Solar panels have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of efficiency, and while the average conversion of light to energy was once 15%, it has now risen to 20%, with some very efficient panels reaching as much as 23%. Likewise, standard-sized panels have increased their power ratings from 250W to 370W.
Determined by the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, and the overall efficiency of the panels (taking into account layout, cell type, and size), you can easily see how efficient solar panels are by looking at the rating given by the manufacturer. These are based on standardized test conditions, and typically give a highly reliable indicator of a panel’s performance.
How do you define a high efficiency solar panel?
Efficient solar panels generate more electricity, over a smaller surface space, and are rated by manufacturers based upon how much of the sun’s energy they can transform into electricity that can be used; typically at a conversion range of 15% to 20%. A lot of factors can impact a solar panel’s efficiency beyond the rating given by the manufacturer, however, such as:
Should you invest in higher efficiency panels?
While it will always cost you more to buy solar panels with higher efficiency ratings, they could help you meet your required energy needs far more effectively, especially if you have limited space available.
That said, the price of solar panels in general has decreased significantly in recent years, making them an even more appealing energy solution for home and business owners all over the country.
While even high efficiency solar panels struggling to generate electricity in certain weather conditions or when covered with debris, however, it is possible to combine the panels with a system for collecting, comparing, and analyzing energy consumption data in real-time; something known as an energy management system. This can give you an insight into what your panels are producing, and enable you to take corrective actions to boost energy production where possible.
Do panels become less efficient over time?
It is true that solar panels lose efficiency over time, as they begin to degrade, meaning that they will start to produce less electricity while receiving the same mount of sunlight as when you first had them installed. But you can generally expect solar panels that have been installed professionally and maintained well, to last as long as 30 years, depending on their degree of weather related degradation.
When you work with an experienced solar panel installer, they should ensure that your panels are positioned in such a way as to be as efficient as possible, for as long as possible, and they will also guide you in terms of maintenance, so that you can get the most out of your system, all year round.
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