When you think of installing a residential solar system, SOLAR PANEL is the key component of the system to consider first. Before installation, you’ll do a lot of research with the help of professionals who will guide you in the steps toward your Solar Panel Efficiency.

Solar panel efficiency generally measures what amount of sunlight hitting the panel is converted into electricity for use in the domestic or commercial usages, and all photovoltaic (PV) modules have their measurements in their labels. The solar panel efficiency is determined by three important factors such as the total panel size, cell layout, and panel design and based on the number and type of cells used, the busbar design, and the interconnection of the cells. Even the color of the solar panel protective back sheet can affect efficiency, for example, a black back sheet of the panel absorbs more heat, which reduces cell efficiency.

                                                            (Image Source: News.energysage.com)

The selection of the panels with the highest efficiency is crucial, and in the meantime, it would mean fewer modules and more power for your home. Let us first discuss the solar panel – what is it and what this made of are.

What is Solar Panel?

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic solar cells that convert sunlight to electricity – the more light that hits the solar cells, the more solar energy is produced. The solar cell also part of the solar panel system, converts sunlight into direct current (DC), and an inverter, then converts the DC into alternating current (AC), and in this way, your household appliances run off of the power you use.

The energy runs through your electrical panel box, like it obtained from the grid. Therefore, most residential solar home system owners remain connected to the grid when there is not enough energy (on cloudy days and at night) converted through the solar panels to power the house. And the benefit is consumers can enjoy uninterrupted power and only pay for the amount they use off of the grid.

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency refers to the sunlight’s quantity hitting the solar panels successfully gets converted to DC power. If you’re thinking at least half of the sunlight does heat solar panels are needed to use to power your home, which means your estimates are a little out of reach.

The actual range of efficiency is dependent on the types of solar panels you have installed, and other climate conditions can range anywhere from 5% to 24%. The highest efficiency of solar panels captures about 24% of the sun’s energy and converts it into DC power. However, as time hikes on, the efficiency of the panel will likely increase as well.  

How is Efficiency of Panel Measured?

Solar panel efficiency is measured under Standard Test Conditions (STC) in a lab. This particular test involves throwing 1,000 watts of irradiance (light) per square feet on the panel at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Comprehending this, all manufacturers of the solar panels for home must develop the solar power systems that surpass their advertised wattage under STC.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panel output falls by an average of about 0.8% annually that means, after 1 year, your solar panel will produce 99.2% of the energy it did when it was new, and it will produce 92% of the energy after 10 years it did when it was new.

But, the efficiency of the solar panels you get varies in real-world conditions that rarely fall into these perfect scenarios. And, external factors such as location, time of year, shading, orientation, dirt, and cell temperature influence how much power is derived from the solar panels.

Do Consider Onsite for Solar Efficiency

Solar Efficiency, which is marked on the Solar Panels might not match with that of the onsite location. There are a lot of onsite factors that contribute to the Solar Panel efficiency, and some of them include:

• Irradiance and Shading
• Location/Orientation
• Time and day of solar irradiance
• Heat

Last but not the least, the top factors that affect the amount of power your system generally produces are dependent on the following things:

• The panels ranked solar power output
• Solar panel efficiency (based on solar panel types)
• Temperature sensitivity of your residential solar system
• Degree of shading your solar panels will see
• The climate (high sun vs. low sun) you live in
• The time of year (winter – shorter days vs. summer – longer days)
• Angle/type of installation (roof vs. ground) of the solar panels

Final Say

We hope this article has taught you the importance of Solar Panel Efficiency. SolarClue is committed to providing high-quality yet best Solar Panels with maximum efficiency on several renowned brands and at affordable prices. This provides supreme benefit to you as a solar user. If you are interested in buying the portable solar panels for your building, please contact us on – 7829889111