The sun has been the ultimate source of energy for our planet for billions of years, and it’s become increasingly popular for homeowners to take advantage of that energy by converting it into electricity for their homes.
By installing residential solar panels, homeowners are able to power their homes and save money on electric bills. But just how efficient are solar panels at turning sunlight into usable electricity? The efficiency of solar panels will vary depending on several factors, including the design and angle of the panels, the weather conditions the panels will endure, and the type of panels you choose to install.
Let’s take a closer look at the factors that impact the efficiency of solar panels, tips for maximizing your system’s efficiency, and more.
How Efficient Are Solar Panels?
Solar panel efficiency is known as the amount of sunlight a panel successfully converts into electricity. Today, most residential solar panels have efficiency ratings between 19% and 21%. However, advancements in solar technology have helped an increasing number of solar manufacturers achieve 22% or higher efficiencies.
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What Factors Impact the Efficiency of Solar Panels?
The efficiency of your solar panel system will depend on several factors, including the materials used to construct your panels, the design and inclination of the panels, the temperatures and weather conditions they’ll endure, and more.
The Design of the Panels
The design of your solar panels greatly impacts their ability to successfully capture and convert sunlight into electricity. Some design components that play a role in solar conversion include:
- The type of solar cells used
- The size of the cells
- The interconnection layout
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Overall panel construction
Since temperature also impacts efficiency – with higher temperatures reducing efficiency and lower temperatures increasing efficiency – the color of the protective backsheet also plays a role. Dark shades like black will make the system less effective than lighter shades like blue or green.
The Type of Panels
The type of solar panels you choose will also matter when it comes to efficient energy conversion. Three main types of solar panels include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film, and they vary in terms of system efficiency.
- Monocrystalline: This type of solar panel is created with a single piece of high-purity silicon and is known to be the most efficient type. Monocrystalline panels are usually more expensive and more aesthetically pleasing than other types of panels.
- Polycrystalline: This type of panel is created by melting raw silicon and is known to be less efficient but also less expensive than a monocrystalline system.
- Thin-film: Known as the least efficient type of solar panel, thin-film panels are made with a variety of materials instead of just silicon. They’re more affordable than other types because of their simple manufacturing process.
The Angle of the Panels
The angle at which your solar panels are situated – also referred to as the orientation or tilt – is a crucial piece to obtaining high efficiency. To get the most sunlight, your panels should be titled towards the sun. Since the best angle for your panels varies depending on the time of year, professionals often install solar panels at a variety of angles to accommodate the different seasons.
Climate and Weather Conditions
The temperature outside also has an impact on panel performance. While you might assume that the hotter it is outside, the more efficient your panels will be, the opposite is actually true. Solar panels are able to produce more electricity in colder temperatures. Manufacturing standards suggest that solar panels operate with the highest efficiency around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weather conditions like rain, hail, snow, and wind can also impact a panel’s energy conversion:
- Rain: The cloud coverage and reduced sunlight that accompanies rainfall can mean lower energy production. However, rain can also have a positive effect as it helps wash away dust and dirt that accumulate on the panel surface.
- Hail: If hail damages the glass surface of the panel and causes cracks or shattering, the electrical flow and energy production will be negatively impacted.
- Snow: A thick layer of snow can block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells, which greatly reduces the amount of electricity generated. Luckily, though, the angle of your panels usually helps prevent much snow accumulation.
- Wind: Mild wind gusts can positively impact solar panel efficiency by cooling them down, which in turn allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity. However, strong winds can damage your panels or their mounting structure.
Tips for Maximizing Your Solar System’s Efficiency
As a homeowner investing in solar panels, it’s good to know that you have a decent amount of control over the efficiency of your solar panel system. Here are some tips to help you maximize your solar panels’ efficiency:
- Ensure your panels are installed correctly. Make sure to do your research before investing in solar panels. Ensure the quality of the panels is good and the company installing them is reputable.
- Keep an eye on your system’s performance. You can monitor the output and performance of your solar panels with a solar panel monitoring system. This way, if an issue arises, you’re able to address it right away.
- Keep your panels clean. When solar panels are covered by dirt or debris, they aren’t able to generate electricity effectively. Maintain your panels by cleaning them at least twice a year, using a leaf blower or garden hose with cold water to wash away the debris.
Remember, a Variety of Factors Impact Solar Efficiency
Whether you’re purchasing a solar panel system to save money on electric bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or a combination of the two, solar panels are an investment, and it’s not unreasonable that you’d want to make sure they’re operating at their full potential.
A variety of factors impact the efficiency of your solar panels, including the design, type, and angle of your panels, as well as the climate and weather conditions in your residential area. It’s crucial you do your research and make sure your panels and the company installing them are both high-quality. You can also monitor your panel’s performance with a solar panel monitoring system so you can quickly address any issues that arise.
Are you interested in a solar system of your own? Get a free solar quote for your home from Gexa Energy.
