The efficiency of the inverter drives the efficiency of a solar panel system
Under the Clean Energy Council rules for accredited installers, the solar panel capacity can only exceed the inverter capacity by 33%. That means for a typical 5kW inverter you can go up to a maximum of 6.6kW of solar panel output within the rules.
The Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency
The average lifespan of a solar panel system is between 10 to 20 years, its output decreasing by 0.5% every year. The annual output of a solar panel system depends on many factors, including its design and orientation, and your area’s temperature conditions.
Orientation
When installing solar panels on the roof, it’s best to have them facing north for best access to the early morning sun and the west to access afternoon sunlight.
Temperature
Changes in temperature have an impact on solar panel efficiency. Note that temperature coefficients will vary between different panels. In ideal conditions, the nominal power of PV solar modules indoors is around 25°C.
Interestingly, a solar PV system loses efficiency as the temperature rises, and becomes more efficient when the temperature drops. In all cases the efficiency of a solar panel decreases as temperature conditions rise.
Buildup on Panels
Any dirt or grime that gathers on the surface of PV panels can reduce light transmission, resulting in loss of solar power.
Shading
Shading by trees, buildings, and other objects in an environment can impact the light received on a solar panel surface. Total or partial shading conditions cause power losses when a whole series of cells get virtually blocked by an object.
Additionally, when a solar cell that’s spread across a panel is shaded, the preceding cells will begin to heat up, creating a hot pocket. This can potentially damage your solar panel, decreasing its power output over time.
Efficiency rating
The efficiency rating of a solar panel helps define the amount of light transmission across the surface. It tells you how much sunlight hitting a solar panel is turned into usable energy or electricity. Even the power output rating is a useful parameter to determine the solar panel output often measured in watts.
Note that different solar panel manufacturers and brands will have different efficiency ratings, based on the model and materials.
If you need any questions regarding that, please get in touch with Tri CT Elec.
