Installing the best solar panels for your home is a great way to save energy and lower your utility bills. However, in order to choose the most efficient solar panels for a commercial or residential installation, it is important to understand the differences in solar panel manufacturing. For those looking to install solar power at their home, we've found the best solar companies to consider .
How efficient are solar panels?
The efficiency of solar panels is determined by the amount of sunlight that is reflected from the surface of the panels, which is then converted into electrical or thermal energy. Previously, the average efficiency of solar cells was around 15%, but thanks to the development of photovoltaic technology, solar cells are now 15-22% efficient. The high efficiency of solar panels can reach about 23%. As a result, the typical panel power is 370W instead of 250W. The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by two factors: the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells and the overall efficiency of the panel.
Panel efficiency
The efficiency of photovoltaic cells is determined by the design of the cell and the type of silicon, and the design and configuration of the cell and the size of the solar panel are critical to the overall efficiency of the panel.
Cell efficiency
The total efficiency of the panel is determined by dividing the maximum power under standard test conditions by the total width of the panels (in meters).
The main types of solar cells
There are three types of solar panels commonly used in commercial or residential applications: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Here's a brief description of each and what applications they're useful for:
Monocrystalline: more efficient
Monocrystalline solar panels are considered the most efficient option and are often installed for large commercial and residential systems. However, panel sizes vary; Therefore, single crystals can be used even in small loads.
Supporters
- They are made of high-purity silicon, which increases the efficiency to 15-22%.
- It does not take up much space like polycrystalline and thin film panels
- Due to the durable and inert properties of silicon, monocrystalline panels can last up to 25 years.
Objections
- Due to the complex design, the price is high.
- It is not the best choice for cold weather as ice can damage the solar cells and cause the system to fail.
Monocrystalline solar panel brands: SunPower, LG and Panasonic.
Polycrystalline: the cheapest
As the name suggests, polycrystalline solar panels are made up of many silicon crystals. However, more crystals are not always better. Polycrystalline panels are more efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts. But they are available in different power levels from 5W to 250W, which is a good choice for small and large installations.
Supporters
- The process of their creation is simple, so they are cheaper than monocrystalline.
- Less waste than an environmentally friendly casting process.
- As strong and durable as monocrystalline solar panels, they are a good choice for homeowners on a budget.
Objections
- Low efficiency (13-17%), because silicon of low purity is used for their production.
- Get more space to produce the same amount of energy as monocrystalline cells.
Brands of polycrystalline photovoltaic panels: Trinasolar and Yinglisolar
Thin Film: Recommended for electrical transmission
Although they are light in weight and easy to move, silicon-free thin film solar cells are the most efficient solar panel. Use them only for loads that do not require high energy consumption; Flexibility and mobility are the two main things for them.
Supporters
- Easy and cheap to produce
- Excellent for solar vehicles such as bus roof panels and refrigerated truck refrigeration systems.
Objections
- This is not the best solution for roofs because they need a lot of space to use enough solar energy.
- Weak, so they break faster than crystal panels. Only short warranties are available for the installation of thin film panels, and homeowners need to consider how long they can expect them to last in their home.
Brands of thin film solar panels: Stion and Solopower.
Factors Affecting Solar Efficiency
Many factors can affect the efficiency of solar panels, such as the type of solar panel, inverter efficiency, thermal cycle, etc. Here are some factors to consider before buying a solar panel
Types of solar cells
To find out which solar panel is right for your home, you first need to know each type, design and efficiency.
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: The most popular and efficient type of solar panel , monocrystalline solar panels are popular in homes and businesses. They are made from a single crystal of silicon and can produce 300 to 400 (sometimes more) watts of power each.
- Polycrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline panels are manufactured and assembled from various silicon components. They are slightly cheaper but more efficient than monocrystalline solar panels.
- Thin Film Solar Panels: Thin film solar panels can be made from three different materials: amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdT), and copper gallium indium selenide (CIGS). Either type of thin film solar panel is cheaper than both crystal panels, but more efficient.
