Efficiency of solar panel is probably one of the reasons why most potential customers hesitate to swap their power source from conventional type to solar power. The worry of many consumers is whether after incurring the cost of solar system installation, the system will produce enough solar power to meet their needs.
Out of the total sun energy that strikes a solar panel only a fraction of it is harnessed and converted into electrical power. Efficiency of a solar panel can be gauged depending on the amount of sunrays it is able to capture and turn into usable power. On average a standard solar panel for home use converts only 20% of the total amount of solar energy that comes into contact with the solar panel. To convert the direct current generated by the solar panel to alternate current a further 15% is lost remaining with only 5 percent for use by the appliance. This means you have to compute the total amount of power that you need so that you can determine the number of solar panel you need to buy.
There are however new technologies that are coming up which are aimed at increasing the efficiency of solar panel. An increase of up to 40% in efficiency and be attained by coating the solar cell with a thin absorbing material. Further, 40% efficiency can also be achieved by use of silicon wafer which is the most commonly used material. Nano particles and magnetic modules are more superior materials with as much as 80% efficiency and the former have an added advantage of harnessing the solar energy even at night.
With eighty percent efficiency solar panel comprising of nano particles can be used to power industrial machine while the standard 20% efficiency panels are ideal for home use. With more and more technologies coming up every other day there are chances of coming up with solar panel that can be highly efficient in generating enough solar power to meet all our needs.
There are factors that affect the solar panel efficiency and their output. The amount of solar energy which reaches the panel is critical. In areas with few hours of sunlight due to weather conditions the efficiency of the solar panel is compromised. Orientation or position of solar panels may also affect their exposure to sunlight and they should be positioned in such a way that they receive maximum solar energy possible and for longer hours. If dust and debris cover the panel they interrupt solar energy reaching the panels reducing their efficiency.
The process of installation can also affect the efficiency of solar panel. The wiring materials and connections have to be done rightly to avoid loss of power. These factors affect not the absorbing ability of the solar panel but the conveying process as well. Regular cleaning of the solar panel is a must to get rid of these materials.
Solar energy may be available in abundance but its process of harnessing and delivery affects its efficiency. The most crucial area that needs more research is solar panel manufacturing technology that can improve the ability of the panel to absorb as much of the suns energy as possible. There is need also to improve the process of conversion from direct current to alternate current.
As earlier implied to have your home solar system performing optimally, pick good quality solar panels and have them installed professionally. This will ensure that you enjoy all the benefits that come with solar power. Among them is reducing the cost you incur to cater for your power needs and doing it in a pollution free manner.
