Peak Efficiency Of Solar Panels

The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range.

Peak efficiency of solar panels.

While they are not the only means of comparison they are important determinants in how much electricity you can produce with a solar panel system. Power measured in watts and efficiency how well panels convert sunlight to electricity are some of the most common metrics used to compare solar panel products. Hanwha q cells previously known as q cells founded in 1999 are rapidly re gaining popularity as a medium to high end panel option for many solar installers as the the company releases advanced new modules including the new q peak duo range of split cell modules with 6 bus bars and up to 19 3 efficiency. In practical terms a solar panel system with a total rated capacity of 5kw kilowatts could be made up of either 20 250 watt panels or 16 300 watt panels.

The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today can reach almost 23 percent efficiency. Solar cell efficiency refers to the portion of energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted via photovoltaics into electricity by the solar cell. In other words the efficiency value that we can find on the datasheet of a solar panel represents the ability of the module to convert sunlight into electricity according to its size. Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how much sunlight that hits the surface area of a solar panel is converted into usable electricity.

The efficiency of the solar cells used in a photovoltaic system in combination with latitude and climate determines the annual energy output of the system for example a solar panel with 20 efficiency and an area of 1 m 2 will produce 200. Solar panels have been consistently increasing in efficiency at about 5 annually since 2010. Factors that affect solar panel efficiency. So if a solar panel has an efficiency rating of 15 that means 15 of the sunlight that hits the solar panels will be converted into electricity.

Given the same amount of sunlight shining for the same duration of time on two solar panels with different efficiency ratings the more efficient panel will produce more electricity than the less efficient panel. Simply put solar panel efficiency is referred to the ratio of peak power compared to the amount of sunlight that arrives at the solar cells of the module. That s why energysage and other industry experts view panel efficiency as being a more indicative criterion of solar panel performance strength than solar capacity alone.