Maximize the Efficiency of Solar Panels

Panel efficiency is the measurement in evaluating the accessibility of electricity the solar panels can absorb from a ray of sunlight. To better grasp this, I’ll go into more details of how solar panels work.

Introduction

The sun creates radiation that travels that we see as light. These waves travel in several wavelengths ranging in size. Solar panels absorb waves between 380 and 750 nanometres, in the spectrum of red to violet light. That totals to about 7% of all total light.

When the light hits your panels, the electric field scatters electrons from with the radiation. These electrons are trapped between the layers in the cell and placed into the conductors that make electric current. This process takes place when there’s light on solar cells.Panels are rated with an efficiency rating between 11 and 21%.

It calculates how much of the 7% of total light that the cell can convert into electricity. For example, a 21% efficiency panel gets almost twice the renewable energy over its lifetime than an 11% efficiency solar panel. Most are rated by their maximum output. A high efficiency solar panel makes more solar energy in a smaller or same-size package.

Assessing Solar Panels

Temperature: Solar panels lose efficiency at high temperatures since the heat affects the conductors and wiring. You can estimate the inside of your solar panels is twice the temperature of the air since the glass over the silicon works to up the heat.

A majority of panels compensate for this, since they’ve usually been tested in conditions that don’t expose them to the maximum amount of sunlight. So, if it’s 30 degrees and very sunny, you could be building more wattage than the maximum listed output.

Condition: Dirty, shaded, or broken panels are less efficient than clean ones. Even a thin layer of dust buildup can decrease the efficiency by preventing light from reaching the silicon. Regular cleaning is needed to maintain panels.

Construction: Many solar panel manufacturers note the efficiency rating of the solar cell. The entire panel might have a lower efficiency rating, due to the conductors and wiring. This doesn’t alter how much renewable energy your solar panels will create.

Direction: The direction of your panels will expose the solar panels to more or less light. Alot of installers will point your panels where they will be most efficient at noon, when you can collect the most power.

If you want to get an accurate account of what your panels are capable of, find the Performance Testing Conditions (PTC) or System Performance Testing Conditions (STPC). If you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool.

You can see how much you can save over the next 20 years by going solar, and we can help find local solar installers who can help. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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