Solar energy is getting more popular these days. There are a lot of solar panels being seen in many areas. However, there are some people who are still doubtful about this type of solution, and they tend to question solar panel efficiency. Is the solar panel itself capable of providing electricity to the whole household? This is the question that people new to solar energy often ask. Since electricity bills are getting higher, many are looking for new ways to save money.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
For starters, solar panels are made up of solar cells. The electricity that is produced from the solar cell is only minimal, so a number of solar panels is formed and linked together to create significant amounts of power. Silicone cells make up the most often used solar panels, which are also called Photo Voltaic or PV modules. They can produce as much as 50 watts of electricity in bright sunlight. For them to be able to produce more energy, the panels can be interconnected.
More About Solar Panels
A solar panel is a flat rectangular structure that varies in size. It is made from individual solar collectors that is covered with a protective sheet of glass. Each cell is shaped like an octagon and comes with a bluish-black color.
Solar Panel Efficiency
The use of solar panels will decrease carbon emissions and carbon footprint since solar energy doesn’t release harmful CO2 and is considered “green”. Every home solar power system can help save 2650 pounds of CO2 every year.
Solar panel efficiency depends on three things:
- Type of system
- Home location
- Solar panel location
Solar panel efficiency is dependent on the type of system being used because it has a different amount of energy that can be produced. For instance, the location of your home can greatly affect the efficiency of your solar panel. You’ll find that if you live in an area with hot and sunny climate, your solar panels can produce more energy. Efficiency also depends on the solar panel location. If you place the panels in an area where it can absorb all the sun’s rays, then more energy is gathered. This is the reason why a lot of people look for the most efficient solar panels.
When it comes to solar efficiency, you should also know the three main types of solar panels:
- Agriculture-oriented solar panel systems are for farms. They can provide more power to various farm machines and at the same time, do a couple of tasks that require electricity.
- Industrial and commercial systems are for businesses and factories that require massive quantities. Such systems use the most effective solar cells to get energy, and they are larger as well.
- Residential power systems are meant for home or residential use. They are more compact, and you can choose between passive or active. Passive home solar systems only collect energy that is needed while the active solar systems gather energy all day long to provide energy to the home.
Knowing all these will help you understand more about solar panel efficiency. If you’re planning to get one for your home, now you know what’s best and what’s appropriate for you.