The solar power efficiency determines the amount of reduction in the energy costs at home. Though solar power is an attractive option the cost of photovoltaic systems has prevented it from becoming a practical technology option.
However things are changing rapidly. Increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic system is the only way out. These days organic molecules are being used in the PV cells, making them more flexible. This makes them suitable for wide a variety of purposes.
The efforts to increase the efficiency of solar energy cells has led to the development of silicon cells that are very rigid and 15% efficient. Their efficiency is much higher in multi-junction systems.
Increasing solar power efficiency is possible by maintaining a balance between cost of production and efficiency. Manufacturers believe that the use of organic solar technology will increase rapidly if the cells achieve 10% efficiency and are able to produce electricity for 10,000 hours.
Solar efficiency is basically calculated in terms of square inches to watts. The photovoltaic panels are considered the best. They are denser and more durable than other panels.
Solar power efficiency refers to how well particular solar panels work. Some work better than the others, depending on the quality of materials used. It is necessary to invest in high quality panels to gain maximum efficiency.
It is found that the efficiency of most panels reduces as the temperature rises above 250C. Efficiency of solar panels are also affected by other factors like whether they are infrared, the frequency with which they are cleaned, the amount of heat they retain and the amount of sunlight that they receive.
Other factors that determine the efficiency of solar power are:
1. Angle of the sun Maximum efficiency is achieved if the solar panels are placed perpendicular to the sunrays. This is because the silicon cells produce maximum solar energy at this angle.
2. Seasonal adjustment During summer the panels have to be horizontal so as to be able to capture the perpendicular rays of the sun. In winters when the sun is lower in the sky the panels should be at a higher angle.
3. Daily adjustment A rooftop is the best place to install the panels for daily adjustment. Care must be taken that no shadows fall on the panel at any time in the whole day.
4. Trackers These are fitted with solar panels and they are specially designed to move along with the sun. They keep the panel facing perpendicular to the sun rays.
To ensure maximum output from the solar panels have to be placed in the right location. Even if the panels are of a very high quality but aren’t placed in the right way their efficiency will be lowered.
Maximum efficiency can be achieved by placing the panels in an area where there is direct sunlight for at least 8 hours everyday. Clouds and an atmosphere that has too much water vapor diffuse the sunlight and reduce the efficiency of the panel.
You must avoid harsh shadows cast by surrounding buildings and trees. On the technological front there is a lot of advancement in improving solar power efficiency
