Factors That Affect Solar Efficiency & Productivity

Key Takeaways:

1. Solar panels are beneficial for the environment and can help reduce your electricity bills.
2. Solar panels work best in colder temperatures below 77°F, without shade or obstruction, and facing toward the equator.
3. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years and require maintenance during that time.
4. The benefits of solar energy include reduced energy costs, increased home value, federal solar tax credit, and reduced carbon footprint.

Going solar can be a beneficial decision, both for your wallet and for the environment. Solar installation offers many benefits, from clean energy to government incentives.

Solar power systems have many benefits, but the installation process is more than one-size-fits-all. Location and weather conditions can affect how well your solar panels work. Iron City Construction LLC will help you understand these factors to get the most out of your investment.

What are Solar Cells and Solar Cell Efficiency?

Before we dive into factors that affect solar panel efficiency, let’s look at what solar cells are. Solar cells are the building blocks of a solar power system, and they use sunlight to generate electricity. A single photovoltaic cell is made from layers of semiconductor material like silicon. Sunlight activates electrons in the silicon and creates an electric current, similar to how a battery works. The output of solar cells is represented in percentages. It indicates how much sunlight your solar cell converts into usable electricity. Technological advancements have increased efficiency from 15% to 20%.

Solar Efficiency and Productivity: Factors to Consider

1. Temperature

Solar cells generate electricity through the photons of sunlight that hit the cell. Studies have shown that solar panels work better in colder temperatures below 77°F. Higher temperatures tend to damage internal components. So, they may not work if your area experiences extreme heat.

Consider placing your panel where it’s brightly lit and has better air circulation to keep it from overheating.

2. Shade

Solar panels harness energy from the sun by collecting light waves across the Infra-Red, Visible, and Ultra Violet spectrums. This collected solar power is then turned into electricity. However, the light has low penetrating power, and any solid object can block it.

Shadows or obstructions in front of your solar cells can reduce the sunlight hitting them, thus reducing their efficiency. Install your panels in an area that does not have any potential for shading or obstruction throughout the day. It is best to look for an outdoor area with continuous sunlight throughout the day, such as your home roof.

3. Orientation

The direction of your solar panel also plays a part in solar cell efficiency. You may not have thought about the importance of orientation. Still, it can make a massive difference in the efficiency of your cells.

Solar panels should generally be facing toward the equator to maximize their exposure to sunlight. If your home is located in the northern hemisphere, you should orient your panels towards the south direction and vice versa for those in the southern hemisphere. Experts report that solar panels in the east and west reduce their energy production by 20%.

4. Angle of Inclination

The angle of your solar panels is the vertical tilt, which varies based on location and time of year. The closer you are to the equator, the less angled your panels need to be because, in these instances, the sun stays higher in the sky. For example, states near the equator, like Texas and Florida, would require a lower tilt. In contrast, states far away would need a higher tilt to increase efficiency.

5. Maintenance

Solar power systems have a lifespan ranging between 25-30 years. During this time, maintenance and cleaning are required to maximize efficiency. It’s essential to check your panels for dirt or debris that can reduce the sunlight absorbed by the solar panel. Additionally, checking wiring connection points and ensuring they are intact is essential in maintaining a working system.

Benefits of Solar Installation

The benefits of solar energy are almost too many to list. However, we have tried to list a few that will make you consider installing solar panels.

1. Reduced Energy Costs

Solar energy is one of the most affordable renewable energy sources. It eliminates the need to pay for electricity from utility companies. It can save money each month on your electric bill.

By investing in a solar power system, you could see savings of up to $1500 each year, considering the average household electricity monthly cost is only $125.

2. Increased Home Value

Having solar installation in your home can increase its value. Prospective home buyers are willing to pay more for homes with solar panel systems than those without them. It is because they don’t have to incur the same upfront cost you did installing them.

3. Federal Solar Tax Credit

The federal government introduced the solar tax credit to motivate homeowners to buy and install solar panels. Homeowners that install these systems can get a 30% solar tax credit. It is applicable until the end of 2034, making it a great time to invest in this technology and receive some financial perks.

4. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Solar power systems are beneficial for the environment as they reduce your carbon footprint. It happens by reducing the amount of energy derived from burning fossil fuels. It helps reduce air and water pollution, which can significantly impact the overall health of everyone.

Also, Read Solar Panels And Fire – Factors You Need To Consider

Conclusion

Solar power systems bring many advantages to homeowners and the environment. They are a renewable energy source that can help reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint. By understanding the factors that affect solar panel efficiency, you can ensure that you get the most out of this technology and that it works at its best for your home. Investing in solar power systems will pay off in the long run, with reduced energy costs and environmental benefits. With these facts in mind, it’s time to start looking into solar installation.

Shift From Traditional to Solar Power in Hernando County, FL, with Iron City Construction LLC

Iron City Construction LLC is proud to offer its part in helping Hernando County, FL, the shift from traditional electricity sources to solar energy. By providing homeowners with the knowledge, they need and offering installation services at competitive prices. We make it easy for residents to make the switch.

Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.