When it comes to solar power systems, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by information. But if you gloss over some details, you’ll be selling yourself short. Solar panels’ efficiency ratings and temperature coefficients both impact overall efficiency, and are one of those areas where knowledge is power.
Getting familiar with these distinct factors can help you get the most bang for your buck when going solar!
Let’s start with the most common number you will see, the efficiency rating. This is the ability of the panel to convert sunlight into electricity. The rating is determined under Standard Test Conditions (STC) that measure the amount of energy the PV panel can convert to DC power when it is ‘flashed’ with precisely 1000 watts of light per square meter, under conditions consistently kept at 77° F. Sunbright Sidenote: Does 77 degrees sound nothing like the Arizona summers you’re familiar with? You’re right to be wary! Keep reading to understand how the temperature coefficient is important for Arizona solar panel installations.
The range of efficiency ratings for typical residential and smaller commercial solar power installs is about 14-18%, with high-end panels at around 19-20%. Sunbright Sidenote: Panasonic’s HIT Solar Panels are at the very high end of the range, coming in at 18.5% to 20.3%. Sunbright Solar is Tucson’s only Panasonic Solar Premium Installer.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog on how this status helps Sunbright provide the best benefits and the best price for your solar installation!
Other factors also directly impact your solar power system’s efficiency, and therefore your solar return-on-investment (ROI).
Let’s focus on other big factor impacting Arizonans the most, the temperature coefficient. All electrical systems, including solar power systems, share that they don’t perform as efficiently in high heat. While it may sound negative when first hearing it, this is actually a bonus for smart solar customers!
Tucson and Southern Arizona have abundant sunshine, and if you plan for the harsh summer temperatures, you can build a solar panel system with the best ROI, that pays for itself the fastest. Sunbright Sidenote: Panasonic’s HIT Solar Panels hold the world record for the lowest temperature coefficient (lowest is best!).
Bottom Line: Solar panels’ efficiency ratings and temperature coefficients have a large impact on your solar panel system’s overall return-on-investment. In Southern Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures, the temperature coefficient is possibly the most important specification to consider when deciding which solar panels will be the best investment.
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