Category: Technology

Solar Energy Optimization: How to Determine the Right Number of Photovoltaic Panels for Your Specific Needs in the Casa Verde 2023 Program

ENSYS, the market leader in renewable energy solutions, is here to help you navigate through the Casa Verde Program 2023. This program, which boosted the use of solar energy in Romania, continues to offer excellent opportunities for those who want to make the transition to clean energy.

An essential aspect in choosing a photovoltaic system is calculating the required number of panels. This calculation depends on several factors, including your energy consumption and the power of the photovoltaic panels. For example, a 3 kW photovoltaic system may produce enough energy for a small house, while a 10 kW system may be necessary for a larger home or a business.

Ensys study: Prosumers invest an average of 35,000 lei in solar systems

For example, let’s consider the LONGi LR5 410W photovoltaic panels with an efficiency of 21.5%, commonly used by ENSYS. These panels have a power degradation of less than 2% in the first year and 0.55% in years 2-25. Additionally, let’s assume that the panels are installed under ideal conditions, with a south-facing orientation and perfect tilt.

1. A 3 kW photovoltaic system: This system would require approximately 8 410W LONGi LR5 panels. Under ideal conditions, such a system could produce an average of about 3,600 kWh per year.
2. A 5 kW photovoltaic system: This system would require approximately 13 410W LONGi LR5 panels. Under ideal conditions, such a system could produce an average of about 6,000 kWh per year.
3. An 8 kW photovoltaic system: This system would require approximately 20 410W LONGi LR5 panels. Under ideal conditions, such a system could produce an average of about 9,600 kWh per year.
4. A 10 kW photovoltaic system: This system would require approximately 25 410W LONGi LR5 panels. Under ideal conditions, such a system could produce an average of about 12,000 kWh per year.

These values are estimates and may vary depending on several factors, including weather conditions, shading, geographic location, etc. For a more precise assessment of your specific needs, we encourage you to contact an ENSYS consultant by accessing the dedicated configurator – click here.

ENSYS is here to help you make these calculations and choose the right PV system for you. We offer technical, legal, design, approval, installation consultancy and maintenance. We are an authorized company in the Casa Verde Program and have extensive experience in the field of solar energy.

As for the cost of solar panels, it can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the panels, installation costs and any additional costs. To get an accurate cost estimate, we encourage you to contact ENSYS for a personalized offer.

In conclusion, choosing the right number of photovoltaic panels is essential to maximize the benefits of solar energy. With the help of ENSYS and the Casa Verde 2023 Program, you can make the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy. Don’t miss this opportunity – contact ENSYS today to start your journey to a greener future.

Finally, it is important to mention that ENSYS is an authorized company for the Casa Verde program, which means that you can benefit from financing for the installation of a photovoltaic system through this program. If you are interested in this option, we encourage you to contact ENSYS for more information.

No less than 55% of a home’s energy consumption is used for heating. The 45% difference is split between lighting, hot water and appliances.

Finding an optimal but also economical temperature for the home can turn into a long process of experimentation. We created this guide to help you. Thus, you too will be able to find an optimal temperature for the comfort of your family, taking care at the same time of electricity consumption.

The temperature in the home depending on the season

Considering that our body is used to climate changes in each season, the temperature in the home must also be changed depending on the season.

While the ideal temperature in winter is 20-22 ℃, in the warm season the optimum temperature is between 22-24 ℃ (about 10 degrees less than the outside temperature).

Maintaining optimal temperature values: Benefits

These are some of the benefits of maintaining an optimal temperature in the home:

• Improved mood, physical and mental health;
• Deep and quality sleep;
• Low energy consumption.

Efficient use of the heating system: Practical Guide

Follow these tips to make sure you don’t pay higher gas and electricity bills than you need to:

• Always close the room doors;
• Do not cover radiators;
• Install reflective panels behind radiators to direct heat into the room. In this way you can save up to 2-3% of the total energy consumption of the home;
• Thermally insulate your home;
• Use smart thermostats that can be set so that the home is not heated during certain time intervals or days, when no one is at home;
• Periodically check the heating system.

Keep in mind these useful tips to make your home the perfect place to relax, at optimal administrative costs.

If we take thermal efficiency and costs into account, underfloor heating can be the best solution for those who want increased comfort in their homes. However, because not many know the advantages of this way of heating, all kinds of myths have appeared around this subject, some of which are far from the truth.

These are the most well-known myths regarding underfloor heating:

1. Underfloor heating is more expensive than radiator heating.

Although the price of installing an underfloor heating system is about 30% higher than traditional radiators, the investment pays for itself in a relatively short time. Considering that an underfloor heating system is more thermally efficient and easier to maintain, it is impossible for the monthly bills to be higher compared to a classic heating system.

