Solar panels: source of clean energy, an expensive equipment or an eyesore?

Solar panels: source of clean energy, an
expensive equipment or an eyesore?

                                      Solar Panels

                                      Solar panels are a form of active solar
                                      power. Through solar cells or photovoltaic
                                      cells placed in a grid-like pattern on the
                                      surface of the solar panels, they collect
                                      sunlight during daylight hours and turn it
                                      into electricity. In this way, solar panels
Solar Panels                          make use of renewable energy from the sun,
and are a clean way of collecting solar energy.

Mr. Paul Debattista from Pieta' decided to invest in a photovoltaic (PV) system for
his house and I visited him to see his system and discuss with him why he thinks
that this was worth it.

What have you invested in and how does it work?

First of all, I wanted to tell you that there are various systems that use solar
energy like water heating systems, photovoltaic systems, solar membrane, solar
water pumps, solar pool heating, solar lighting and others. But I have decided to
invest in a PV system. The amount of power that solar panels produce is
influenced by the quality of the solar panel, the materials and technology used in
making the solar panel, and the amount of time the solar panel has been in use.
When purchasing solar panels, it is therefore wise to look beyond size and look at
the euro/watt ratio. Years of overheating and physical wear and tear can,
however, reduce the operation efficiency of the photovoltaic unit. Solar cells

become less efficient over time. Most of the products available locally gives you a
guarantee for 25 years with efficiency reducing to 90% after 10 years and 80% in
25 years. Why are solar panels good for the environment? Solar energy is a
renewable resource. Although we cannot utilize the power of the sun at night or
on stormy, cloudy days, etc., we can count on the sun being there the next day,
especially in a place like Malta, and ready to give us more energy and light.

Oil, on the other hand, is not renewable. Once it is gone, it is gone. Yes, we may
find another source to tap, but that source may run out, as well. Solar cells are
totally silent. They can extract energy from the sun without making a peep. Now
imagine the noise that the giant machines make when drilling for oil or pumping
oil!

But one of the main advantages of a solar power system for your home is the lack
of pollution given off by solar panels when generating electricity. The only
pollution you could associate with a solar power cell would be the production of
the cell; the transportation of the cell until it reaches your home; and the use of
electricity to power the tools needed while your panel is installed and maintained.

Out of all the advantages of solar energy over oil, this is, perhaps, the most
important. The burning of oil releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
into the air. Solar energy also reduces the dependency on the power stations of
Marsa and Delimara and hence reduces emissions by moving on to green sources
of energy.

This alternative energy source is the most secure investment product on the
market. Believe me it is better than bonds and shares. It is a way to secure your
money and at the same time secure your environment.

Is the equipment very expensive?

The initial capital outlay is pretty expensive
over €6,000 for a PV system with 6 to 8 panels.
But I still think it is worth the money spent.
The initial investment of solar panels is seen as
a small price to pay when you realize the
savings you could make over the coming
months and years on your electricity bill.

Apart from deducing your electricity bill or
even getting it to zero, if you're connected to
the grid and your system produces more units
that you consume, you will get a refund from EneMalta of €0.07 for every unit
that is given back through the grid. Also you may be eligible for a government
subsidy up to €3,000 on PV or rebates on solar water heaters. But if you need
more information I think you should enquiry at the Ministry for Resources and
Rural Affairs.

Does it require a lot of maintenance?

No it doesn't require a lot of maintenance. You need to make sure that you keep
the panels clean from dust or sand just like you clean normal glass so that you do
not reduce efficiency. Also the inverter is to be protected from excessive rain
water and heat for greater efficiency.

Are there any disadvantages?

Solar power cannot be created at night. But I think that the list of disadvantages is
pretty short compared to the advantages that I have mentioned earlier. Following
my interview with Mr. Paul Debattista as a user of solar panels, I decided to visit
the SpringEco Home exhibition and ask some questions to a representative of the

Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs. I met Mr. Felix Grech and asked him
about any incentives provided by government to switch to 'greener' energy
production and save on fossil fuels.

Are there any Government subsidies for solar panels?

Yes, of course. The Malta Resources Authority administers various schemes to
promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Energy efficiency is a key objective in the Government's energy policy. It can have
a significant impact on the demand for energy, and so can reduce the country's
fuel bill and the release of carbon into the environment.

In 2008 as part of the National energy efficiency action plan, it was estimated that
the annual energy savings expected as at end of 2010 as a result of promotion of
solar water heaters will be 13 to 14 GWh increasing to 31 to 37 as at end of 2016.

In September 2009, as part of the National strategy for policy and abatement
measures relating to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, it was stated
that the Government will seek to achieve, as a minimum, a 4% reduction in
energy generated by fuel oil by means of alternative renewable forms of solar
technologies.

Government gives incentives, as appropriate, for the use of all forms of solar
energy technologies - directing however market incentives to those forms of solar
energy technologies that will result in the highest tCO2e reduction for each €1
invested in such Renewable Energy Sources (RES) solar technology.

Government continues with the current strategy of financing in part the capital
costs of RES solar technology for domestic users. In fact there was a grant scheme
for PV systems that was heavily subscribed and it is expected that another one is

issued in the near future. The schemes are part finance by the European Regional
Development Fund. In the meantime, subsidies are also available for solar water
heaters.

But a user who decides to install a solar system on the roof needs to be careful to
follow MEPA rules so that the system will not end up an eyesore. However, I
suggest that you visit the MRA or MEPA websites if you need more information
on MEPA Development Control Guidance 2007 related to installation of solar
water heaters and photovoltaic panels.

Following this comment, I decided to communicate with MRA and ask them about
the MEPA guidance.

What are the MEPA rules in connection with installation of solar panels?

As you are probably aware, the solar panels are to be south facing but should be
placed in a way to disrupt the least and not to have adverse impact on the
townscape. MEPA will positively encourage the provision of photovoltaic solar
modules. These can be integrated in the building or mounted on separate
dedicated supports. Stand-off arrays can be placed on existing roofs without any
structural alterations. The areas required for solar electricity generation are larger
than for solar water heater, although the arrays are likely to have less visual
impact because of the absence of a water tank and their smaller bulk.

After having collected this feedback on solar panels, I think that after all, although
initially the cost of installing solar panels may be high, in the long run it is worth
the money spent because of lower consumption bills. The user is better off if one
manages to qualify for the Government subsidy. There are also advantages for the
environment in general and not just at the household level. But one needs to
make sure that panels are placed in a way as not to be an eyesore.

After the interviews and having gone through the features of solar panels, I am
now encouraging my mother and father to consider buying a PV system for our
house. After all, investing in the environment is investing in our future.

By Mariel Bartolo, St Monica School, Gzira