Energy efficiency in solar panels is the measure of the percentage of sunlight that hits a panel and turns it into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating of your solar panels, the less surface area you’ll need to cover your business’ energy needs.
Solar Cell Efficiency
A common question business ask when considering to install commercial solar panels is which are the most efficient. Understandably, companies need to consider their ROI; but it’s important to note that high-efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean better.
As mentioned above, solar cell energy conversion efficiency is the percentage of the solar energy to which the solar cell is exposed that is converted into electrical energy. In combination with latitude and climate, the efficiency used in a photovoltaic system determines the annual energy output of the system.
High Efficiency Solar Panels
Photovoltaic panels and other forms of solar power have recently seen substantial gains in energy efficiency. While the average silicon-based photovoltaic cell converts about 10-15% of the sun’s energy into electricity, some silicon-based photovoltaic panels have been reported to achieve up to 40% efficiency. Since testing is done in labs, these efficiency ratings are estimates, not guarantees. Variation in energy efficiency is not uncommon either – testing conditions can affect the reading as well.
But, there’s more to it that that – other factors can affect how much power your solar panels will generate in addition to the estimated efficiency.
Solar Installation
Module efficiency is only one component of solar panel system efficiency and performance; many variables can affect the amount of solar energy output generated by your system. It’s important to ensure that solar panels are installed in the optimal position with the correct orientation based on the direction and angle of the roof. Solar power forecasting involves knowledge of the sun’s path, the atmosphere’s condition, the scattering processes and the characteristics of a solar energy system, which utilizes the sun’s energy to create solar power. Weather, time of day, orientation of the azimuth angle, orientation of tilt, shading elements, pollution and dirt also have an effect. In our recent blog, “Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Production Estimates,” we dive more into solar electric (photovoltaic) system calculations.
Solar Engineering Firm
Solar technology is constantly evolving; in fact, it is the fastest growing energy technology in the United States today. That, along with the 30 percent federal solar tax credit (plus many state incentive programs) makes solar a smart choice right now. Once installed, your panels will work continuously for decades as an affordable, energy efficient resource for your business. Our solar engineers at KMB can help you choose the best panel for your particular needs and design a customized commercial system around them.
KMB is a leading consulting firm providing photovoltaic design and engineering services. Licensed in 49 states, KMB Design Group has the ability to work nationally without limitations and is at the forefront of the escalating solar industry. Our solar services include PV design and layout, construction administration, project management, energy usage analysis, energy production estimates and much more. Get in touch with us today at 855-755-6234.