The efficiency of solar panels is not very significant. Efficiency ratings are a favorite tool used by solar panel producers to increase the credibility of their brands. However, they primarily serve as marketing tools.
In most situations, the efficiency of solar panels isn’t as crucial as other performance indicators. Not only that, but a greater efficiency solar panel enables the company to charge a higher price, forcing homeowners to spend more money than they need to (without giving substantial added benefits).
Measuring Solar Panel Efficiency
Remember that the efficiency rating shown on a solar panel’s specification sheet was determined in a lab using a set of circumstances known as Standard Test Conditions, or STC.
The actual operational efficiency of your solar panels will thus vary slightly unless they are on your roof, getting 1,000 watts of sunshine per square meter, and are constantly at a constant temperature of 25 °C.
You can quickly calculate how effective a panel will be where you live if you know the amounts of solar irradiation in your region. First, multiply the solar panel’s surface area by the local irradiation level. Then divide that figure by the power rating of your board. You may determine the efficiency of a solar panel in your area by multiplying that number by 100.
Solar Panel Efficiency Threshold
Most solar panels on the market range in efficiency from 16% to 20%.
A premium efficiency panel is anything with an efficiency rating of over 20%. Although it may seem low, this is not the case in the big picture. For instance, car engines are only 12% to 30% efficient.
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