The efficiency of a solar panel refers to the amount of electricity it generates from sunlight falling on it. The higher the efficiency, the more value you will get from your investment. In this blog, we will discuss what affects solar panel efficiency. From the weather to the location of your roof, here’s what you need to consider.

6 Major Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency

Here are key factors affecting solar panel efficiency:

1. Weather

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. If the weather is bright and sunny, electricity generation will be a lot more than if the weather is cloudy. For maximum return on investment, a solar plant must receive ample amounts of sunlight. Therefore, weather is a critical factor for solar panel efficiency.

2. Location

Different parts of India get different amounts of sunlight. The sunlight a particular location receives depends on the sun’s location with respect to that place. As the earth revolves around the sun, the sun’s location with respect to a place changes throughout the year.

The angle at which sunrays fall on a panel is of high importance. A greater angle leads to more intensity, and therefore more electricity generation. It is one of the key aspects of how solar panels work.

3. Temperature Coefficiency

Temperature coefficiency refers to a decrease in electricity production with an increase in temperature. For measurement, the temperature increase is measured from 25°C. Temperature coefficient of a solar panel is usually in the range of -0.3%/ °C to -0.5 / °C. Thus, a significant increase in temperature can lead to a decline in on grid solar system’s efficiency.

4. Technology

There are different kinds of solar panels such as poly, mono, mono PERC, half cut, and TOPCon solar panels. Each of them has a different efficiency. In the following table, you will find efficiency of each of these panels.

5. Shadow

Except half cut solar panels, most solar panels don’t work if a shadow falls on them. The shadow could be created by a tree, home, or another object. It can be one of the reasons why solar panel efficiency is low. For maximum solar panel benefit, you must ensure that no shadow falls on the solar plant.

6. Dust Covering the Panel

Dust pollution is a significant problem for solar plants in India. Soil, dust, and bird droppings can gradually accumulate over your solar plant. If you don’t clean them for 6 months, the performance of your plant can go down by 30%. If you are wondering how to increase solar panel efficiency, you can ask your company for an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC). Once you have an AMC, the company will take care of the cleaning and servicing needs of the plant for a specified period.

It is very natural to ask what affects solar panel efficiency when you buy a solar plant. From the technology of the plant to the shadow falling on the roof, there are several factors for you to consider. Once you are aware of them, you can make an informed decision to buy the best plant for your home.