in more detail.
Polycrystalline Solar Technologies
If you plan to launch your solar energy startup, you can use polycrystalline varieties that are widely available. Suppliers offer various configurations of such systems, which allows implementing projects of various directions. The main characteristics that distinguish them from other varieties are lower cost.
It is because individual crystals of the material are not used for production. The base in this case is made by combining several parts of silicon into one whole. To do this, they are melted using special equipment. Features of production determine another difference – a lower level of efficiency.
Since separate elements of silicon are used for production, productivity is somewhat reduced. Each panel can produce approximately 250 W of electricity. As for the service life, it is approximately 20-25 years (it all depends on the manufacturer).
Monocrystalline Solar Technologies
If you need TOP solar energy tech solutions, you should consider monocrystalline models. This is due to the level of productivity – it is the highest in the presented variety of designs. Technology providers note that monocrystalline solar systems are capable of converting up to 20% of the solar radiation that hits their surface into electricity.
Such indicators are provided thanks to the use of a special material – a solid sheet of silicon. This material is used from the same source, so it has a uniform texture. Thanks to this, solar panels can capture more light and convert it into electricity. Additional characteristics include durability, strength, and endurance.
In terms of efficiency, monocrystalline solar technologies are capable of generating approximately 300-400 watts each day. The service life of the installations is long enough. It is approximately 25-30 years, sometimes even more. The only drawback of monocrystalline structures is their high cost. This factor is due to the high costs of the production process.
Thin Film Solar Technologies
This is a relatively new development that has certain differences from the two previous models. The main one is the design. Thin-film solar panels are lighter in weight because they are made from thin plates. They can be a great solution for those cases in which hard varieties are not suitable. For example, they are often used on roofs, the material of which is not designed for heavy loads.
In addition, thin-film solar panels often become a good extension of stylish architectural design. The cost of such structures is much lower than the two previous technologies. This is due to the lower costs of manufacturing such installations. Several types of thin-film systems are currently on sale.
A Thin Film Based on Cadmium Telluride
CdTe technology is based on the use of the element cadmium. This type of metal is recognized by many organizations as toxic. However, it is capable of creating an electric field under the influence of solar radiation, so it is used in small quantities in thin-film elements.
Thin Elements Based on Amphoric Silicon
Another type of thin-film solar panel is made of silicon, but using a specific technology. Elements have 3 layers. The upper one performs a protective function, the middle one is a heat conductor, and the lower part has a silicone base.
Varieties of amphoric silicon are resistant to high temperatures, so they can be an excellent solution for working in hot climates. Another feature is high efficiency even on cloudy days. The only drawback is the limited period of operation. They can be used for no more than 20 years.
Thin Elements Based on Copper-Gallium-Indium Diselenide
This variety has a slightly higher price on the market. However, the level of efficiency is superior to the previous two thin-film technologies. The main elements of the structure are created from selenide, gallium, indium, and copper. Layers are created from these substances, which are then superimposed on each other.
Solar Solutions for Businesses With Different Types of Connectivity
When choosing solar solutions for your startup, you should also learn how they work. It is about the ability to connect to the public network. According to this criterion, 3 types of systems are distinguished.
Autonomous Solar Solutions
This technology does not involve connecting to a public network. The solar panels that are included in the composition have a sufficient level of power to provide the facility with electricity. In addition, the complex includes battery systems designed to balance electricity needs.
When choosing such a system, you should immediately think through all the details and determine whether its power will be enough to meet all needs. In the process, it is necessary to take into account requests in the future. In any case, such systems should be more powerful than those that have access to the network. After all, technology is becoming the only available power source.
Solar Systems Connected to the General Energy Grid
The presented solutions are standard business options. They connect in a certain way to the system that is established by local utility organizations. In this case, the power may be lower, because access to the general network is always maintained. Such solar systems will be an ideal solution for entrepreneurs who want to balance the production of electricity and appreciate the benefits of a clean source.
Using such solar systems, you can not be afraid of tariff increases and interruptions, and vice versa, in case of a decrease in the production of solar electricity, you can use a resource from the general network. The owner of such solutions can receive certain financial advantages in case of excess electricity production. If the structures generate more electricity than needed, they can be fed back into the system. These contributions are rewarded by local utilities. They provide certain credits that allow you to reduce your electricity bills.
Conclusion
If you do not know how to start a solar energy business and what solutions to choose for launching your project, then you should start by studying existing solutions. Solar energy providers offer a wide variety of technologies that differ in power, shape, connection type, efficiency level, design, and many other parameters. The study should begin with 3 main types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film systems. This will provide a basis for further thinking and help determine how to implement the idea.
Originally posted 2023-10-28 11:49:00.