From fossil fuels to water, the sun is our primary energy source. Solar panels absorb power directly from this incredible resource by converting photons into electricity. Unlike other energy sources, solar energy is the most efficient.
With the growing environmental challenges, the commercial building industry is looking for different ways to create renewable energy resources. Solar panels are one of the noteworthy inventions and the wisest investment you can have.
Solar panels can power a wide range of energy applications. Using solar panels as another energy source and an efficient roof door hatch can be one of the notable features of a green building. Commercial solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity to meet the building’s power needs.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Experts construct solar cells using silicon, a semiconductor that produces electricity. When sunlight hits the panel, photons interact with the silicon atoms, releasing electrons in a phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect.
Here’s a rundown of the process:
- Photovoltaic cells gather photons from the sun and convert them to direct current (DC) electricity.
- An inverter transforms direct and alternate currents (AC) to power appliances.
- AC travels through a wire to a breaker box for distribution throughout the building.
- Any unused electricity flows back into the utility grid or solar energy storage.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency has improved in recent years, from an average of around 15% conversion of sunlight to usable energy to approximately 20%. High-efficiency solar panels can reach up to 23%. Standard-sized solar panels also increased their efficiency from 250W to 370W. Furthermore, you can determine solar panel efficiency by photovoltaic cell efficiency through their layout, cell type, and size.
An easy way to measure solar panel efficiency is to look at the manufacturer’s efficiency rating, which is based on standard test conditions and provides a reliable performance indicator. If the panel is more efficient, the more it will produce energy compared to a less efficient meeting, and you will need fewer panels.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Efficiency
The efficiency of the solar panel’s photovoltaic cells is calculated based on energy from the sun that is converted into electricity by semiconductors. An efficient solar panel generates more electricity and occupies less space.
Experts rate solar panels by their efficiency, ranging from around 15% to 20% of the conversion of the sun’s energy converted into usable electricity. Here is the list of factors that can affect a solar panel’s efficiency beyond the manufacturers’ rating:
- The quantity of light reflected from the cell’s surface.
- The intensity of the sun
- The amount of cloud cover
- Heat build-up affects the conductivity of the semiconductors in the PV cells.
Solar Panel Design
Solar panel design affects efficiency mainly by how the cells are laid out and composed along the panel. The color of the protective back sheet is also valuable because high temperatures reduce efficiency. Such tints as blue or green are more effective than black.
Benefits of Installing Solar PanelsÂ
- Reduce Operation Costs
Since solar panels provide electricity through solar energy, it can reduce the operating expenses of your business, which will show through your business’s balance sheet. Companies will find that the cost to install their solar project will be more than pay for itself over the solar system’s lifespan.
- Control Future Energy Bills
Predicting operating costs can be tricky. But predicting your electric bill can be easy if you install solar panels. Instead of facing incalculable fluctuating energy bills, you’ll know what to expect monthly with a commercial solar panel system that reduces your energy bills. You can manage your finances better because you won’t have to worry about rising energy prices.
- Improve Brand with Greener Image
When you install solar panels, you can market your commitment to clean energy to your clients and customers. When your employees, customers, neighbors, partners, and others know you’re going for sustainable energy, you’ll make a great impression on the entire community. Switching to solar power will help the environment and affect how everyone in your community views your company.
- Solar Panels are a Great Return on Investment
You can consider switching to solar panels as an investment, not an expense. The return on investment you can have from solar power surpasses that of most other assets in terms of the money your company can save in the future.
- High Reliability and Low Maintenance
Once installed, commercial solar panels are straightforward to maintain. Apart from the yearly inspections and cleaning, solar installations only require little to function. Experts designed solar modules to withstand external elements, including snow, rain, hail, and wind, making them an excellent complement to almost any location.
- Increase Property Value
Adding solar panels to your commercial building can notably increase the value of your property. If you are ever planning to sell your property or business, having a renewable energy system can be more appealing to investors who are interested in a building that is sustainable and efficient both economically and operationally.
7.Decrease Carbon Footprint
Solar energy can create power with zero emissions. The solar energy panels reduce how much your building has to rely on standard utilities that utilize fossil fuels and produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in a solar energy system helps reduce pollution on a larger scale.
- Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency?
Solar panels slowly degrade over time, producing less electricity from the same amount of sunlight. Solar panel efficiency degradation causes wear and tear due to external factors. The average lifespan of solar panels can last up to 30 years. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory stated that solar panels degrade at about 0.5% per year: a 20-year-old panel will produce approximately 90% of its electricity in its first year.
The Bottom line
Investing in sustainable energy provides various benefits not just for your company but also for the environment. Because of this, commercial building owners worldwide are now looking for trusted solar panel manufacturers to make the big switch. Make sure you hire a professional when installing these for your business