Inverter efficiency
An inverter converts regular direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) that powers your home. Most inverters have a conversion efficiency of 97% to 99%, so power losses are relatively low.
Thermal cycle
Thermal cycling tests your solar panel to see if it can withstand a wide range of temperatures. During thermal cycling, solar panel components can expand and fuse, which can affect efficiency.
The direction of the solar panels
South-facing roofs are ideal for solar energy production. West facing roofs are the next best choice and east facing roofs are the best choice. If you have a north-facing roof, you may want to reconsider your decision.
Environmental factors affecting solar efficiency
In addition to the usual factors, the environment must be considered before purchasing a solar panel system. Environmental factors such as average temperature, weather conditions, and the accumulation of dust and dirt affect the efficiency of solar energy.
Temperature
Solar panels work best at around 77°F, and are most efficient between 59°F and 95°F. However, if the surface temperature of your solar panels exceeds 149°F, the efficiency of the solar panel may decrease.
Color
The background color that protects the panels can affect performance. For example, black may be more attractive for a protective sheet, this color holds more heat. This leads to higher temperatures and lowers the overall conversion efficiency, so other colors like blue, green or patterns may be better choices for your solar panels.
High weather
Everything between the sun and the solar panels reduces the amount of solar energy your system produces. Therefore, extreme weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain and snow can affect the efficiency of your solar panel.
Snow
When snow accumulates on your solar panels, the sun cannot penetrate them, ultimately affecting the efficiency of your system.
the wind
Wind can cool your solar panels, making them more efficient when exposed to sunlight.
Rain
Rain will not affect the efficiency of your solar panel; However, rain clouds affect the distance to the sun. However, constant precipitation prevents dirt and dust from penetrating the panels and blocking light, reducing solar energy production.
good day
Unlike snow and rain, snow can cause minor problems with solar panels. Although solar panels try to withstand conditions like snow, solar panels can be damaged by snow.
Accumulation of dust and dirt
Over time, your solar panels will collect dust and dirt from the elements. If your solar panels have dust and dirt on them, the sun will not be able to reach them properly and efficiency will decrease until the panels are cleaned.
Why is the efficiency of solar panels important?
The efficiency of solar panels is measured by the percentage of sunlight that hits your panels and is converted into usable electricity. Therefore, efficiency is essential when roof space is limited.
For example, if your roof space is limited and you can't fit as many solar panels on your roof as you want, it may be worth paying more to install more efficient panels to absorb as much sunlight as possible. .
However, low-efficiency panels produce just as much energy as high-efficiency panels, but require more space and space. So low-efficiency panels can cover your electricity consumption and save you money if you have the space to put them.
Why aren't solar panels 100% efficient?
A 100% efficient panel can convert all the light on the panel into electricity. However, because solar panels cannot absorb the energy of all solar radiation, they cannot convert sunlight into electricity with 100% efficiency. Some wavelengths of light are reflected by solar panels or lost entirely.
What to consider when installing solar panels
Price
Solar panels can be expensive , so many homeowners don't make the decision to make solar light easy. The Center for Sustainable Energy reports that an installation can cost an average of $15,000 to $25,000 . Polycrystalline solar panels are considered the most economical option for installing solar panels, but this depends on the type of panel and the number of panels required for the installation.
While the initial investment in solar panels can pay for itself in a few years, the payback can take longer depending on a number of factors, including energy use and weather; The latter can affect the functionality of the solar cell.
Square
Not surprisingly, solar energy is most efficient where there is plenty of sunlight. For example, residential and commercial buildings in Southern California benefit more from solar energy than clouds in the Pacific Northwest. However, less sunny areas can benefit from solar energy because cooler temperatures cause the panels to produce more energy.
Energy use
If your electricity bill is high, it makes sense to install solar panels to reduce costs and recoup your initial investment over time. However, if your energy consumption is low, installing solar panels may not be worth it. It should also be noted that maximum efficiency is achieved only in good conditions and only at the beginning of the panel's service life. As solar panels age and are exposed to the elements, they begin to malfunction.