2. A house with underfloor heating never heats up.

It is true that an underfloor heating system does not produce as much heat as radiators, but it certainly creates a pleasant ambient environment. The system distributes the heat evenly over the entire surface of the floor, so the room temperature can even reach 25 ℃.

3. Technically speaking, underfloor heating is an electric heating system.

The floor system runs on electricity, but the hydraulic system runs on hot water and central heating. There is also the option to connect the underfloor heating system to a heat pump. Heat pumps require little or no electricity as they rely mainly on renewable energy. As underfloor heating operates at a fairly low constant temperature, the option of adding a heat pump to your underfloor heating system is an ideal option.

4. Underfloor heating systems take more time to warm up the living space, so the temperature remains not constant.

While electric underfloor heating operates almost as quickly as a radiator, the hydraulic system works a bit slower. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure low temperatures.

It is essential to understand how to configure the system to best fit your lifestyle and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. For example, if you have a hydraulic system, you can adjust the settings to ensure that the room temperature decreases by a maximum of 3 ℃ during the night.

5. Underfloor heating is unhealthy.

Underfloor heating prevents the circulation of dust particles that can lead to allergies or illnesses. Homeowners can also benefit from better humidity and a healthier environment, free of mites and mold, which is especially helpful for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Therefore, underfloor heating not only does not harm health but is even recommended for sensitive individuals.

With the help of solar panels installed on your house’s roof, you can save a significant amount of money every month. They capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for all the consumers in your home.

But you might be surprised to learn that not only your home can benefit from the electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. You can also save money and protect the environment by using solar panels outside the house.

Discover 9 other ways you can use solar energy outside the house:

1. Mobile Phones

There are phone cases available on the market with a small photovoltaic panel installed on the back. When this panel is directed towards the sun, it can generate electricity and charge your phone. This type of case is ideal for those who spend a lot of time on the go or outdoors.

2. Navigation Systems

It may be hard to believe, but there are already electric boats and yachts fully powered by solar energy. They do not need any fuel or oil because the photovoltaic panels they are equipped with power both the engine and onboard devices, including the navigation system. We can say that the industry is rapidly developing, and there are already 100% electric yachts and ships capable of covering considerable distances.

3. Camping Equipment and Accessories

To use certain electric equipment and accessories for camping, you usually need to rely on the vehicle’s power supply while traveling. However, there are plenty of eco-friendly camping items available, such as tents, charging stations, cooking stoves, and heating systems.

4. Lanterns

You can say goodbye to expensive and polluting batteries for your lantern. There are already many lanterns that can store solar energy during the day to be used when needed.

5. Portable Chargers

While these chargers with photovoltaic panels may not have the power to operate household appliances, they can charge laptops, cameras, or tablets. Many of these chargers can be attached to other accessories (bag, backpack, purse) to capture as much solar energy as possible when you are outdoors.

6. Public Transportation

More and more cities around the world, including Romania, have electric public transportation (trains, subways, buses, trams), either partially or entirely.

7. Public Lighting System

Cities, commercial spaces, and residential areas can also benefit from solar energy. All that is needed is a small photovoltaic panel installed for each lighting post.

8. Traffic Signs and Billboards

Any traffic sign or advertising billboard that uses intermittent or background lighting can be powered by solar energy. This would reduce costs and the carbon footprint on the environment.

9. Pool Heating

Photovoltaic panels can be easily installed on the pool’s cover to heat the water. This way, you can enjoy your pool during the summer months without worrying about the costs associated with a traditional water heating system.

The number of Romanians who own a caravan or choose to spend their holidays on four wheels is increasing from one year to the next. Certainly the pandemic we went through influenced this trend, during which the caravan represented an excellent alternative to spend a relaxing holiday in the middle of nature, at the sea or in the mountains.

If you own one or more campers or are thinking of buying one, you’ve probably wondered if a solar panel system would be a good investment to cover your electrical needs while on vacation or hiking.

In this article we will show you how to calculate the number of solar panels for a caravan, but also what other components you need

How do solar panels produce energy for a caravan?

Solar panels for caravans function like any other photovoltaic panels, consisting of silicon solar cells. Silicon is an excellent semiconductor of electricity while maintaining an electric imbalance, necessary to create an electric field.

How many solar panels are needed for a caravan?

Just like with solar panels for homes, the number of solar panels, inverter power, and the number of batteries for a caravan depend strictly on the consumption needs.

To answer this question, the simplest way is to make a list of all electrical appliances (consumers) you use when you are on vacation with the caravan, along with their power expressed in watts. By knowing the total power of all consumers, you will determine the capacity needed for the solar panel system. It is not necessarily important to know the exact number of panels required but rather the ratio between the total system power and your consumption needs.

After creating the list of consumers, estimate the approximate number of hours each appliance is used during a typical day. The calculation is straightforward:

Device Power x Number of hours used = Consumption in watts

By calculating the total, you will find out how many watts you consume on an average day and the power that needs to be generated by the solar panel system.

