Solar Panel Efficiency and Components

Panel Efficiency

• Measures the percentage of sunlight that is converted into electrical energy
• Affects the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of a solar panel system
• Factors that influence panel efficiency:
  • Temperature: High temperatures reduce efficiency
  • Shading: Shaded areas reduce efficiency
  • Angle of incidence: Optimal angle of incidence varies depending on location and time of day
• Commercial solar panels typically have an efficiency range of 15-20%

Solar Cell Materials

• Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si)
  • High efficiency rates (15-20%)
  • High manufacturing cost
  • Used in high-efficiency solar panels
• Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si)
  • Lower efficiency rates (12-15%)
  • Lower manufacturing cost
  • Used in standard solar panels
• Thin-Film Solar Cells
  • Lower efficiency rates (7-14%)
  • Lower manufacturing cost
  • Flexible and lightweight
• Organic Photovoltaic Cells (OPVs)
  • Lower efficiency rates (3-5%)
  • Lower manufacturing cost
  • Flexible and lightweight

Inverter Systems

• String Inverters
  • Convert DC power from solar panels to AC power
  • Centralized inverter system
  • Economical and widely used
• Microinverters
  • Convert DC power from individual solar panels to AC power
  • Decentralized inverter system
  • More efficient and reliable
• Power Optimizers
  • Optimize energy output from individual solar panels
  • Used in conjunction with string inverters
  • Improve system efficiency and reliability
• Inverter Efficiency
  • Measures the percentage of DC power converted to AC power
  • Affects the overall performance of a solar panel system
  • Commercial inverters typically have an efficiency range of 95-98%