Concerned about Solar Energy efficiency?
Solar Energy Efficiency : There has been a rapid increase of interest in solar energy today
which is due mainly to the desire of many people to minimize their costs of everyday living.
This solar energy, which is one of the many alternative energy sources that are being used
today, is also gaining popularity because of the fact that it provides energy that is clean, renewable and
friendlier to the environment. This helps in augmenting the world’s energy needs while minimizing some
environmental concerns at the same time.
The most common way of harnessing this very promising alternative energy source is through the
use of solar panels. This are made of an array of solar cells that are use to absorb the sun’s rays so that it can
be convertible to electricity.
An average solar panel today has 15 % solar energy efficiency. This means that a single solar
panel has the tendency to capture an estimated 19 to 56 watts of solar energy per square meter. If converted to the
kWh, it could amount to 0.45 to 1.35 kWh for an average day.
This amount of energy can enable a person to use a 100 Watts (W) computer system, a 200 W plasma
TV, Four 15 W compact fluorescent lights and a 50 W pedestal fan all at the same time.
This solar energy efficiency can then be greatly increased through the addition of more
panels. The amount of potential energy that can be produced is so high that it is said to more than what is
currently produced by conventional power sources.
This can render a homeowner dependent from a conventional power grid as it can supply all his
power needs for the years to come. He can now use a 50 W DVD player, a 1000 W microwave and a 20 W stereo system in
addition to the other appliances already mentioned above.
However, the solar energy efficiency of a solar panel is affected by many factors. One of these
is its angle of placement in relation to the sun. This is based on the fact that the sun’s rays don’t hit our
planet in a direct way. By knowing the proper angle in which to place the solar panel, it can be able to get the
maximum amount of sunlight and therefore produce higher solar energy efficiency.
Another thing that must be considered in order to have higher solar energy efficiency is its
location. It must be placed in an area that has the least or no amount of shade. This is due mainly to the same
reason as above as even a partially hidden part can drastically reduce the amount of solar energy that it can
absorb and convert into electricity. This is also one of the main disadvantages of solar energy as this makes it
inapplicable in areas that have lots of shade or is not exposed to enough sunlight.
The last thing that can help in avoid a decrease in solar energy efficiency is the
condition or status of the equipment that are used. These include the inverter, the wirings and the batteries that
are needed in converting the solar energy to electricity or storing them. It’s good to maintain them in a good
working condition so as to lessen the amount of solar energy that will be wasted or lost.
Are you
concerned about your energy needs and cost of producing
it?
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