How efficient are solar panels?

Technological advances are a constant in solar energy and efficiency is improving all the time. There are a number of promising developments in solar technology that will make solar much more efficient. Measuring the amount of sunlight that solar panel systems are able to convert into electricity is a performance parameter. The outcome determines solar panel efficiency and is measured in percentages. If the sun produces 100% energy, solar systems are usually able to process 14-23% of that sun power into usable energy. To gauge solar panel efficiency, panels are tested at Standard Test Conditions (STC).Under these tests, a solar panel efficiency of 15% with a 1 m2 surface area would generate 150 Watts. Solar panels are extensively tested for performance in extreme conditions since “mother nature” is more volatile than ever before.

Solar panel systems are extensively tested for various weather conditions.

When investing in a solar system, we all want the most efficient and effective solar panels available. There are major advantages to having the right kind of solar panels installed for your home. In order to guarantee the quality of a solar panel, they are extensively tested under extreme conditions. Let’s take a look at all the climate conditions you can expect your solar panels to have been tested for in order to keep them safe.

Wind is more likely to harm your solar panels than you think.

Wind is one the most predicted but still unexpected causes of solar cell damage. You might not think wind can harm your solar panels, but extreme winds can actually damage them. Many solar panel manufacturers conduct extensive wind tunnel testing to decrease potential damage.

Hail firing tests.

Hail testing consists of firing artificial hail at the panels. Solar cells remain undamaged at these speeds. Of course, hail is not a problem in more arid parts of the country, but hail is a huge problem in the American midwest where violent storms often occur in spring and summer.

Too much snow cover will decrease efficiency.

A heavy layer of snow can be too much for a solar panel. Solar cells cease working when more than 5 cm of snow builds up on a solar panel and decreases solar panel efficiency by 100%.

Ice can decrease efficiency up to 100%!

Ice accumulates on the surface of solar cells when no silicon coating is applied. The build-up of ice can decrease solar panel efficiency by 25 to 100%.

Heat and humidity can cause panel failure.

Damp heat testing is carried out to test the durability of solar panels in especially humid conditions. Humidity can cause corrosion, which can lead to module connection failure and an overall decrease in solar panel efficiency.

Avoiding leakage with insulation resistance.

Insulation resistance is measured by material strength. In weak materials, current leakage can happen on the edges of the solar panel. If this happens, it could cause the wiring to touch the leakage and will have the danger of causing an electric shock.

Avoiding thermal cycling.

Thermal cycling can cause solar panel components to become less efficient. These parts of the solar system include solar cells, interconnections, solder bonds, and module connections. It is important to think about all the factors that could influence solar panel efficiency when considering its efficiency. Moreover, it is essential to maximize output from the outset with efficient, quality solar panels.

Want to learn more about what goes into making a solar panel and how to bring solar into your lifestyle? Check out the HahaSmart blog, which is updated daily with new tips and tricks!

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