At the outset, it needs to be said, that it’s not just the efficiency rating of a solar panel that makes for a good choice, it’s also important to take into account the power output rating, as well as the value of the panel.
In other words, when talking about the value of the solar panel, it’s about whether you choose good quality or choose cheap, low quality solar panels, which are easily available from the majority of the newest solar PV panel manufacturers today.
It’s understandable that you’re still asking the question; what is the most efficient solar panel? There’s a lot to answering this question, but, if you’re favoured enough to have met the team at Renaissance Solar in Cape Town, you’ll have down-to-earth, honest answers to this question… and any others you may have, which is rare in this fast-growing industry!
No matter how cheap it may be, a lesser quality of solar panel is, in the long run, going to cost you more than it would to invest in a quality solar panel that will outlast the cheaper one by many, many years, maintenance-free.
In comparison, and considering what top solar panel manufacturers put into research and development, as well as using production lines that are technologically advanced, you’ll have the best in terms of quality PV solar panels.
What is the most efficient solar panel?
Let’s ask another question here first; what is solar panel efficiency? What solar panel efficiency actually means is the measure of how much of the sunlight that is absorbed from the surface of the solar panel, is actually converted into usable electricity.
In general, and on average, most solar panels have an efficiency rate of between 15 to 20%, however, at the rate solar technology is advancing today, we could soon be looking at much higher numbers in the near future!
Other factors that affect the efficiency of solar panels
Very basically, the construction of the solar panel and the type of panel, along with various conditions outdoors, also play a role in how efficient a solar panel will be.
Solar panel efficiency tests are conducted in lab conditions, which, in real life, don’t convert to how your solar panels are going to behave on your roof in often less than idyllic conditions.
Some of these conditions include, but aren’t limited to:
How solar panel angles affects their efficiency
This is a very important factor in getting the most out of your solar panels, but, this will depend largely on where you live and what the pitch of your roof is like.
However, it’s here that you can rely on the passionate team at Renaissance Solar to make sure your solar panels are angled perfectly, for maximum performance.
How temperature affects solar panel efficiency
According to an interesting article in sciencing.com, “Your solar panel performance is quoted for 25 degrees Celsius, and it decreases as temperature rises. Luckily, it increases again as the temperature falls. If you’re in a temperate region, the performance that you lose in the summer heat will be returned on cool, clear winter days. If that’s not enough consolation for you, you can also build your solar array to take advantage of the natural cooling effects of wind — channelling currents to carry heat away from your solar panels.”
Essentially, it’s a win-win for solar panels in Cape Town, with the generosity of mother nature and the Cape winds!
How shade affects solar panel efficiency
The best idea is to discuss the optimal position for your solar panels with the friendly team at Renaissance Solar, however, if there is too much shade from a tree or a neighbouring building interfering with solar panels, you won’t be getting the electricity from them that you could and should!
How weather affects solar panel efficiency
Here’s another of the multitude of reasons that make solar panels a must for Cape Town, with average peak sun hours ranging between 4.7 and 6.5 kWh/m2! The only place higher than this by a point is the Northern Cape!
According to energy.gov.za, South Africa enjoys more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar-radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day.
What this means is that for solar panels that operate superbly well do so on our bright, beautiful sunny South Africa, via direct sun and solar-radiation levels.
Find out more about the most efficient solar panels in Cape Town from Renaissance Solar!
Call the awesome team at Renaissance Solar today to get the real story behind the most efficient solar panel to invest in. With over a decade in the solar industry, this solar company has earned a reputation for high quality solar products and service excellence, on every level.
This and more, has earned the team at Renaissance Solar many, many fantastic testimonials from satisfied customers, which will give you the confidence to reach out to these professionals when you step into the future of solar power!
