Photovoltaics for Dummies: Complete Guide 2026

Would you like to switch to solar energy but find the technical terms confusing? This guide demystifies photovoltaics and takes you step by step through your energy self-consumption project.What is photovoltaics? The basics you need to knowPhotovoltaics refers to the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells integrated into solar panels. This physical phenomenon, known as the "photovoltaic effect", was discovered in 1839 by French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel.How does a solar panel work?A solar panel consists of several dozen photovoltaic cells, usually made of crystalline silicon. When photons from sunlight strike these cells, they release electrons, creating a direct current (DC). This current is then converted into alternating current (AC) compatible with the domestic electricity grid by means of an inverter."A 450 Wp panel produces an average of 450-550 kWh per year in Belgium, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of a modern refrigerator."The different types of photovoltaic panelsType de panneauTechnologieRendementPrix TTC WattuneedAvantagesUsage recommandéMonocristallin PERCPERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell)19-21%84,70€/panneau 400Wc(Longi Hi-MO 5m)Excellent rapport qualité-prix, technologie éprouvée, fiabilitéRésidentiel, toitures standardsMonocristallin N-Type TOPConTunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, Bifacial22-22,5%84,95€/panneau 450Wc(Leapton N-Type)Très haute performance, production recto-verso (+5-25%), faible dégradationRésidentiel haut de gamme, commercialN-Type ABCAll Back Contact (contacts arrière)23,1%108,35€/panneau 460Wc(AIKO Neostar 2S)Rendement record, optimisation ombrage, zéro PID/LID, esthétique Full BlackEspaces limités, toitures ombragées, haut de gammeAmorpheSilicium amorphe en couche mince6-10%Non disponible chez Wattuneed(technologie obsolète)fonctionne en faible lumièreCamping-cars, bateaux, applications mobilesPolycristallinSilicium polycristallin15-18%70-90€/panneau(marché général)Prix économique, technologie matureBudgets serrés, grandes surfaces disponiblesImportant note: Wattuneed focuses on high-efficiency technologies (TOPCon, ABC) offering the best performance/price ratio. Amorphous panels, although flexible, have too low an efficiency (6-10%) and are no longer recommended in 2026 in view of modern flexible monocrystalline alternatives.🏆 Wattuneed 2026 recommendation:Best value for money: Leapton N-Type TOPCon 450Wp at £74.95 (efficiency 22.52%)Maximum performance: AIKO N-Type ABC 460Wp at £95.35 (record efficiency 23.1%)Detailed comparison of technologies available at WattuneedCritèrePERC (Longi 400W)TOPCon (Leapton 450W)ABC (AIKO 460W)Prix72,60€ ⭐84,95€ ⭐⭐108,35€Rendement20,5%22,52% ⭐⭐23,1% ⭐⭐⭐Production annuelle400-480 kWh450-550 kWh460-560 kWhGarantie performance25 ans30 ans ⭐⭐30 ans (85%) ⭐⭐⭐Dégradation annuelle~0,55%~0,45% ⭐⭐