To help you, below is a rough list of the most common consumers in a caravan and their approximate consumption:

Consumer	average consumption
Refrigerator	30-40 W
Laptop	100 W
Electric oven	1300 W
Coffee machine	1100 W
Toaster	600 W
Fan	120 W
12 bulbs	9 W

The best solar panels for a caravan

Monocrystalline panels are the most recommended, not just for homes but also for caravans, due to their efficiency, especially considering the limited installation space available in this case.

You might have heard of the existence of flexible panels (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) that are thinner than traditional panels and can bend up to 30 degrees. However, traditional panels are still more efficient and durable.

Other necessary components

In addition to solar panels, you will also need the following components:

• Solar Controller: Its role is to protect the batteries by controlling the power they receive. Among the two models available on the market, MPPT is recommended over PWM due to its higher efficiency.
• Solar Batteries: They store the energy produced by the solar panels. Lithium batteries are generally more expensive compared to gel batteries, but they are more powerful and have a longer lifespan.
• Solar Inverter: Its role is to convert the direct current produced by the panels into alternating current (220V or 240V), which is then transmitted to the fuse box and distributed to electrical consumers.
• Fuses: They distribute electricity to the appliances and accessories in the caravan, protecting the cables from power surges or other malfunctions.

Surely there has been at least one time when you have wondered whether it is more advantageous to invest in an underfloor or radiator heating system. This is especially so if you have built a house or renovated an older one.

Both heating systems have advantages and disadvantages, so it is not at all easy to make the right decision without knowing all the details.

Underfloor Heating Vs. Heating with radiators

The underfloor heating system seemed to be quite complex at the beginning, representing a real challenge even for the most skilled installers. However, now it is much easier, with a wide range of underfloor heating mats or tutorials and informative articles available on the internet, very well explained.

At the moment, there are two types of underfloor heating systems on the market: water-based and electric-based. Choosing one of these systems is entirely up to you, as a consumer, based on your preferences and budget.

If you own an apartment, radiator heating is certainly a more suitable solution. Firstly, you won’t have to change the parquet or tiles, and regardless of your living space style, you will undoubtedly find a model of radiators that matches the ambiance, as the existing models on the market are becoming increasingly diversified.

Advantages of an Underfloor Heating System:

The main advantage of underfloor heating is represented by low maintenance and operating costs. It is true that the investment in such a system is higher compared to radiator heating, but once installed, the investment will be amortized quite quickly and securely.

The second major advantage of underfloor heating systems is that they are more efficient. They heat the living space faster than radiators and maintain an optimal temperature for a longer time. Additionally, the installation does not need to reach a very high temperature to create a pleasant environment, regardless of the living area’s size.

Last but not least, underfloor heating offers you more space that you can use for any purpose you desire. We all know that not every piece of furniture can be placed near radiators, while underfloor heating does not have such restrictions.

Disadvantages of an Underfloor Heating System:

Just like with radiators, underfloor heating also has some disadvantages. One of these is that you cannot install the system by yourself since it requires special tools and the expertise of an installer.

At the same time, underfloor heating is not compatible with every type of parquet or tiles, as some of them do not have extraordinary heat transfer qualities. The most suitable flooring in this regard is marble or tiles.

Lastly, it is not worth investing in an underfloor heating system without properly insulating your house. Of course, insulation is beneficial regardless of the type of heating system, but in the case of underfloor heating, the lack of insulation will be felt more strongly in your pocket.

The choice of an Off-Grid or On-Grid photovoltaic system is made according to the way in which the home is supplied with electricity at the moment.

Off-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

If your home is in an isolated area, not connected to the National Energy System, then you will have to opt for an Off-Grid photovoltaic system (with batteries).

Off-Grid photovoltaic systems are the most complex on the market, containing:

• Photovoltaic panels (or wind turbines);
• Charge controllers (regulators);
• Solar batteries;
• Inverters.

Unlike On-Grid inverters, those for Off-Grid systems have several functions, which allow you to control:

• supplying energy to different consumers in your home;
• photovoltaic panels;
• the use of alternative sources as fuel generators or cogeneration systems.

On-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

If you are connected to the National Energy System, you can choose between 3 types of On-Grid photovoltaic systems:

1. Photovoltaic system that aims to inject all energy production into the national grid (or Full Feed-In System).
2. Complex photovoltaic system, where the priority is the consumption of energy by you, for your home, and the National Energy System acts as a back-up, providing you with additional energy if needed or receiving surplus energy produced by your system.
3. Hybrid photovoltaic system (On-Grid with batteries) that helps you store the surplus energy produced by your panels. In this case, the National Energy System only serves as a back-up in case of overconsumption, charging the batteries when needed or even taking over the surplus energy if the batteries are already fully charged. These types of photovoltaic systems require hybrid inverters with built-in charge controllers.

