If we have in mind the possibility of placing photovoltaic solar panels for self-consumption and making savings on the electricity bill, but we do not have much space to achieve it, we must install as much power as possible to optimize power generation with the surface we have. For this, it is essential that we choose The most efficient solar panels on the market and in this way you can make the most of the space available on the roof.
But not only panel type it will determine its efficiency, but we must take into account another series of aspects. For maximum efficiency of self-consumption solar panelsYou also need to take care of technical aspects and proper maintenance of the installationand consider another series of factors such as orientation, type of coverage where it is installed, available space, etc. It is also essential consider our consumption habits Before installing the solar panels on place to liveso that the installation is as efficient as possible based on these habits.
How much does it cost the greater the efficiency of solar panels, the energy produced by them will also increasewhich in turn will result in a greater savings.
What do we mean by the efficiency of a solar panel?
Lost solar panels They are made up of interconnected solar cells, which are responsible for converting the sun\’s rays into electricity. This way, when sunlight hits the panels, its energy is captured and converted into electricity. The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight reaching the panel that is converted into usable electricity.
This efficiency can be measured. For example, if the sun projects the equivalent of 1 kilowatt (kW) or 1,000 watts onto a solar panel, it converts that energy into 200 watts of electricity. In this case we say that this solar panel has an efficiency of 20%.
Based on their effectiveness, we distinguish between:
- Standard efficiency panels. They are the majority of solar panels today and offer an efficiency of between 17% and 18%.
- high efficiency panels. Its efficiency can vary from 19% to 23%.
The efficiency of a solar panel it never reaches 100% because it is limited by the type of energy produced by the sun. Current technology allows only a portion of the sunlight spectrum to be converted into electricity through the use of solar panels.
Factors Affecting Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar panel not only lies in the type of panel, its brand and warranty, but also affected by other factors which should be considered.
Let\’s see below what these factors are and what we need to do to increase the efficiency of the solar panels in our installation and for them to achieve their maximum potential.
- Solar installation materials. The energy produced by a solar panel largely depends on the materials from which it is made, being more efficient the higher its quality. But the materials of the other components, such as the inverter, the wiring and the battery, are also essential for the efficiency of the installation. The efficiency of a photovoltaic installation can be reduced by up to 20% if the appropriate materials are not used.
- Temperature and climate. Efficiency is also directly affected by the temperature and climate in the area where the solar panels are located. For example, very high temperatures reduce their efficiency by exceeding 25ºC (the ideal temperature for the panels to achieve maximum efficiency). It should be noted that the productivity of a plant decreases by 1% for every 2ºC the temperature rises.
Other aspects that affect the efficiency of solar panels are adverse weather such as strong wind, as the flattened shape of solar panels makes them more vulnerable to its action.
- Solar radiation and geographic location. Each area of our country receives a different amount of solar radiation, which directly affects the efficiency of solar panels. Solar radiation is directly related to the slope, shadows and climate of a certain geographical area.
- Orientation and tilt. The orientation south of the solar panels is the most optimal because the perpendicular rays that are reflected on its surface increase the productivity and profitability of the photovoltaic installation.
The inclination it also directly affects the efficiency of solar panels. Depending on the geographical area in which we are located, we need to tilt the solar panels in such a way as to make them efficient and improve their performance.
- Season. In the summer the panels receive more sunlight and therefore generate more energy and are more efficient. In winter, efficiency is reduced by fewer hours of sunshine per day. Also, at this time of year, the position of the sun varies and affects the solar panels less directly.
- Shadows. They directly affect the efficiency of solar panels. Shadows on panels should be avoided as power can suffer a reduction of up to 30%.
- dust and dirt. Anything that blocks sunlight will reduce the output of the solar panel and therefore its efficiency. Accumulation of dust and dirt can cause enough blocking to adversely affect PV output. It will be necessary to always keep the solar panels clean.
Therefore it is It is essential to consider all these factors. so that in this way the installation is as efficient as possible and get the most out of it performance generating as much energy as possible.
The technology used
He type of solar technology that use solar panels can also influence their efficiency. For example, monocrystalline silicon panels have a relatively higher efficiency that polycrystalline silicon panels. This is due to the way electrons flow through the cells due to their uniform composition.
At the same time, wire association in a solar panel, which capture and transmit electricity, greatly influence its efficiency.
Another case is that of bifacial solar panels which can absorb light on both sides, on the back and on the front of the panel. They offer higher energy generation rates and efficiency than conventional solar panels. This difference is that solar panels that have multiple junction cells can absorb different wavelengths of light, thus increasing their efficiency.
