There are many simple ways to increase the efficiency of solar panels that can help you optimize your entire solar system. Moreover, optimizing the efficiency of solar panels is crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing the performance of the solar power configuration.
As technology continues to evolve, the efficiency of solar panels also becomes a focus of improvement. So, regardless of the type of solar energy system you’re using, it is important to be updated with the latest information on how to increase the efficiency of solar panels.
With that in mind, the experts at Portable Sun have gathered the latest insights on how to increase the efficiency of solar panels and translated them into easy-to-follow, actionable tips. Let’s see what they are!
What Is Solar Efficiency, and How Does it Work?
Solar efficiency is defined as the solar panel's ability to convert sunlight into usable electricity. It is expressed as a percentage of the amount of solar energy that a solar panel can convert into electricity. For example, if a solar panel is rated as 20% efficient, it can convert 20% of the sunlight it absorbs into electricity.
Apart from the solar panel quality, there are many other factors that significantly affect its efficiency. Generally, sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and regular maintenance are the most crucial factors (aside from panel quality and material) that affect its performance.
In addition, efficiency is of utmost significance for portable solar kits because they are frequently utilized in a variety of environments and in spaces that are restricted.
When solar kits are optimized for efficiency, users can generate more power from smaller panels, as well as charge devices and batteries more quickly, even when the weather conditions are not optimal.
How To Increase Efficiency of Solar Panels in 10 Ways
Here’s how to increase the efficiency of solar panels in 10 easy, applicable ways:
#1. Choose the Right Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar panels is the first and most essential step to maximize solar panel efficiency. Solar cell technology has come a long way in the past years, and the average efficiency has grown from around 10% to over 21%.
However, not all solar panels are created equal, so the material and structure of the model determine their efficiency (and cost).
One of the most straightforward ways to increase the efficiency of solar panels is to invest in high-quality solar panels. Modern solar panels are designed to convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity than older models. Home and business owners can significantly increase the output of their solar systems by investing in the latest models of solar panels.
Although the initial cost may be higher, buying one of the most efficient models of commercial solar panels is probably the most important thing you can do for solar panel performance improvement.
In addition, using bifacial solar panels can also be a way to increase the efficiency of solar panels and the entire system, as this type of panel captures sunlight from both sides.
#2. Ensure They’re Properly Positioned
The angle and orientation of solar panels play a vital role in maximizing their efficiency. By adjusting the tilt and orientation of the panels to face the sun directly for longer periods of the day, more sunlight can be captured, and the overall energy production increased.
Efficient use of space is key to maximizing the potential of solar panels. By strategically placing the panels and using the available space efficiently, the panels can capture more sunlight, thus increasing energy production.
#3. Regularly Clean and Maintain Your Solar Panels
Regular cleaning and maintenance are simple yet effective ways to improve solar panel performance.
Moreover, it is important to clean solar panels regularly from dust and dirt that can accumulate on the surface. There are many DIY solar panel cleaning methods that do not require any special skills or knowledge and can help you ensure the panels' proper operation.
How often solar panels need to be cleaned for efficient solar kit maintenance depends on several factors, such as the frequency of rainfall and the amount of soling. Over the course of a year, dust and dirt can cause as little as a five percent drop in electricity production.
However, if the panels become heavily soiled, perhaps in locations where rainfall is not frequent, the drop in production can be greater than 20 percent.
Therefore, in general, cleaning solar panels once a year is highly recommended, while more frequent maintenance (every few months) may sometimes be necessary depending on the weather conditions.
#4. Minimize Shading
Given that solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity, it is logical to assume that shadowed areas negatively impact the production of electricity.
However, many people are not aware of the effect of shadows on solar panels. Bear in mind that the photovoltaic solar cell behaves like a resistor and that one shaded cell can affect the energy generated by another neighboring cell.
Solar panels are primarily hindered by tall buildings and trees that block their light. Therefore, take your time during the planning process to analyze the area and ensure that shadows do not pose a problem for the generation of electricity.
The overall design and integration of a solar system affect its efficiency. By optimizing system design and integration, such as reducing shading and optimizing link configuration, solar panel efficiency and overall system performance can be improved.
#5. Use Mirrors
DIY solar enthusiasts and off-grid users may be particularly interested in using mirrors to maximize their solar system efficiency, as this method doesn’t require significant investment. The method of increasing solar panel efficiency with mirrors is also known as solar concentration.
