Solar panels have become well-liked among homes today. Recent research shows the figure of people utilizing this green energy in the US has reached 39%. Given the numerous benefits this option offers, it would not come as a surprise if the stats continued to improve with time.
The energy production of solar panels is a key consideration. This varies with respect to the size and model of the system. A 250 solar panel square foot per watt will not give off similar output as a 450 Watt panel. On average, PV modules make between 0.25 and 0.40 kilowatts. There are other determinants of your specific maximum solar panel output.
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Why should you calculate your solar panel output?
By properly calculating Kwh from solar panels, the total energy exploitable in the building where it is installed can be calculated. The installed system should meet your home’s energy requirements, therefore the panel output wattage should be able to match your home’s energy needs.
This is why expert solar contractors like Power Production Management (PPM) exist to offer proper consultancy and guidance to understanding solar panel output.
What affects solar panel output efficiency?
Efficiency is almost never 100%. When the sun rays hitting the modules are transformed into electricity, the output capacity can be determined.
Technological advancements have produced a rise in the capacity of solar modules from about 15% to over 20%. This has in turn increased the solar panel maximum wattage.
1Positioning
The inclination of the panel affects the number of sun rays it gets. This will subsequently affect the output of a solar panel. The module will function most effectively when it is exposed to high sun intensity for a long period of time. Note that the inclination of the sun is subject to change with varying seasons, and climatic conditions. To this effect, the panel must be constantly monitored and its position adjusted to suit the changing times and seasons.
2Location
Geographical location plays a very pertinent role in determining the capacity of the PV module. Since the weather in Florida is hotter than in Minnesota, do not expect modules placed in both locations to get the same amount of sunlight radiation.
3Material
The solar panel performance can be affected by its manufacturing constituent. Most modules are made from Photovoltaic Cells (PV) which are fabricated from silicon. However, the placement of the silicon will also determine the level of capacity.
- Mono/polycrystalline: In the mono cell, each panel is lined with single crystals. This allows a better flow of electricity, hence higher capacity. The polycrystalline cell type has multiple crystals. The flow of electricity here is reduced, hence a lower capacity.
- Thin-film: These modules are made from other materials and have a lower capacity.
How do you calculate a solar panel’s output?
The maximum solar panel output is measured in Kilowatts(KW). A simple formula that can help you calculate this is;
Output = total hours of sunlight * Power of the panel.
This implies that a home using 250-watt modules receiving about 5 hours of sun daily, will generate; 1250 watt-hour or 1.1 Kilowatt/hour.
How many solar modules are needed to power an average house?
The answer depends on the solar panel sizes and wattage. According to statistics taken by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average U.S home uses about 893 kWh monthly. This means that in general, a U.S home needs about 19-23 modules set up.
Summing up
Using solar energy systems for homes is very recommended by our experts at PPM solar.
The benefits cannot be overemphasized. If you are within and around Florida, USA and you need a competent contractor to handle the pitching of your residential or commercial modules, then you are in the right place.
Give us a call ASAP and we will deliver excellently.
