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There are three possible definitions for "efficiency" when talking about a solar technology.
- The efficiency of the photovoltaic junction at converting light energy into electrical energy.
- The filling factor of the cell and panel (multiplied with the junction efficiency to obtain an upper limit to the panel efficiency).
- The installation efficiency, which includes the junction efficiency, the filling factor, inverter efficiency, and the light collecting efficiency.
Sometimes manufacturers only talk about the junction efficiency, because it is the highest number, but a lot of other factors come into play. Some efficiency numbers even include the changing angle of the Sun as it moves across the sky.
For comparing solar panels, usually only the junction efficiency and filling factors are considered, because the other issues are essentially technology independent, and relate to the installation and location of use.
So the panel efficiency will be the the ratio of the maximum output power to the incoming radiant energy of a standard Sun. Depending on technology, panel efficiencies may range between about 5% and 12%, when the panel is new. As panels age, their efficiency drops. At 100% efficiency, a panel 1 m2 should produce about 1000 W, at high noon when held facing the Sun.
Panel power (P, in Watts) is proportional to panel area (A, in m2), so to determine the efficiency (E, as a percentage), the equation would approximately be:
E = 100 * (P / A) / (1000 W/m2)
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How much energy per day is produced from solar panels?
This depends entirely on the efficiency and size of the solar panels, and the lighting conditions.
Where would one shop for Solar Electricity?
Both Lowes and Home Depot offer solar panels. When buying a solar panel, something to be conscious of is the increasing efficiency of solar panels. While they're currently not very efficient at extracting solar energy, that efficiency is constantly going up.
What are the Examples of light energy to chemical energy?
There is Solar Panels? There is Solar Panels?
Why solar panels are not mounted on the cars roofs for fuel efficiency?
Expensive, and will save very little energy. Not practical.
What are the disadvantages to solar energy?
Some of the disadvantages of solar energy are the means of collection and the necessity of the sun. Solar panels can be very fragile and easily broken and they do not operate at peak efficiency unless aligned properly.
Are solar panels an example of solar energy?
Solar panels are not an example of solar energy but rather they are means through which solar energy (that is energy from the sun) is converted into electricity. Check out the related link for great videos and information on solar panels.
Does solar energy create as much energy as coal?
"Create as much energy" is poorly defined. The amount of energy produced from solar energy will depend on the surface area used for solar panels, the weather, the efficiency of the panels, and for how long it is used. Similarly, the amount of energy produced by a coal power plant would depend on its size, its efficiency (which of course may also vary), and for how long it is used. Please think about what exactly you want to compare.
Where can someone get more information on residential solar panels?
There is a lot of great information on residential solar panels on the website called 'Solar City'. On Solar City one may get information on energy efficiency and solar basics. One may also get a free consultation.
What energy is the source that panels use to make electricity?
Solar panels are used to make electricity. The energy that panels use to make energy therefore is solar energy.
Which area of technology might be associated with solar panels?
Energy or energy transfer is associated with solar panels.
What kind of energy does solar panels produce?
Solar energy
Solar panels gather what energy from the sun?
solar energy
