Understanding the Basics: How Do Solar Panels Actually Work?

If you're considering making the switch to solar power, you've likely come across references to solar panel efficiency ratings. But what exactly does solar panel efficiency mean, and why is it important? In this blog post, we'll break down the key details you need to understand about solar panel efficiency.

What is Solar Panel Efficiency?

Solar panel efficiency refers to how much of the sun's energy striking the panel is successfully converted into usable electricity. Standard solar panels on today's market typically have efficiency ratings ranging from 15% to 22%.

For example, if a solar panel has an 18% efficiency rating, that means it can convert 18% of the sunlight's energy into electrical energy. The remainder is reflected away or absorbed as heat energy instead of being turned into electricity.

Higher Efficiency = More Power Output A solar panel's efficiency rating directly impacts how much power it can generate for your home or business. The higher the panel efficiency, the more electricity it will produce from the same surface area when exposed to an equal amount of sunlight.

This efficiency factor then allows you to optimize your solar installation for the space available on your roof or property. Higher efficiency panels require taking up less area to meet your energy needs.

What Impacts Solar Panel Efficiency?

Solar panel efficiency primarily comes down to the technology and materials used in constructing the photovoltaic (PV) cells that make up the panel itself. Some key factors that affect efficiency include:

• Silicon cell type (monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline)

• Antireflective coatings to reduce light reflection

• Conductivity of the electrical circuitry built into the panel

• Operating temperatures of the PV cells

The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today use monocrystalline silicon cells and can reach efficiency levels over 22%. These premium panels demand a higher price but can be a smart investment to maximize your long-term solar savings.

Factiva's High-Efficiency Solar Solutions At Factiva Solar, we proudly manufacture our own solar panels using innovative technologies and rigid quality testing to deliver industry-leading efficiency ratings. Our highest efficiency solar panels clock in at over 22.8% - among the most powerful options available.

Whether you're looking to maximize solar production or create an elegant low-profile installation, our team will work with you to select the ideal solar panel efficiency and configuration for your unique needs. We'll ensure you get the most bang for your solar buck!

Interested in learning more about going solar with optimized efficient solar panels? Contact Factiva Solar today for a free solar assessment and customized savings estimate.