Solar power is gaining popularity and for good reasons. For starters, solar energy is clean and safe. People prefer it to the current fossil fuels such as gas and coal, which generate power that lead to air, soil and water pollution. Solar power is also helping homeowner maximize their energy use and reduce their energy bills. If you are in the market for a solar panel but don’t know where to get started, we have a tip for you. Make sure you pay attention to solar efficiency when choosing your solar panel. This will help you choose a quality one that will match your energy needs and budget.
What’s Solar Efficiency?
Simply put, solar efficiency, which is usually expressed as a percentage, refers to the amount of electricity a solar panel can generate when hit by the sunlight. Solar panel efficiency is generally around 9% to 20%. The more efficient a solar panel is, the more electricity it will produce. In practical terms, for two panels of the same size, if one has a 15% efficiency rating and the other has a 9% efficiency rating, the panel with the 15% efficiency rating will produce more electricity under the same conditions as the panel with the 9% efficiency rating.
Types of Solar Panels
There are many types of solar panels on the market today, but most of them fall under these three categories: Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin film. Let’s look at their efficiency rating, benefits and drawbacks.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline, or single-crystalline silicon, solar panels are considered to be the most efficient of all solar panels. They are designed using a special, sophisticated manufacturing technology that enables them to get the most out of silicon. These panels are made of cylindrical silicon ingots of very high quality. The ingots also give these panels their unique dark black, uniform look that’s easy to distinguish. How efficient are monocrystalline solar panels? The best of these panels come with an efficiency rating of 21.5%. They are also made with a technology that enables them to produce energy even in low light areas. Monocrystalline also require little space. The only disadvantage of these panels is their cost. It can be too high. They also produce more waste when being manufactured.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
These panels use melted silicon, which helps reduce production cost and waste during manufacturing. Polycrystalline solar panels are reasonably efficient. Their efficiency is generally around 13% to 16%. The biggest drawback of these panels is that they don’t perform well in low light or areas with high-heat. They also require a larger space than monocrystalline solar panels.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
The efficiency of these panels is around 15%. Thin-film panels also perform well in high-heat and low-light conditions. They are also flexible, which broadens their applications. These panels are also very visually appealing. The biggest disadvantage of these panels is that they have large space requirements. They are also less stable when compared to other panels.
If you want to maximize your energy use and reduce your energy bills, you need to invest in top-tier solar panel efficiency. This guide will help you make the right decision. Make sure you apply it.