The performance of an On-Grid photovoltaic system is determined by:

• Efficiency and quality of photovoltaic panels: geographical location, orientation and degree of inclination of the roof, manufacturer;
• Efficiency of inverters: they strictly depend on the manufacturer.

It is important to remember that for the installation of an On-Grid photovoltaic system, you need a Technical Connection Approval (ATR), to connect the panels to the National Energy System.

Solar lamps represent an excellent choice for illuminating your garden from several points of view. Due to their cable-free and accessory-free nature, solar lamps are very easy to install anywhere in your yard.

Continue reading to discover the benefits of solar lamps for the garden.

How Do Solar Lamps Work?

Solar lamps for the garden only light up in the evening, as they capture solar energy during the day. Each lamp has one or two photovoltaic cells on the top, which absorb sunlight and convert it into energy.

Solar energy is stored in a small battery inside each lamp. When the sun sets, a photoresistor activates an LED light, using the energy stored in that battery.

How Long Do Solar Garden Lamps Illuminate?

For maximum charging, the battery of a solar lamp needs at least 8 hours of exposure to sunlight on a sunny day. Thus, the battery can provide light for about 12 to 15 hours.

On cloudy days or during the winter season, it may be challenging for the battery to fully charge, so the lamp may not illuminate for the entire night.

Benefits of Solar Garden Lamps

Solar garden lamps have multiple benefits, with the top 3 advantages being the following:

1. It consumes no electricity at all

As already mentioned, each solar garden lamp has one or two photovoltaic cells built into it that collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is then stored in a small rechargeable battery. Thus, solar garden lights do not need an external power source. All you have to do is make sure they are installed/placed in places with direct access to sunlight.

2. It does not harm the environment

Since solar garden lights do not require power from external sources, they are an environmentally friendly lighting solution for your yard or garden, doing absolutely no harm to the environment

3. Reduced costs

Apart from the initial investment of their purchase, solar garden lights have no other cost. In this way, you can enjoy an illuminated garden or yard, while your electricity bill will not increase.

If you are also considering installing photovoltaic panels for domestic use, below you will find all the documents and permits you need. These do not apply to thermal panels, which can be installed by a plumber or a specialized company.

Urban Planning Certificate

The urban planning certificate can only be requested by the homeowner from the local town hall and is issued within a maximum of 30 days, with a validity between 6 and 24 months from the date of issue (depending on the purpose and complexity of the investment).

To obtain the Urban Planning Certificate, you will need the following documents:

• Standard Request;
• Ownership documents, cadastre, land book extracts;
• Copies of the sales-purchase contract, inheritance act, and land registration certificate;
• Copy of ID card/identification document;
• Proof of payment for the issuance of the urban planning certificate. The fee is calculated based on the land area: 5 Lei for an area up to 150 square meters, up to 14 Lei for areas of 1000 square meters.
• Cadastral plan at scales 1:500 and 1:2000, and topographic location plans (2 copies each) issued by the Land Registry and Cadastre Office;
• Plan of the current situation and the proposal for the photovoltaic system;
• Brief memorandum summarizing the purpose of the request.

Environmental Agreement and Environmental Approval

Both documents are issued by the National Environmental Protection Agency/Agenția Națională pentru Protecția Mediului (NEPA/ANPM), the Central Public Authority for Environmental Protection, or the Territorial Public Authority for Environmental Protection, within 30 days.

To obtain the Environmental Agreement (fee of 4000 lei, without VAT), you will need:

• The application for obtaining the Environmental Agreement;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Site Plan attached to the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Zoning Plan;
• Proof of payment for the initial evaluation of the request.

To issue the Environmental Notice (fee of 1000 lei, excluding VAT) you will need:

• Notification;
• Draft Plan;
• Proof of publication of the Notice and the Draft Plan in the Mass Media.

Approval from the State Inspectorate in Construction (ISC)

The fee for the Approval from the State Inspectorate in Construction is paid subsequently, with a value of 0.25% of the investment value, and it is issued within 30 days. The documents required for its issuance are:

• Application for requesting the approval;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Architectural Technical Memorandum;
• Zoning Compliance Plan;
• Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• DTAC Project (2 copies);
• Copy of the owner’s Identity Card;
• Proof of property ownership/lease.

Sanitary Permit

Issued within 15 days, the Sanitation Permit is issued by the local sanitation company, based on the following documents:

• Copy of the owner’s Identity Card;
• Copy of the property/rental deed;
• Copy of the proof of payment of the fee, which differs depending on the company that provides the sanitation services

ISU Approval

The ISU opinion is issued by the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, within 30 days. The required documents are:

• Standard Application Form in two copies;
• Two copies of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Technical documentation at the design phase for the Building Permit;
• Report issued by the person who verified the project for fire safety;
• Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Two copies of the inventory with the list of submitted documents.

