Looking at the sun is bad for your eyesight. Yet, looking at how the sun’s light can be turned into electricity is great for both your wallet and the environment (oh, and your eyes, too).
Solar panels are not just for small homes and offices. They can be used in commercial buildings, large homes, and other places to generate clean energy.
But how much energy can solar panels produce? We’ll break the answer down for you to make sure you’re well-equipped when the time comes to install solar panels on your property.
How Much Energy Can Solar Panels Produce?
The answer will depend on several factors that all intertwine to create the final output. Here are a few of the main factors to consider.
Geographical Location
Solar panels will produce less energy in places that are farther away from the Equator. This is because the sun’s rays are weaker in higher latitudes and areas with more cloud cover.
As you compare the number of solar power panels you can produce, find out more about location support and how significant location is to your application.
Seasonal Sunlight
The amount of sunlight an area receives during certain seasons can also affect how much energy a solar panel produces. For instance, in the winter, solar panels produce a much lower percentage of the energy they made in the summer.
Like location can affect how well solar panels work, consider other factors that affect seasonal energy output. You’ll find it’s easier to calculate the amount of power you’ll need during the winter months with a good solar calculator for information on how much energy solar panels can produce.
Positioning (Angle, Direction, and Tilt)
Positioning solar panels is just as important as selecting the right location. The south side of buildings and homes receives the most sunlight, so installing panels on that side will lead to better solar panel performance.
The key is to position solar panels at the perfect angle. This angle depends on your geographical location. For North America and Europe, it tends to be approximately 30 degrees off vertical.
However, unless you’re using a solar battery to retain some of that unused energy, it may work out more financially viable to have an East-West array.
In most cases, you may sacrifice a slight drop in efficiency, but you could save the expense of a solar battery. This is most true if you’re only in the house in the morning and evening when the array is working at its peak, or you’re on a tariff where you can sell your energy back to the grid for greater financial benefits.
Quality of the Solar Panel Installation
The size and quality of the solar panel installation also have a say in how much energy it produces. If the panels aren’t well-positioned but have a thin plastic film on them, they’re not going to be very efficient.
Low-quality panels tend to produce less power than high-quality solar panels, which is why you should select the most efficient type. Get several quotes from solar companies near you to get an idea of the best quality for your budget.
The Best Solar Panel Companies Give Honest Consultations
The best way to gauge how much energy can solar panels produce is to consult qualified solar panel companies that can give you a quote that’s tailor-made to your property.
That way, you’ll have the best knowledge of understanding how to maximize your solar panel savings both in the short term and the long term.
Keep checking out articles for home improvement ideas to brighten up your life!
