How Efficient Should My Solar Panels Be

Solar panel cleaning can be a chore but it s well worth it if you want the benefits of solar energy.

How efficient should my solar panels be.

For the sake of example if you are getting 5 hours of direct sunlight per day in a sunny state like california you can calculate your solar panel output this way. Solar panel efficiency is a measurement of a solar panel s ability to convert sunlight into usable electricity. The angle of your solar array is an important factor in maximizing your energy production. Depending on where you live the best angle at which you should install solar panels will change.

What you need to know. Enter your address the average cost of your monthly energy bill and your utility provider. The table below features a solar panel angle by zip code for at least one city from every state. Given the same amount of sunlight shining for the same duration of time on two solar panels with different efficiency ratings the more efficient panel will produce more electricity than the less efficient panel.

Using a solar calculator helps estimate your solar system costs and power needs in order to accurately determine how many panels you should have in your system. 5 hours x 290 watts an example wattage of a premium solar panel 1 450 watts hours or roughly 1 5 kilowatt hours kwh. There is an angle for both the summer and winter months that will deliver optimal results in your solar panel system. This is because it s based on the average position of the sun over your property.

To get the most efficiency out of your solar panels and extend their life it s important to clean them regularly. However if you were limited with your budget or underestimated your future power needs when you installed your pv panels you could consider adding more panels to your existing system. Thus the output for each solar panel in your array would. Most solar arrays are installed at a tilt.

You can estimate the efficiency of panels in your area by using the solar estimate calculator. Solar panel angle by zip code. There are several reasons you ll want clean solar panels. This is done by capturing the electrical current generated when sunshine interacts with the solar cells in the panel and is transferred through the wiring and busbars to be converted into ac alternating current energy.

Your life would be much easier if you could just find out what angle is the optimal solar panel angle in your city or county.