The efficiency of solar panels

Technological advances are a constant in solar energy and efficiency is improving all the time. There are a number of promising developments in solar technology that will make solar much more efficient. Measuring the amount of sunlight that solar panel systems are able to convert into electricity is a performance parameter. The outcome determines solar panel efficiency and is measured in percentages. If the sun produces 100% energy, solar systems are usually able to process 14-23% of that Sunpower into usable energy. To gauge solar panel efficiency, panels are tested at Standard Test Conditions (STC). STC specifies a temperature of 25°C and an irradiance of 1,000 W/m2. This is the equivalent of a sunny day with the light hitting a sun-facing 37°-tilted surface. Under these test conditions, a solar panel efficiency of 15% with a 1 m2 surface area would produce 150 Watts. Solar panels are extensively tested for performance in extreme conditions since “mother nature” is more volatile than ever before.

Extensive testing of solar panels under extreme conditions

When investing in a solar system, we all want the most efficient and effective solar panels available. There are major advantages to having the right kind of solar panels installed for your home. In order to guarantee the quality of a solar panel, they are extensively tested under extreme conditions.

Wind is an unexpected solar panel threat

Wind is one the most predicted but still unexpected causes of solar cell damage. Many solar panel manufacturers conduct extensive wind tunnel testing to decrease potential damage.

Hail damage

Hail testing consists of firing artificial hail at the panels. Solar cells remain undamaged at these speeds. Of course, hail is not a problem in more arid parts of the country hail is a huge problem in the American midwest where violent storms often occur in spring and summer.

Snow cover

A heavy layer of snow can be too much for a solar panel. Solar cells cease working when more than 5 cm of snow builds up on a solar panel and decreases solar panel efficiency by 100%.

Ice

Ice accumulates on the surface of solar cells when no silicon coating is applied. The build-up of ice can decrease solar panel efficiency by 25 to 100%.

Damp heat testing

Damp heat testing is carried out to test the durability of solar panels in, especially humid conditions. Humidity can lead to corrosion and to module connection failure and an overall decrease of solar panel efficiency. 

Insulation Resistance

Insulation resistance is measured by material strength. In weak materials, current leakage can happen on the edges of the solar panel. 

Thermal Cycling

Thermal cycling can cause solar panel components to become less efficient. These components include solar cells, interconnections, solder bonds and module connections.  It is important to consider all the factors that could influence solar panel efficiency. Moreover, it is essential to maximize output from the outset with efficient, quality solar panels.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.