Solar Panel Efficiency – Important Factors To Consider

Solar panels are increasingly getting popular in Pakistan as many people have opted for this energy-efficient solution. But have you heard about solar panel efficiency? There are multiple factors that play a crucial role in improving the solar panel’s performance and energy generation. In this blog, I have mentioned some of the factors that you need to consider if you are thinking of getting solar panels installed. 

What is Solar Panel Efficiency?

When sunlight hits solar panels, it generates electrons, which further create electricity. Solar panel efficiency is the amount of electricity generated when sunlight falls on the surface of the panel. Or in simple words, the higher the solar panel efficiency, the more electricity is created. This depends on several other factors, such as the amount of sunlight that falls on the panel, etc.

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency

Now that we have understood the solar panel efficiency, the following are some factors that you need to consider:

Solar Panel Angle

One of the most important factors that affects solar panel efficiency is the solar panel angle. As solar panels need to consume maximum sunlight for maximum energy production, the angle of the panel plays a great role and impacts efficiency by 10% – 25%. Therefore, there are two things you need to consider in this regard:

Tilt Angle: The angle between the solar panel and the ground is a tilt angle that maximizes sunlight exposure.

Azimuth Angle: It is the angle between the solar panel and the north vector that allows panels to face the sun’s direction.

Temperature

People assume that solar panels work better in high temperatures, which is not correct. Even the best solar panels require a suitable temperature for proper working, and very high temperatures might have a negative effect on them. Therefore, it is important to know the right temperature for solar panel systems. The ideal temperature that maximizes the solar panel efficiency is 25°C or 77°F. 

However, it also varies depending on the type of solar panels you have installed. Such thin cells are not very sensitive to high temperatures and can generate more electricity on hot days than the other solar panel types. 

Type of Solar Panel

The type of solar panel installed plays a crucial role in maximizing efficiency. There are three types of solar panels that you need to know:

Monocrystalline: Solar panels made from a single layer of silicon formed into bars. As they are single-layered, the electrons get more room to move and create more electricity. Therefore, the monocrystalline type of solar panels is a more efficient and expensive option.

Polycrystalline: As the name implies, polycrystalline solar panels are made of many melted silicon crystals that are converted into silicon wafers for the panel. It gives less freedom to the electrons, hence they are less efficient than the monocrystalline solar panels.

Thin-Film: This type of solar panel lacks the use of crystalline silicon material and instead uses other materials that are light absorbers. They are the least efficient than the other two types of solar panels. 

If you are thinking of getting a solar system installed, the following are the efficiencies of these three types of solar panels that you need to consider:

Low Maintainance 

If you have a solar panel system installed, it is important to keep it maintained, which plays a great role in solar panel efficiency. By maintaining, I mean its proper cleaning. As solar panels are installed in open areas, usually on roofs, they are most likely to get dust and other waste materials. Therefore, keep solar panels clean to maximize their efficiency. You can do so either by pressure washer or by cleaning them with non-abrasive cleaners. You need to consider the following factors:

• Do not use harsh chemical cleaners, and be gentle on the solar panels.
• Look for any damage and get it sorted before it gets out of hand.
• Clean the solar panels in the early morning or in the evening when they are not working properly.
• Turn the power off before cleaning. 

Final Verdict

To sum this up, solar panels are energy-efficient solutions, and people are widely attracted to them. However, there are multiple factors that you need to consider to maximize their efficiency. Look for a suitable solar panel angle to improve the energy production. Furthermore, choose the type of solar panel wisely, as different types have different levels of efficiency.