Solar panels are perhaps the most cost-efficient electricity generation mechanism; this sustainable electricity saves utility bills, and hence, more homeowners are becoming interested in it. Typically, the efficacy of solar panels ranges from 15 to 20%; with some brands, it can reach up to 42%. These measurements are done under laboratory conditions; 42% efficacy may not be possible when exposed to the environment for a long time, as the variables differ significantly. The panels that generate more electricity from the available sunlight are more energy efficient. Solar panels are efficient throughout the year, but during spring, efficacy peaks as the temperature is tepid with a longer day cycle.
Holistic solution to solar power
Solar Installation San Antonio provides a holistic solution to solar power, from designing, installation, and maintenance. For optimal power generation, the solar panels must be clean, but the process is not like household errands. You need professionals for it. It needs to be cleaned once or twice a year. The production process of thin film solar panels is less intricate compared to monocrystalline solar panels. Thus, their efficacy is 5% less. Thin film solar panels are made of thin layers of glass, plastic, or metal coupled with one or multiple layers of photovoltaic cells, making it light but degrades faster compared to monocrystalline solar panels. But on windy days, the efficacy of it increases by 0.05% as wind cools the outer surface temperature.
Five full sun hours daily
A home in the US generally receives five full sun hours daily, and the service providers install solar panels so it receives optimal sunlight. Mostly, they are installed in the southernmost direction at the desired angle for optimal performance; the number of panels set up depends on the energy requirement of the home. The energy efficacy of solar panels depends on their quality, make, and installation process. The best panels can withstand hail, as they are tested in artificial conditions where hail hits the panels at 20 to 30m/s speed. The panels remain unscratched from hail storms. Thus, only 0.10% of the installed solar panels were damaged from hail from 2009 to 2013.
Layer of boron oxide
Accumulated snow on solar panels determines its efficacy. A 5cm snow layer on it completely stops energy generation. But if the solar panels are tilted, the snow naturally glides down; the rest can be manually removed, and solar panels initiate power generation. The efficacy of solar panels inhibits constant exposure to UV rays; this phenomenon can be caused by the discoloration of photovoltaic cells. A layer of boron oxide starts to accumulate on the solar panels from initial sunlight exposure; efficacy can decrease by 1 to 3% during the first one thousand hours. When there is no silicon coating applied to solar panels, ice gradually builds up on the surface.
Value for money
Before you decide to install solar panels, consider every factor associated with it that would deliberate solar panel efficacy. Buy solar panels that have undergone solar panel efficiency testing that ensures they can withstand harsh weather conditions, have durability, and generate electricity optimally. Typically, solar panels are tested in state-of-the-art automated facilities, ensuring the product sticks to the highest industry standard, and you get value for the money.
