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As a homeowner in East Tennessee, you’re likely no stranger to the region’s picturesque scenery and abundant sunshine. But did you know that this same sunshine can be harnessed to power your home and save you money on your energy bills? At Rocky Top Solar, we’re dedicated to helping you tap into the power of solar energy and make the most of your investment. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of solar panel efficiency, exploring what it means, how it’s measured, and what factors can impact it.
What is Solar Panel Efficiency?
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. In other words, it’s a measure of how well a solar panel can turn sunlight into power. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity a solar panel can produce from the same amount of sunlight.
How is Solar Panel Efficiency Measured?
Solar panel efficiency is typically measured under standardized test conditions (STC) and is expressed as a percentage. The most common method of measurement is the “peak sun hours” test, which simulates the amount of sunlight that a solar panel would receive in a single hour under ideal conditions. The efficiency rating is then calculated by dividing the amount of electricity produced by the amount of sunlight received.
What Affects Solar Panel Efficiency?
While solar panel efficiency is an important factor in determining the overall performance of a solar energy system, it’s not the only consideration. Several other factors can impact the efficiency of your solar panels, including:
- Temperature: High temperatures can reduce the efficiency of solar panels, which is why they’re typically designed to operate at temperatures between 59°F and 95°F.
- Shading: Shading can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels, which is why it’s essential to ensure that your solar array is installed in a location that receives minimal shading.
- Age: Like any technology, solar panels can degrade over time, reducing their efficiency. However, high-quality solar panels can maintain their efficiency for 25 years or more.
*In our area, regular cleaning is NOT needed. The cost of a cleaning is higher than a lifetime of debris-related loss of efficiency. Rain is all you need to clean your solar panels here in Tennessee.
How Do Rocky Top Solar’s Solar Panels Measure Up?
At Rocky Top Solar, we’re committed to providing our customers with the most efficient solar panels on the market. Our solar panels boast an average efficiency rating that is significantly higher than the industry average. This means that our solar panels can produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, resulting in greater savings for you.
Real-World Examples of Solar Panel Efficiency
To put solar panel efficiency into perspective, let’s consider a few real-world examples:
- A typical residential solar energy system in East Tennessee might produce around 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. With an efficient solar panel, you could potentially produce 10-15% more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
- If you’re looking to power a small business or farm in East Tennessee, a high-efficiency solar panel could make all the difference. For example, a 100 kW solar array with a 22% efficient solar panel could produce up to 120,000 kWh of electricity per year, compared to around 90,000 kWh with a lower-efficiency panel.
Why Choose Rocky Top Solar for Your Solar Energy Needs?
At Rocky Top Solar, we’re dedicated to helping East Tennessee homeowners and businesses harness the power of solar energy. Our team of experts has years of experience designing and installing solar energy systems that meet the unique needs of our region. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Rocky Top Solar for your solar energy needs:
- Experience: Our team has installed over 200 solar energy systems across East Tennessee, giving us a deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.
- Quality: We only use the highest-quality, made-in-America solar panels and equipment, ensuring that our systems are designed to last for years to come.
- Local Focus: We’re based in East Tennessee, which means we’re committed to serving our local community and providing personalized service to each and every customer.
Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is just one of the many factors to consider when it comes to investing in a solar energy system. By understanding how efficiency is measured, what affects it, and how to choose the right solar panels for your needs, you can make an informed decision that will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. At Rocky Top Solar, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our solar energy solutions and how we can help you harness the power of the sun.