Solar panel efficiency is calculated as the amount of electricity that a module can generate after exposure to a certain quantity of solar energy. This is normally expressed as a percentage that represents the amount of sunlight that is converted into usable electrical energy by a module.
The efficiency of say 9% would mean that a module sources 90 watts for every 1000 watts that go through its photovoltaic cells from sunlight. In the market today, solar units are available with energy conversion rates of between 6% and 20% or a little more.
It may seem obvious that the best choice is purchasing the modules which are more energy efficient but cost and other factors may be limiting. The cheaper ones may in fact make some economic sense when you consider the cost per watt of some of the more expensive choices.
The manufacturers have no choice in this really. This is because production of photovoltaic (PV) cells such crystalline silicon, which is more energy productive, is an expensive affair. That is the reason why some factories opt to make modules having thinner cells of solar-grade silicon even if cutting reduces the energy conversion ratio.
A large sheet of this thin-filmed module can be used to increase the surface area that is exposed to sunlight and in this manner cancel out the energy conversion ratio problem. Unfortunately this might not be an option for those with little space on their roofs to spare. Those with limited space may opt to purchase the compact, more productive kits even if they are costly.
Sometimes the problem is not that clear cut for more factors may be at play when choosing which way to go. An area where there is an abundance of sunlight solar energy is more productive even with modules that have lower energy conversion rates. Where other sources of energy are available it is good to compare the cost per watt and establish how many years it will take to recover the cost of installation.
In remote areas where there is no hope of getting connected to the power grid, solar energy becomes a necessity not a luxury. In such places it is not a bad idea to invest in high performance modules for the cost will be spread over decades and this will even negate the cost per watt making the decision worthwhile. This is now possible since the technology exists to push the lifespan of a module up to 30 years.
For the time being however the problem still persists of how to make cheap semiconductors that can be applied in solar technology with efficiencies of around 80%. Experiments are being conducted using nanotechnology which many believe will provide those answers. Other problem areas such as current conversion and transfer are also being handled using nanotechnology. Micro-inverters have been developed for example that convert DC to AC right at the panel.
Scientists are scratching their heads in many laboratories across the world and every now and again you will hear that this or that facility has come up with a novel idea to beat these problems. What now remains to be done is for an efficient concept to be commercialized at a cost that achieves parity with other energy sources such as nuclear.
The efficiency of say 9% would mean that a module sources 90 watts for every 1000 watts that go through its photovoltaic cells from sunlight. In the market today, solar units are available with energy conversion rates of between 6% and 20% or a little more.
It may seem obvious that the best choice is purchasing the modules which are more energy efficient but cost and other factors may be limiting. The cheaper ones may in fact make some economic sense when you consider the cost per watt of some of the more expensive choices.
The manufacturers have no choice in this really. This is because production of photovoltaic (PV) cells such crystalline silicon, which is more energy productive, is an expensive affair. That is the reason why some factories opt to make modules having thinner cells of solar-grade silicon even if cutting reduces the energy conversion ratio.
A large sheet of this thin-filmed module can be used to increase the surface area that is exposed to sunlight and in this manner cancel out the energy conversion ratio problem. Unfortunately this might not be an option for those with little space on their roofs to spare. Those with limited space may opt to purchase the compact, more productive kits even if they are costly.
Sometimes the problem is not that clear cut for more factors may be at play when choosing which way to go. An area where there is an abundance of sunlight solar energy is more productive even with modules that have lower energy conversion rates. Where other sources of energy are available it is good to compare the cost per watt and establish how many years it will take to recover the cost of installation.
In remote areas where there is no hope of getting connected to the power grid, solar energy becomes a necessity not a luxury. In such places it is not a bad idea to invest in high performance modules for the cost will be spread over decades and this will even negate the cost per watt making the decision worthwhile. This is now possible since the technology exists to push the lifespan of a module up to 30 years.
For the time being however the problem still persists of how to make cheap semiconductors that can be applied in solar technology with efficiencies of around 80%. Experiments are being conducted using nanotechnology which many believe will provide those answers. Other problem areas such as current conversion and transfer are also being handled using nanotechnology. Micro-inverters have been developed for example that convert DC to AC right at the panel.
Scientists are scratching their heads in many laboratories across the world and every now and again you will hear that this or that facility has come up with a novel idea to beat these problems. What now remains to be done is for an efficient concept to be commercialized at a cost that achieves parity with other energy sources such as nuclear.
About the Author:
Solar Systems USA sells solar panels at 20% of true wholesale prices ! Get the low down now in our guide to everything you need to know about the cost of solar panels
0 comments:
Post a Comment