The efficiency of solar panels
Solar panel efficiency is the efficiency of transforming solar energy into electrical energy . It is a crucial indicator for evaluating the performance of a solar system.
THE The average efficiency of a photovoltaic system is between 15 and 22% . The better the efficiency of your solar panels, the smaller the surface area will be. That is to say, you will be able to put more power on the same surface area! But then what are the factors that influence the performance of solar panels ? In this article, we examine the points that will allow you to optimize your yield. You will become an expert on the subject for optimized yield for your solar system! ☀️
Factors that influence the performance of solar panels
There photovoltaic cell technology , the temperature And THE shadows are factors that influence the performance of solar panels.
The type of cells in your solar panels
There are several types of solar panels on the market and therefore different panel technologies . Depending on the technology your system's performance may differ. Learn more about the different solar panel technologies that exist on the market, our comprehensive blog article can help you.
Solar panels based on Monocrystalline silicon typically have the highest efficiency, reaching up to 25% . Those based on Polycrystalline silicon have slightly lower efficiency, usually between 15% and 20% . Thin-film photovoltaic panels have a lower efficiency, often between 10% and 15% .
The temperature
There temperature may also affect performance in reducing the efficiency of solar cells . Indeed, contrary to what one might think, heat is not the best friend of your solar panels.🌡 A high efficiency of your solar panels, does not necessarily correspond to a lot of heat. It is better to have sunlight with a moderate or low temperature than a lot of heat and little light. A higher outside temperature means that the semiconductor material of the solar panels heats up quickly and changes its properties slightly, which is linked to electrical losses and voltage drops.
Shadows and reflections
THE shadows and reflections can also reduce the yield in reducing the amount of sunlight received by the panels. All it takes is a tree shading your solar panels or part of your solar system for the yield to drop. This is why, before installing your solar panels, you will need to take this criterion into account.
Orientation and tilt
In fact, the orientation and the inclination of your installation can strongly influence the performance of your solar panels. The orientation of the solar panels has a significant impact on their performance . For maximum energy production, solar panels should be oriented to receive as much direct sunlight as possible.
In In the northern hemisphere, solar panels should face south to receive the greatest amount of direct sunlight. In the southern hemisphere, they should be oriented to the north . If the panels are oriented to the east or west, they will receive less direct solar energy, which will reduce their efficiency. However, it is important to note that the optimal orientation of solar panels can vary depending on the latitude of the installation , time of day and of the season .
The tilt of solar panels is also important, as it determines the angle at which they receive sunlight. In most cases, it is recommended to tilt the panels at an angle equal to the latitude of the place where they are installed. For example, for a city like Lyon (located at a latitude of 45°), the optimum tilt is 30°, in order to optimize production in summer when the days and weather are more favorable.
The benefits of optimized performance on solar panels
By maximizing the efficiency of your solar panels, you also contribute to the energy transition towards renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, Optimizing the performance of your solar system is essential to maximizing the benefits of installing a solar system. Factors such as the type of technology in your panels, temperature, shadows and glare, or orientation and tilt can all influence the performance of your panels.
It's up to you to follow the different points mentioned above and you will become the pro of the performance of your installation! If you want to personalize your solar kit, our Oscaro Power solar experts have created a configurator that will allow you to have a perfect installation for optimized performance!
