It is estimated that every second private household has a garden. That total of more than 16 million gardens, including a million allotments. Most of these gardens are no further than five kilometers from their homes.

Solar generators are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners to generate electricity. In addition to the classic roof systems, the providers of solar systems also offer open space systems for gardens and summer houses.

These plants can use the large space often available in gardens to generate a significant amount of electricity.

As more Americans look for ways to save money on their energy bills, ground mounted solar panels are likely to become even more popular in the coming years.

What are the advantages of a photovoltaic system in the garden?

Renewable energy source

Solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy sources for garden power. Unlike hydroelectric and wind energy, the electricity generated by a photovoltaic system is silent and does not disturb the surroundings.

Small solar panels are typically installed on the roof of a house or other building and use solar radiation to generate electricity. The electricity can then be used to power lights, appliances, and other devices in the home.

Inexpensive alternative

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is growing in popularity as the cost of traditional forms of energy continues to rise.

A mini solar power system is the easiest and most affordable way to harness this abundant energy source.

Unlike grid-tied solar power systems, mini off grid solar systems can be installed without costly and time-consuming permits. They are also much easier to maintain as they do not require regular cleaning and maintenance.

In addition, mini solar systems are completely portable, making them ideal for use in remote areas or as a backup power source in an emergency.

Best of all, they have no running costs once installed, making them an extremely economical option for powering garden lights or other small devices.

Easy maintenance & cleaning

A photovoltaic system is a great way to generate renewable energy, and it requires very little maintenance. Over 20 years, the system will largely clean itself.

However, it is important to regularly remove bird droppings or other debris as they can prevent the system from operating properly.

Fortunately, garden shed roofs are more accessible than house roofs, making cleaning less dangerous.

It is recommended to clean the system once a year in spring. This ensures that the system delivers optimal results during the sunny summer months.

Where can I install a garden PV system?

Summer house roof

Rooftops are generally well suited for solar systems because they are generally not used and are rarely shaded by other buildings, trees, or shrubs. In addition, the solar system on the roof of a garden house does not visually affect the garden.

In addition to the right location, the angle of inclination of the photovoltaic system also greatly impacts efficiency. Solar modules set up horizontally or vertically have a much lower efficiency than those optimally aligned to the sun's position.

When choosing the location for your solar panel, it is important to consider the angle of the roof and the sun's position. This way, you can ensure that your solar panel is placed in an optimal location for efficient use of sunlight.

Patio & lawn

Solar panels are typically associated with rooftop installations but can also be placed on other areas of your property, such as a patio on the lawn or terrace.

This can be a great way to use space, but there are some downsides to consider as well.

First, installing solar panels on the ground partially seals the area, making your garden more difficult to maintain. Additionally, the panels can become a nuisance when mowing if you have a lawn.

Finally, many people feel that solar panels are not aesthetically pleasing.

Ultimately, deciding whether to install solar panels on your lawn or patio depends on your circumstances.

Terrace roof

There are different types of solar panels on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

One type of solar panel, called the blue-black solar panel, is particularly effective at generating electricity. However, these panels are also opaque, which darkens the area under the patio cover.

This can be an advantage if the terrace is in a sunny area since the electricity yield is higher and shading is not necessary.

However, it is important to note that these types of solar panels can also make the area under the canopy significantly hotter, so it is important to consider this when deciding.

Another type of solar panel, called a glass-glass solar panel, is less effective at generating electricity but lets light through. This can be an advantage if the patio is in a shady area, as the area under the canopy doesn't get much darker.

Clear solar panels are also less likely to overheat the area under the canopy, making them a safer option for some people.

Ultimately, deciding what type of solar panel to install on a patio roof depends on various factors and should be made based on carefully evaluating all options.

What size is needed for a solar garden system?

How much electricity your solar system has to generate in the garden depends on your specific electricity requirements. A small system with 12-volt modules and an output of 75 watts is usually sufficient, to operate the lighting of garden sheds and radios.

Pond pumps can also be operated well with such small systems. Such systems usually cost less than 100 dollars.

If you need more power, the system needs to be sized accordingly, which means it gets more expensive. For example, a 12-volt system with an output of 200 watts, which includes the controller, the 12v lithium ion battery, and the necessary wiring, costs around 1,000 dollars. However, it is important to note that solar system prices generally steadily fall.

Conclusion: Does a photovoltaic system make sense for the garden?

Installing a PV system in your garden can have many advantages. First of all, it can help generate electricity in a green and sustainable way. The system can also help save money on your electricity bill if properly sized.

And even if the system does not pay off immediately, it is still a satisfying experience to know that you are generating your electricity in a resource-saving way. So if you're considering installing a photovoltaic system, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's the right decision.