How Efficient is Solar Energy?

If you’re thinking of installing a solar system, there are multiple components to consider. Prior to installation, you’ll do a lot of research and you’ll talk to a lot of professionals who will guide you in the steps toward your solar system installation.

When you choose the a system based on the right factors, you’ll maximize your energy output, minimize your energy bills, and see faster returns on investment in the long run.

To better understand how you, and many others, can directly benefit from an installation of solar energy systems, the efficiency of the panel you choose should be considered, but that does not mean a more efficient panel will translate into better economic benefits for you personally.

A variety of factors including panel placement, geographic location, the architectural design of your roof, temperature, and the amount of shading on your building will determine if upgrading to a solar energy system is right for your business, or home.

Efficiency in solar panels is simply the measurement of energy output in a given surface area. The more efficient a panel is, the less space it will take up on your roof. However, choosing a more efficient solar panel may not always be the most cost-effective decision available.

EFFICIENCY OF SOLAR PANELS

The more efficient the photovoltaic solar panel, the more energy output it will have per amount of light energy hitting the cell, which will in turn take up less surface area to meet your energy requirements.

Today, most solar panels provide an energy efficiency rating between 11 and 15 percent, which is the percentage of solar energy that is being converted into useable electricity.

While it may seem like a low percentage, advancements in solar energy technologies are continually being made, and modern panels can more than cover the energy requirements of most commercial and residential needs.

Today, researchers are continually trying to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic technology. Scientists have now achieved a record of 40 percent efficiency by utilizing multi junction cells that are tuned to capture different frequencies of light on the electromagnetic spectrum. While these are currently the most efficient solar cells that have been created, they are not yet available to the general public.

If you have a smaller roof and limited space, a more efficient solar panel may be the right choice for you. Because of their higher efficiency, these panels may be slightly more expensive, but they will still meet the energy requirements you need.

However, if you have a larger amount of space, you may be able to achieve your energy needs with less efficient and less expensive panels to help save on your installation costs. Considering the overall cost of the panels and the kilowatt production can help you pick which is best for your installation.

FACTORS THAT CAN IMPACT EFFICIENCY

Solar power efficiency depends on a variety of factors including proper installation and assessment of the structure. Hiring a professional to inspect the structural design and location of your building is essential in determining what type of installation will best meet your requirements and provide you with the long-term economic benefits of solar power.