The keys to saving energy through solar energy

Today, more than ever, we are looking for ways to reduce our energy bills and, at the same time, reduce our impact on the planet. One of the best solutions available to us in Spain is the use of solar energy. In fact, one of Spain’s strengths is its large number of sunny days throughout the year: a strength that becomes a real advantage in terms of energy generation and savings. But what data should we take into account and what solutions are available to us?Today, more than ever, we are looking for ways to reduce our energy bills and, at the same time, reduce our impact on the planet. One of the best solutions available to us in Spain is the use of solar energy. In fact, one of Spain’s strengths is its large number of sunny days throughout the year: a strength that becomes a real advantage in terms of energy generation and savings. But what data should we take into account and what solutions are available to us?

“Year after year, we set consecutive records in the renewable energy sector. In fact, renewable energy has made fantastic progress. They outperform all other fuels in terms of growth and competitiveness. (…) But progress in the electricity sector is only a small part of the equation. Not changing the entire energy system is to be blind to reality,” warns Rana Adib, Executive Director of REN21.

In fact, to think of energy only in terms of electricity is to forget an important part of what constitutes total energy demand. According to the World Renewable Energy Situation 2020 report, prepared jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), heat accounts for more than 50% of the total energy we consume in the world, three times more than electricity.

According to the same report: The boost of photovoltaics masks a significant lag in the heating, cooling and transport sectors. It would be short-sighted to celebrate the progress of the PV sector without acknowledging the alarming low and slow uptake of renewables in the heating, cooling and transport sectors. The use of electricity, for example for lighting, household appliances and industrial equipment, only accounts for 17% of the world’s final energy demand, while heating, cooling and transport account for up to 83% of the energy we consume. The share of renewables in heating and cooling is low (10.1%) and hardly increasing, although this sector accounts for more than half of total energy demand.

It is impossible to ignore one of them to answer the question. Therefore, it is essential to take this into account when thinking about energy savings before choosing any solution.

There are different solutions for solar energy production. Let’s take a look at them again. First of all, we have the famous photovoltaic solar panel. This is well known, especially among individuals. Photovoltaic energy uses solar radiation to transform it into electricity. The electricity produced can be used for the common needs of a home: appliances, television, etc.

Secondly, we have the solar thermal panel. It uses solar energy to produce heat to heat water. This heated water can be used for hot water, heating, pool heating or industrial processes.

Thirdly, we have the hybrid solar panel. Far from being a new technology, on the contrary, it is still very little known. Hybrid solar technology is a two-in-one solution, as it allows the simultaneous production of electricity and hot water from solar energy. It is a kind of combination of photovoltaic and thermal.

But what is the best solution to save energy? If we take the above data into account, we must have both an electrical and thermal response. Let’s not forget that electricity only makes up 17% of our energy consumption, so by opting for the photovoltaic solution, you will only be responding to one-twentieth of the problem. The best solution is to opt for hybrid technology, which offers you a double and complete response, as it will allow you to meet your energy needs in terms of electricity and heat. Logically, as long as the building has a demand for heat, otherwise the best solution would be photovoltaic.

Now that we know the data to consider in our choice and that we know the range of solutions we have and that we have chosen the best solution, that is, the hybrid one. How can we optimize our installation and make the best possible decision?

Solar irradiation is the first factor to consider when choosing solar energy, but it is not the only one. There are many variables to keep in mind such as height, shadows, existing obstacles that may prevent the reception of solar radiation. This is where things get complicated for many of us. But don’t worry, Abora Solar will guide you through the process and provide you with various tools to optimize your hybrid solar installation.

To calculate the optimal configuration of your installation and to know all its benefits, at Abora Solar we have developed software that allows us to propose to our client the most suitable and optimal installation, determine its cost as well as know the energy, financial and CO2 emissions savings. It is an analysis tool that takes into account irradiation, roof pitch, obstacles to solar radiation, the available roof area and the customer’s energy needs. Once all this data has been collected, we can propose an optimal installation plan at the lowest cost and, above all, one that fits the specific needs of the building and the client.

Betting on hybrids is a winning bet. In fact, if we review all the necessary requirements to make the savings, we must:

All these requirements are perfectly met by Abora Solar’s hybrid solar panels with aHTech® technology. Abora hybrid solar panels produce the same energy as 4 solar photovoltaic panels. They produce electricity and hot water simultaneously with an efficiency of 89%, which is a world record.  Thanks to them, you will be able to reduce your energy bill by up to 70% and your installation will pay for itself on average in just 5 years.

To achieve this, we also have the help of our monitoring system in which you can see how much energy your installation generates in real time. With your mobile or computer, you can see that the installation is working perfectly, and if there is a problem, it can be detected without having to be in the installation. In this way, the time that the installation is stopped is minimized, being able to repair any unforeseen event as soon as possible.

In short, generating inexhaustible and environmentally friendly energy while achieving significant savings on our energy bill, in the most efficient way, is within our reach thanks to Abora Solar.