The Telephone Connection Approval

The Telephone Connection Approval is issued by the telecommunications provider, against a fee that can vary between 3 and 9 Euros, within 15 days, based on the following documents:

• Standard Application Form;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Two copies of the Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Zoning Plan

Energy Supplier Site Approval

The Site Approval is issued by the electricity distribution operator, subject to a fee of 55 Lei (excluding VAT), within 15 days. The required documents are:

• Standard application form;
• Copy of the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Copy of the Zoning Plan, endorsed by the issuing authority and attached to the Urban Planning Certificate;
• Site Plan;
• Coexistence Study to determine the level of compatibility with the power grid;
• Proof of payment of the fee.

Technical Connection Approval

The Technical Connection Approval is issued by the distribution operator within 30 days, against a fee of 42 lei (excluding VAT).

You will need the following documents:

• Standard Application Form;
• Free Mandate;
• Copy of the Site Location Approval / single agreement;
• Solution Study for connection to the electricity network (if elaborated);
• Technical and energy data of the consumption site;
• Copy of the Urbanism Certificate;
• Copy of the Site Plan, scale 1:500 or 1:2000;
• Copy of the zonal urban plan;
• Building Permit for the objective;
• Copy of the identity document;
• Copy of the property deed;

Building Permit

The fee for obtaining the Building Permit is 0.5% (individuals) and 1% (legal entities) of the investment value. It is issued by the local town hall within 30 days and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

The required documents are as follows:

• Standard Application Form;
• Certified copy of the property deed;
• Self-declaration stating that there are no disputes regarding the property;
• Copy of the urban planning certificate;
• Copy of the updated cadastral plan extract;
• Copy of the updated land book extract;
• Approvals and agreements specified in the urban planning certificate;
• Technical documentation for obtaining the Building Permit;
• Contract with a waste disposal company for the transport of construction waste;
• Proof of payment for the fee.

The following two documents are only required if you wish to become a prosumer (injecting surplus energy produced by you into the centralized energy system).

Electricity production license and accreditation

Issued within 60 days and 30 days respectively, both documents are issued by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE).

Connection Certificate

The Connection Certificate is issued free of charge, within 30 days, issued by the electricity distribution operator

Wind is caused by 3 factors: uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, irregularities on the earth’s surface, and the sun’s rotation. That is why wind is considered a form of solar energy.

Air currents change depending on the landforms, water bodies and existing vegetation. Captured by wind turbines, these air currents can generate electricity.

Wind farms

According to the latest statistics, the number of wind farms, on land or on water, increases annually by more than 35%.

Wind farms are a reliable source of renewable energy that does not require the consumption of natural resources and does not pollute the environment. Wind turbines are installed at an average height of 30 meters where the wind is stronger so that they can capture more wind energy.

On average, a minimum wind speed of 4-5 m/s (14-18 km/h) is needed for wind turbines to operate, while maximum power is produced at a wind speed of 15 m /s (54 km/h). If the wind speed exceeds 25 m/s (90 km/h), the wind turbines cannot operate and are stopped. Therefore, a wind turbine produces electricity 70-85% of the time.

Water wind farms are installed at depths of 100-200 m, anchored to the seabed, their wind turbines being floating.

The advantages of Wind Energy

1. Air currents are an inexhaustible source of energy.
2. Wind energy contributes to the national security of the producing state, reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
3. Wind farms can represent an additional income for traditional farm owners. Agricultural land can be leased for the installation of these parks, the main agricultural activity not being affected.
4. As already mentioned, solar energy does not pollute the environment and does not produce toxic gases.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy

1. Wind turbines pose a danger to wildlife. Birds can be hit or even killed if they get close to them.
2. Since the efficiency of turbines depends on the strength of the wind, wind energy can only be captured in areas with sufficiently strong winds throughout the year.
3. The noise produced by windmills can be disturbing to nearby residential areas.
4. In order to be installed, wind farms require extensive areas.

Romanians are more and more careful when it comes to monthly expenses, especially household expenses, the electricity bill being one of them.

We all want to pay as little as possible for the electricity used in the previous month, and sometimes we make drastic decisions that don’t always bring the desired result. That’s because we don’t know exactly who are the big consumers of electricity in our house.

Following a market study, which meant calculating the household energy consumption of over 100 Romanians, we discovered who are the 5 biggest consumers of electricity in almost every home.

You too can reduce your electricity consumption if you watch how much you use these 5 big consumers. Also, if you are thinking of investing in a photovoltaic panel system, it will help you a lot to know these 5 consumers in order to correctly choose the type of panels, but also their number.

1. Home Heating System

Heating systems (radiators, electric convectors, air heaters) consume approximately 31% of the total electricity consumption in a home.

