Demand for renewable energy is rising. What is renewable energy? It is the energy that is generated from natural resources that can’t be exhausted and are continuously replenished. Sun, geothermal heat, wind, water, and other forms of biomass are renewable energy resources.
Solar energy is the energy generated from the sun. It is the fastest growing and one of the biggest power sources of energy in the world. Solar energy usage has a positive effect on the environment. In contrast, fossil fuels negatively impact the environment, causing climate changes, and producing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
While solar power is less than two percent of the electricity generated today in the United States, its popularity is rising. In addition, the cost of solar is dramatically falling. New technologies in the solar energy industry increase solar energy efficiency and lower costs. Improvements in solar technologies are the guarantee to solar development.
How Efficient Is Solar Power?
The solar energy efficiency is the percentage of the solar power that is converted into usable electricity. A typical solar panel produces from 285 watts to 360 watts of power. The efficiency of solar energy also depends on a variety of factors including the amount of shading on your building, the design of your roof, sizing of the solar panel system, geographic location and orientation of the system installation, and, of course, sun hours. So, taking into consideration all these factors can help you determine if it is efficient for you to turn to solar energy.
The more efficient the solar panel system, the more costly the system will be, and the less surface area is going to be required to meet your energy requirements. Solar panel efficiency is a metric showing how much energy the solar panel produces. Solar panels usually turn from 15 to 23% of sunlight into electrical energy.
How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Create?
In fact, most residential panels have an efficiency of around 20%. Solar panel efficiency calculation is easy. If you get 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, then your solar panel output will be: 6 hours x 290 watts (the average wattage of a solar panel). So, you will receive 1,740 watts-hours per day or 1.7 kilowatt-hours (kwh) which is about 600 kWh of energy yearly from each solar panel.
How To Increase The Efficiency Of The Solar Panels?
- To get the most out of your solar panel system,
- Use one equipment at a time (turn off TV when you do not watch it, do not use vacuum cleaner and washing machine at the same time),
- Install a backup battery so that you always have power to use,
- Use more sunlight (fully charge all your devices, recharge your energy storage systems),
- Install a solar concentrator that helps to maximize solar panel,
- Do not keep panels in shaded areas,
- Keep your solar panels clean because dust on the panels decreases the solar efficiency.
How Does Cleaning Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?
To maximize the power of your solar panels, keep the panels clean as dust lowers the efficiency of the solar panel system. Clean your panels regularly if you want them to function properly.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work by allowing particles of light to hit electrons from their atomic orbitals. During the process, electricity is generated, that is harnessed and kept. Solar panels are made up of thousands of photovoltaic cells. Multiple solar panels make up a solar array. The arrays are connected into the existing electrical grid so that the generated energy can be directed properly.
Before making your final decision, you should speak to your solar consultant company about your solar panel benefits. LA Solar Group specialists can help you choose which high-quality products and solar system brands are the best fit. We will help you go solar and ensure you are provided with the best option for your energy needs.
Author of a publication: Irene Abgaryan
