Solar Panels Efficiency
The use of solar has been on a steady rise for the last two decades. In 2023, solar power will be the third largest renewable energy source after wind and hydropower. As it stands, solar contributes to approximately 3.1% of the world's power needs. Following all this, solar power is a worthwhile investment for any property owner.
Besides reducing the energy bills at the end of every month, you also get to help Mother Earth reduce the strain on fossil fuels. While all this is true, people still wonder how much energy solar panels produce. This article delves deeper into the factors that affect solar power production and how you can optimize the processes. Read on!
How is Solar Panel Power Production Measured?
Various aspects come into play during the measurement of the production. You will have to measure the digital multimeter to measure the amperes and voltage generated by a solar panel under various light conditions. For this, you must know the exact photovoltaic panel in question.
The solar panels are sized in kW (kilowatts), and the production is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours). In simple terms, kW sizing refers to the amount of energy the solar panels can produce in one hour of direct sunlight under the perfect conditions. For instance, if you had 10 400-watt DC solar panels, you would be working with a 4 kW system.
If you live in a location that experiences six hours of sunlight every day and your solar panels produce 250 watts each, you need to multiply the number of hours (600) by the watts per panel (250) to get the wattage in total. This is because most residential solar panel systems are rated to produce between 250 and 400 watts per hour.
How to Check if Solar Panels Are Working Efficiently
• Check the Weather: Considering that solar panels need the sun to function, you may experience lesser power output on cloudy and rainy days than on sunny and clear days.
• Inspect Your Inverter: Given the importance of the inverter, it is responsible for the solar panel efficiency or underperformance. In short, it is the brain of the solar system, and if it is not functioning optimally, then there is a problem.
• Examine Your Electric Bill: Most people use solar panels in conjunction with electricity. Solar panels are supposed to reduce your power bill significantly. If your power bill is still the same or has increased even with the solar panels, you must re-evaluate it.
• Have a Professional Check from Time to Time: The only way you can know whether or not the system is optimally functioning is by having it professionally checked.
Which Factors Affect Solar Panel Power?
While solar panels are made to produce between 250 and 400 watts per hour, the precise production is determined by different conditions. Here are three major factors affecting solar panel power.
Sunlight Exposure
Solar panels need exposure to generate electricity. As mentioned earlier, they work best in direct sunlight. Nevertheless, they can also work on cloudy days and in partial shade. This is because they are PV (photovoltaic) solar panels that require light particles to generate power.
The best thing is that these light particles (photons) are in direct and indirect sunlight. For instance, an area that experiences 10 hours of sunlight will have the solar panels tap in more power than it would in an area that experiences 2 hours of sunlight.
Solar Battery and Inverter Efficiency
The inverter's efficiency is crucial in the production as it determines the solar panel efficiency of the entire solar panel system. Inverters convert the DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current). The DC is produced by the panels, while the AC is what the electric grid uses.
On the other hand, the solar battery you choose will determine how much energy you store. With a good battery, you can store adequate power on gloomy and rainy days or even after the sun sets. A good-quality battery will be a win for you.
Ambient Temperature
Based on standard test conditions, the solar panel power and energy decrease when the cell temperature exceeds 25 degrees. This is a surprise as most people assume that hotter temperatures generate more energy since the solar panels need solar energy. However, like any electronic equipment, too much heat affects the efficacy. Simply put, the higher the temperature, the lower the energy your solar panels will produce.
Estimated Potential Power Output of Solar Panels
The potential power output depends on many factors, including the type of solar you purchase. On average, you can expect your solar panels to output 250 to 400 watts. This generates around 1.5 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy every day. The best thing about this is that most homes can meet their power needs using 20 solar panels, producing at least six to eight kilowatts.
While the wattage is determined under laboratory conditions, the output differs after the installation. A solar panel may indicate that it produces 250 watts, but it could increase or decrease upon installation. The precise power output depends on the type of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels you use, as well as the ambient temperature and sunshine exposure.
How to Maximize Your Solar Panel Power Generation
• Start by Choosing the Right Solar Panel: Your solar power partner is vital in how the system will serve you. The right one is optimized and will serve you in the long run.
• Have the Solar Panels Professionally Installed: It doesn't stop at the purchase. Ensure that you have the solar panels installed professionally. They will guide you on where to have them exactly to avoid shade and other issues caused by the wrong placement. It all goes to increasing the efficiency of solar panels.
• Clean and Maintain your Solar Panels: Dust is a menace on your panels. It affects how well the sunlight reaches the solar cells. You can constantly spray it and keep it clean. For extensive maintenance, ensure it is done by a professional at least twice a year.
FAQs
Can I store the electricity my panels generate?
Yes. You can store the solar energy for future use. In a residential photovoltaic system, you can use an electric battery bank. People usually store solar energy in lead-acid, lithium-ion and other flow batteries. Depending on the size and the battery backup system, you can have up to 10 days' worth of photovoltaic energy.
What is the most efficient type of solar panel?
While many types of solar panels are on the market, the most efficient ones are the monocrystalline panels. They have 15% to 22% real-world efficacy ratings at a higher range of prices. While they produce more power per square foot, you need to have a good budget to have them. They are also very durable and can last up to 40 years; thus, they are excellent choices for residential and commercial uses. However, as mentioned, they are more expensive than the polycrystalline panels.
Will solar panels ever reach 50% efficiency?
The answer to this is a very strong 'maybe'. Researchers point out that the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) technology used to create solar cells currently reaches 47.1% efficiency. However, with some fine-tuning and optimization, it is possible to reach 50% efficiency. That will take considerable time as the research projection shows that commercial solar cells may hit 30% by 2030. If we are talking about 50%, it is definitely in more than one decade.