Efficiency Increases that make solar even more viable
Since the creation of the very first solar panel in the late 19th Century, there has always been a limit on the energy conversion and efficiency of a solar panel.
The average solar efficiency of modern solar panels is around 17-19% depending on the brand of solar panel that you have fitted. The efficiency of a solar panel is gauged by its ability to convert the sunlight it receives into electricity. While solar panels have been in use for over 100 years, we are still only just scratching the surface of what is possible with energy efficiency of solar panels. Over the last few years, we have seen a bit jump in solar panel efficiency from around 15% to where we are today. For some, this number may still seem quite small but this percentage jump represents a big positive step towards us moving away from carbon intensive methods of generating energy and becoming carbon neutral. And that jump is going to increase once again as the next generation of solar panel technology hits the market.
Tindo Solar have recently announced that one of their newest solar panels is able to produce power at around 21% module efficiency and 23.1% cell efficiency!
A solar panel efficiency is rated based on the cell design and silicone type. The design of the cell plays a very important part of the solar panels efficiency simply through the elimination of ‘busbar shading’. The actual efficiency of the solar panel is measured under standard test conditions with a cell temperature of 25°C, a solar irradiance of 1000W/m2 and an air mass of 1.5. Through these standard test conditions, the efficiency of a panel can be calculated.
As manufacturers further develop and refine the design and materials used in solar panels, efficiency gains are increasing every year. In 2022, the current leader in efficiency of solar panels is Sunpower with their Maxeon 6 which has an energy rating of 22.8% but as can be seen with Tindos latest creation, that number is due to increase once again. With every year we are making more gains and a generating a better understanding of how we can best harness power of our closest star – the sun.
Solar Panel Installers
At Low Energy Services, we are installers of Solar Panels, Battery Storage Systems and other Green Energy Solutions across Scotland and the North of England. We offer an extensive portfolio of green energy services. As well as solar panel installers and battery storage system fitters, we can provide a range of green energy solutions covering everything from energy monitoring, control strategy analysis, building heat leakage analysis, design, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable technologies to general advice on how to make your building as efficient as it can be.
Based in Glasgow, we design and install energy capturing and storing systems for businesses who are looking to reap the financial benefits of solar and battery storage solutions while reducing their carbon footprint and lowering their yearly energy costs.
We are experts in the design and installation of solar panels, battery storage and electric car charging systems and have a proven track record for delivering green energy results for businesses looking for bespoke low carbon electricity generating systems. To find out more about how Low Energy Services can benefit your business as you move to greener, cheaper technology, please get in touch.