One of the common causes of high energy consumption is heat loss, usually caused by:

• Lack of insulation or superficial insulation;
• Improperly fixed windows showing cracks or gaps.

2. Boiler

Boilers or other water heating systems consume up to 13% of the total energy required for a home.

Of course, the first and simplest advice we can give you would be to try to reduce the consumption of hot water, or at least the frequency, throughout the day.

Another effective solution is to install a boiler without a storage tank. It heats water only when needed, instead of continuously accumulating a reserve of water to heat.

The most sustainable solution in this regard, however, is an investment in a thermal panel system.

3. Home Cooling System

A cooling system consumes about 10% of the total electricity consumption, especially during the summer.

As with heating systems, poor home insulation leads to cold air loss. In addition to revising the insulation, we also recommend purchasing a more modern and efficient air cooling system.

4. The refrigerator

Being in operation all the time, refrigerators consume up to 4% of the total electricity used in a home.

If you haven’t done it yet, we recommend purchasing a refrigerator with a higher energy class: A, A+, A++ or A+++. In addition to lower energy consumption, such a refrigerator will also allow you to set an optimal temperature between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius.

5. The TV

Televisions, together with other entertainment gadgets (laptop, PC, smartphone) are on the 5th place in the list of the biggest consumers of electricity.

To reduce the energy consumption of these appliances always make sure to turn them off when not in use. Attention, in stand-by mode, the device continues to consume electricity!

Conclusion

Now you know who are the biggest consumers of electricity in your home. Analyze each one separately and keep in mind the tips mentioned above!

The energy sent by the sun to our planet is divided into two categories: light and heat.

While photovoltaic panels facilitate the transformation of light into electrical energy, solar thermal panels use the heat from the sun to produce domestic hot water or for heating purposes.

The electrical energy produced by photovoltaic panels can be used for self-consumption, and the surplus can be used in two ways:

• Stored in accumulators;
• Injected into the network to be used where needed.

How much energy do we get from the sun?

To realize the importance of this energy source, remember the following two aspects:

1. The energy that reaches a roof in a 14-day interval could power a home for a year.
2. Every hour, enough energy arrives on Earth to ensure the consumption of the entire planet for a year.

Currently, only a portion of this solar energy can be converted into electrical energy. However, over time, we will undoubtedly use an increasingly larger portion of this solar energy, producing energy at much lower costs compared to conventional energy and storing it with ease.

Electricity Production: The negative impact on the environment

Currently, electrical energy comes from various sources. The main advantages of renewable energy, compared to energy produced from fossil fuels, finite resources, or other highly polluting sources, are its availability and reduced environmental impact.

In 2017, solar energy accounted for only 2.55% of Romania’s national energy mix. However, the potential is enormous, considering that half of the total 7.5 million households across the country are suitable for installing photovoltaic systems.

In the same year mentioned above, CO2 emissions generated by energy production reached a historical peak of 32.5 gigatons, with energy being the primary global pollutant.

By 2030, the European Union aims to reduce CO2 emissions by around 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in total consumption to 32% (from 20% in 2020).

Impact of Using Photovoltaic Panels:

DURATION	365 days
INSTALLED POWER	3 kW (12 panels)
ENERGY PRODUCED	3.720 kWh/ year
CO2 REDUCTION	2,79 tCO2/ year
EQUIVALENT TREES PLANTED	14/ year

Recovery of Investment in Photovoltaic Panels

Due to their increasingly widespread use, the price of photovoltaic systems has steadily decreased in recent years. Today we meet photovoltaic cells everywhere:

• Garden lighting systems;
• External batteries for mobile phones;
• Boats;
• Trains;
• Airplanes.

Photovoltaic panels are becoming more and more affordable. The high rate of their promotion, the increasingly extensive research in the field and the fact that most states have or are planning subsidy policies for these systems are some of the factors that contribute to easy access to this technology.

In general, the investment in a photovoltaic panel system is recouped in about 7 years through lower electricity bills and increased property value. Also, the lifespan of the panels is at least 25 years.

Considering that more and more Romanians are interested in purchasing electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, this article will provide detailed information about an electric charging station.

There are still many misconceptions among the population regarding electric cars, including how and where they can be charged.

What is the difference between an electric car and a plug-in hybrid car?

Before discussing charging stations, it is crucial to understand the difference between an electric car and a plug-in hybrid car.

While an electric vehicle is powered 100% by an electric motor, a plug-in hybrid vehicle has two motors: one electric and one conventional gasoline-powered.

The electric motor can be recharged from an external source or while driving, through a generator that takes energy from the conventional engine.

Electric Charging Stations

Electric charging stations usually have between 2 and 5 charging points. You can find them in the parking lots of large shopping centers, such as Dedeman, Ikea, malls, Lidl, Kaufland, and others.

