How Do Solar Panels Work

First, let’s get on the same page on how solar panels operate. Solar panels run on solar energy, which is the power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy. This reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, decreases electricity bills, and mitigates environmental impact.

Now, let’s get into the basic science behind panels. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are composed of many individual solar cells, which are composed of layers of silicon. These silicon layers are then bound together with phosphorus and boron. The negative and positive charges provided by the respective elements create an electrical field that is primed to be hit by sunlight and convert that into energy. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons and creates an electric current.

How to Calculate Solar Energy Output

To calculate how much energy a solar panel generates, you can use the following formula:

Energy (kWh) = ((Solar Panel Area (m²) × 1,000) × Solar Panel Efficiency (%) × Average Sun Hours Per Day) ÷ 1,000

Don’t worry, we’ll break it down. 

Example Calculation

Let’s say you have a panel that is 1.4 square meters in size: 

• 1.7 × 1,000 = 1,700

Next, that the panel is only 15% efficient:

• 1,700 × 0.15 = 255

Your area gets around 4.3 sun hours per day. (Note, different areas get different amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. Make sure to research how much sunlight your area gets):

• 255 × 4.3 = 1097

And then divide the product by 1,000:

• 1097 ÷ 1,000 = 1.1 kWh per day.

Finally, in order to get a monthly total, calculate your daily figure and ulruply it by 30:

• 1.1 × 30 = 33kWh per month.

By using this formula, you can have a clear idea of how much energy different solar panels in the market will provide for your home.

Understanding the Average Energy Generation for Common Panel Types

A lot of the solar energy that you get is very dependent on the types of solar panels you acquire. Here are the main types of solar panels and their different benefits.

Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline panels are known for their high efficiency and durability, and tend to be a black colour. They get their name due to being made out of a single crystal structure of silicon. A typical monocrystalline panel can generate between 300 to 400 watts per panel under standard test conditions.

Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline panels come in blue. They are slightly less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts due to being made of fragments of melted-together silicon. That said, they’re frequently more affordable. They typically generate between 250 to 350 watts per panel.

Thin-Film Panels

Thin-film panels are less efficient than their crystalline counterparts but are lightweight and flexible. They are especially effective for portable vehicles, and their inexpensive installation. They typically produce between 100 to 200 watts per panel.

What Can Affect Solar Panel Energy Generation

It isn’t just about the type of solar panels you acquire. Several factors determine how much energy a solar panel can generate. Here’s what you need to consider:

Location and Sunlight Exposure

The geographic location of a solar panel system plays a significant role in how much energy it can produce. Areas with more sunlight exposure will naturally produce more energy, whereas panels that are facing an unideal cardinal direction or aren’t propped up at the correct angle can suffer from inoptimal sunlight. 

Panel Efficiency

The efficiency of a solar panel is the amount of sunlight that can be converted into usable electricity. Modern solar panels typically have an efficiency rating between 15% and 22%. The Higher efficiency panels can produce more energy, but they often come at a higher cost.

Size of the Solar Panel

The physical size of a solar panel also has a big impact on how much energy it can produce. Larger panels have more surface area to capture sunlight, resulting in a higher energy output. Understandably, this can be limited due to the size of the roof and how much sunlight is blocked by trees or nearby buildings.

Weather Conditions

Weather plays a crucial role in solar panel performance. Cloudy days significantly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels, which decreases their energy output. However, even if you still live in an overcast climate, solar panels can still generate electricity, albeit at a reduced rate.

Power Your Property with SunEnergy Today

In summary, the amount of energy a solar panel generates is dependent on a variety of factors. The size, panel efficiency, positioning, and weather conditions all play a role in the efficiency of a panel. By understanding these factors, you’ll be able to make informed choices when choosing and positioning a solar panel on your own property, having a clear idea on the amount of energy that will be produced. If you’re based near Adelaide, then you have access to one of the best solar panel providers and installers in the country. In contrast to other solar retailers, we have a physical, local office with on-site staff who are eager to answer any of your queries and questions with regard to solar panel installation. With our SunPlus plan, you’ll have a fixed price of monthly electricity, and in return, have your solar panels and batteries installed at no cost to you. Interested? Get in touch with our friendly staff today to learn about how solar panels can be the best choice for you.