While quality solar panels are quite durable, this article by TechBullion looks at the causes for some panels to lose power efficiency. Because of this, choosing a solar manufacturer that supports their products over the long haul is essential. Looking to make the solar switch? Talk to your local Panasonic installer about worry-free high efficiency panels with a comprehensive 25-year warranty.
Yes, solar panels hold a different efficiency with time. The loss in efficiency of solar panels with time is known as degradation, and it is a natural result of exposure of the panel to adverse weather conditions and ultraviolet rays.
Estimates by national and international renewable energy laboratories revealed that the degradation is somewhere between 0.5% to 0.8% every year. So, solar panel energy production reduces by 0.8% each year.
How to measure the efficiency of solar panels?
Now comes the most critical part of the article, which deals with the efficiency of panels. The energy output from the given surface defines the efficiency of these panels. The higher the work from the surface area, the higher the efficiency.
Similarly, the surface area efficiency will decrease if the energy output is lower. As the panel gets more efficient with time, manufacturers may increase the panel's efficiency along with the power capacity. So it is always better to get solar panels from high-quality manufacturers for the best products.
What is the reason behind the efficiency drop?
The significant reasons for the degradation of energy, with time may be broken into a few parts. These include the following:
- Light-induced issues
- Potential induced reduction
- Aging-related degradations
Light-induced degradation occurs when these panels get exposed to radiation, and the efficacy of the solar panel goes down by 3% on average. Avoid the loss of energy and efficiency, which happens once in the solar panel's lifetime.
When it comes to the second category of degradation, which is a potentially induced issue, is caused by heat, humidity, and voltage. However, the PID or potential induced degradation effect will not occur on the solar module.
It happens when the leakage current and voltage potential drive ion mobility inside the module between semiconductor materials and other module elements. It causes a reduction in the module power output. The potential loss may be avoided by utilizing high-quality solar panels from quality manufacturers.
What is the life of solar panels?
Solar panels come with a design life of between 25 to 30 years. During that period, these panels are exposed to weather conditions, cold and heat, with hailstorms, snow, and rain. The regular wear and tear of the panels result in solar panel efficiency reduction.
A few factors affect the efficiency of the solar panel, including solar panel design, the orientation of your roof, temperature, and layout. Remember that you need to balance the system because every component plays a vital role in the overall performance.
Everything needs proper attention, from the mounting structure to the inverters to the cables and protection devices. It is thereby necessary to work with professionals when setting up solar panels. Along with this, you must know that solar panels must be from high-quality manufacturers because they will provide you with better products.
The more you spend initially, the less you will be spending on its overall maintenance. Reach out to reputed local manufacturers to get quality panels for your home and office.
This article was written by Anna Duke from TechBullion and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