Like any market, the number of these charging stations will increase in the future based on the number of users. The more electric and plug-in hybrid car owners there are, the greater the number of stations will be.

On average, electric car owners travel around 30 km daily in Europe. As a result, they can charge their cars at home without the need to use other stations throughout the day. These stations are generally required for longer distances of 300+ km.

Charging Time for an Electric Car

The charging time for an electric car depends on two factors: the power of the charging station (kW) and the battery’s capacity to store this energy.

In general, charging stations fall into 4 types:

1. Slow Charging stations have a power of approximately 3 kW. On average, a full charge at such a station from 0 can take up to 8 hours.
2. Fast Charging stations have a power between 7-22 kW and are the most common. A full charge takes about 3-4 hours.
3. Rapid Charging stations have a power of 43-50 kW, and not all cars are compatible with them. Such a station can charge a battery from 0 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. It should be noted that this type of stations is rarely found in Romania.
4. Ultra-rapid charging stations are relatively rare at the European level, with a power of 100-350 kW.

When purchasing an electric car it is very important to look at the capacity of the battery. For example, only high-end electric cars are compatible for Rapid Charging stations, such as the Tesla Model S or the Kia Soul EV.

Use of charging stations. Etiquette rules.

There are some common sense rules when using a shared charging station:

• Be sure to release the station if the battery has charged. Other drivers may also need it.
• An unwritten rule says that a plug-in hybrid car driver should give priority to an electric car driver. This is because the plug-in hybrid car can be powered by the classic (thermal) engine in case of emergency.
• Never disconnect someone else’s car from the station.

We hear and read about electric vehicles every day, which is normal, as it is the latest global trend in the automotive industry. Most manufacturers are developing future strategies to commit to producing only such “green” cars, but this is likely to happen after 2035.

Until a few years ago, the range of electric vehicles was the main reason why most buyers avoided them. However, zero-emission vehicles are gaining popularity over traditional combustion engine cars precisely because major manufacturers have found innovative solutions that provide a greater range.

Top 5 electric cars according to range

How comfortable are you when it comes to the range of an electric vehicle? 200, 300, 400 kilometers? Technology has advanced, and electric vehicles now offer increasingly better range. There are many such cars available in Romania.

Below, we will show you the top 5 electric cars on the market with the longest range.

Mercedes EQS 450+

Range: 785 km

Power: 385 kW (523 HP)

Consumption: 19.8 – 15.6 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 31 minutes

Price: starting from €113,000

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles have one, while 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions have two propulsion systems. The high-voltage battery is located between the front and rear axles on the vehicle floor.

The Mercedes EQS models are the first to benefit from the newly developed EVA2 platform structure. The electric powertrain eATS consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a two-speed transmission, and the electronic power system. Depending on the power stage, one of the eATS operates on the rear or front axle.

The battery is situated in a secure area on the car’s body floor, between the front and rear axles.

Mercedes EQS 580 4matic

Range: 676 km

Power: 385 kW (523 HP)

Consumption: 18.4 – 21.1 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 32 minutes

Price: starting from €140,000

The technology of the EQS 580 4matic model is similar to that of the EQS 450+. One of the differences between the two models worth mentioning is that the EQS 580 4matic has all-wheel drive.

Tesla Model S

Range: 652 km

Power: 500 kW (670 HP)

Consumption: 18.1 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 30 minutes

Price: starting from €97,000

The Model S features the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive technology, which provides greater range compared to any other Tesla vehicle. This technology combines the performance of the drivetrain and battery for unmatched range and efficiency.

BMW iX xDrive 50

Range: 598 km

Power: 385 kW (520 HP)

Consumption: 19.8 – 23 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 37 minutes

Price: starting from €98,000

The BMW iX is an electric car with exceptional range and remarkable acceleration from a standstill, thanks to the BMW eDrive technology (pure electric propulsion with all-wheel drive).

Ford Mustang MACH-E

Range: 580 km

Power: 261 kW (351 HP)

Consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km

Recharge time: 35-40 minutes

Price: starting from €52,000

The Mustang MACH-E is the first electric SUV from Ford, equipped with a 351 HP engine, managing to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The battery with a capacity of 98.7 kWh helps the MACH-E run up to 580 km on a single charge and reach a top speed of 180 km/h.

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, both globally and in Romania. Just like solar panels, the main reasons why electric cars are gaining more and more interest are the potential for cost savings and concern for the environment.

That’s why we thought of clarifying some aspects regarding electric cars, which sometimes cause confusion among the public.

What is an electric car?

An electric car is propelled by an electric motor (exclusively or assisted by an internal combustion engine) and is powered in whole or in part by a battery. Some electric cars fall under the category of hybrid vehicles, having some CO2 emissions, but much lower than the classic ones, powered exclusively by internal combustion engines.

Electric car categories:

The main categories of electric cars are:

1. BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
2. EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle)
3. PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
4. HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
5. MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

Cars in this category are powered exclusively by one or more electric motors, powered by a battery.

The battery of an electric car must always be recharged at a specially designed station or at home, at a regular outlet. Recharging a battery varies between 30 minutes and 12 hours, depending on the cable and method.

In Romania, the most popular cars in this category are:

• Renault Zoe 
• Nissan Leaf
• Volkswagen e-Gold

EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle)

Unlike a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), an EREV also has a small power generator that assists the motor in covering a longer distance.

This small generator is a very small internal combustion engine (500-600cc) that provides additional energy to charge the electric batteries. As a result, CO2 emissions only occur when this small generator operates, but not when the electric motor runs on its own energy.

The best example of an EREV car is the BMW i3.

PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

PHEVs are propelled by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor’s battery can be charged separately, as well as with the help of the internal combustion engine. Specifically, part of the energy is used directly by the engine, and the surplus energy is stored in batteries. As a result, the internal combustion engine operates at optimal speeds, resulting in lower fuel consumption.

The most popular PHEV cars in Romania are:

• Mutsubishi Otlander PHEV
• Peugeot 508
• Toyota RAV 4 PHEV 

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

In the case of HEV cars, the electric motor works simultaneously with the thermal engine (internal combustion), reducing fuel consumption. The most popular HEV cars are:

• Toyota CH-R 
• Toyota Prius

MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

An MHEV car is based on a classic internal combustion engine, but also uses a small electric thruster as a mechanism to conserve energy when braking, cruising or starting from a standstill. This electric motor is not powerful enough to move the vehicle by itself, but it assists the thermal engine in the conditions mentioned above. The results are lower fuel consumption, but also the reduction of polluting emissions.

In one of the previous articles we talked about solar panels for hot water (non-pressurized solar panels). So, today we are going to discuss about pressurized solar panels.

In order not to create confusion, we remind you that solar panels are divided into two large categories:

• Photovoltaic panels;
• Thermal panels: pressurized and non-pressurized;

Before introducing you to the features of pressurized panels, we will also talk about the advantages of thermal panels in general.

Advantages of Solar Thermal Panels

For those of you who are thinking about an economical solution to heat domestic water, solar thermal panels (both pressurized and non-pressurized) have three great advantages:

1. The investment in a thermal solar panel pays for itself very quickly. Apart from the purchase and installation costs, the system has no additional costs, using entirely solar energy.
2. Thermal solar panels have a very long lifespan: 20-25 years. Even though the purchase and installation price may seem high, these panels are a convenient, long-lasting investment.
3. Considering that solar thermal panels use entirely solar energy, their degree of pollution is equal to 0. Thus, you will also contribute to protecting the environment.

Pressurized Solar Panels

Both types of thermal panels, both pressurized and non-pressurized, are used to heat domestic water. The main differences between them are the way of manufacture and the specifications related to mounting.

How do pressurized solar panels work?

The Heat Pipe technology is the basis for pressurized solar panels. Similar to non-pressurized panels, the tubes of pressurized panels are made of two layers of glass with a vacuum between them.

In non-pressurized panels, we already know that water is heated inside the tubes and then rises to the storage tank following the thermosiphon principle. In contrast, pressurized panels rely on the exchange of energy between the collector and the water in the tank. The vacuum tubes absorb solar energy (heat) and transfer it to the water in the tank through a Heat Pipe made of copper. Consequently, the water is constantly heated and supplied to the household under pressure.

Installation of pressurized solar panels

Since the water is not heated directly in the glass tubes of the panels, pressurized systems can be used throughout the year. The only element that should not be forgotten during their installation is the thermal conductive paste. This prevents the erosion of the Heat Pipe or reduces the transfer of heat to the tank.

Once the panel is installed and the system is powered, the water will reach a temperature of 40℃ in approximately 8 hours, depending on the intensity of sunlight.

Advantages of pressurized solar panels:

IMPORTANT!!! Unlike non-pressurized panels (which cannot be used in winter), the main advantage of pressurized panels is that they can be used throughout the year without any exceptions.

Additionally, as already mentioned, these panels have a very long lifespan, and the investment can be recovered within 3-4 years from the installation date.

Furthermore, this type of thermal panel does not require special maintenance, except when one of the tubes breaks and needs to be replaced. However, unlike non-pressurized panels, the pressurized system can function without any problem even with a broken tube.

Disadvantages of pressurized solar panels

One of the main disadvantages of these panels is that their installation is more complex compared to non-pressurized ones. Therefore, they require installation by a specialist.

Due to being made of more durable materials and having a more complex operating system, pressurized panels have a slightly higher price compared to non-pressurized ones.