It works in a very simple way: mirrors reflect sunlight onto the solar panel, thus increasing the intensity of light that the panel receives. The key to a successful implementation of this method is finding the best angle for positioning the mirrors to extend the panel’s effective operating hours.
This is a good solution for smaller solar power systems and in situations where space is limited, such as urban surroundings or portable solar systems.
#6. Optimize Energy Storage
Energy storage for solar systems such as solar batteries can help store excess energy produced by solar panels to be used when the sun is low. Since solar panels produce energy only when there’s light, without energy storage, their efficiency is limited by the weather conditions and amount of exposure to the sun.
However, integrating a quality solar battery into the system allows for the storing of excess energy produced by the panels when there is no light. By storing energy for later use, the overall efficiency of your solar panels maximizes as batteries ensure that you have electricity even on cloudy days and during the night.
In addition, pairing a solar panel system with a high-quality solar generator can also increase the overall efficiency of the entire system, ensuring maximum utility and minimal energy loss.
#7. Monitor the Performance
Performance monitoring systems monitor the output of solar panels and identify any problems that may affect their efficiency. By analyzing the performance data, adjustments can be made to improve the overall efficiency of the solar panels and ensure optimal energy production.
If you don’t monitor the amount of electricity generated by your solar power system, you will not be able to notice when the efficiency starts to decline.
#8. Choose the Most Efficient Instead of the Largest Solar Panel Models
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, and those photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into usable electricity. Though it would be great, solar panels cannot transform all the solar energy they receive into electricity.
Therefore, the efficiency of the solar panel represents the percentage of energy that the photovoltaic cell converts into electricity. So, instead of focusing on the panel’s size, focus on their efficiency. Smaller panels with higher efficiency are also easier to set up and install, and they provide more energy while taking less space.
#9. Maximize Use of the Space
Efficient use of space is key to maximizing the potential of solar panels. By strategically placing panels and using the available space efficiently, more sunlight can be captured, and energy production can be increased. By optimizing sunlight exposure, you’re optimizing energy production.
#10. Pay Attention to Solar Panel Guarantee
The average lifespan of solar panels is about 25 years, but that doesn’t mean they stop working after that period. This means that their efficiency starts to decrease, and they produce less electricity than at the beginning.
It is estimated that solar panels lose about 0.5% efficiency per year, which means that after 25 years, they would have about 88% of their initial efficiency.
Even the most favorable offer can have serious downsides if the product doesn’t come with a valid guarantee. Therefore, ask the seller or installer about the solar panels' guarantee. You need to know who you can turn to in case of failure or power loss and how the replacement of solar system components is defined in the contract.
Is a High-Efficiency Solar Panel the Best Choice for You
If the panel has a high percentage of efficiency, it doesn’t mean that it is the best choice for you!
Efficiency is an important factor, but not the only one. Here are two other factors besides efficiency that you should pay attention to when choosing a solar panel:
- Degradation rate. It measures how much the power of a solar panel decreases over time due to aging, wear and tear, and external influences. It is expressed as a percentage per year. The lower the degradation, the longer the lifetime of the solar panel.
- Temperature coefficient. It measures how much a solar panel’s output decreases with increasing temperature. It is expressed as a percentage per degree Celsius. The lower the temperature coefficient, the better the resistance of the solar panel to high temperatures.
It is not easy to take all factors into account, so feel free to consult our experts at Portable Sun when choosing a solar panel. They will make sure you make an informed choice and offer expert advice on all solar system-related questions.
Final Thoughts
So, we hope you now understand how to increase the efficiency of solar panels and how important it is to ensure the optimal functioning of your solar power kit.
Moreover, understanding how to make solar panels more efficient will help you maximize energy output while ensuring the longevity and performance of your entire solar power system.
Generally speaking, there is no question that, as technology continues to advance, the efficiency of solar panels will improve even further, thereby creating more opportunities to harness the sun’s energy.
How To Increase Efficiency of Solar Panels FAQ
#1. Can you increase the efficiency of solar panels?
Yes, you can increase the efficiency of solar panels primarily by focusing on proper installation, regular cleaning, and maintenance. Some other ways how to increase the efficiency of solar panels include using mirrors for solar concentration and investing in energy storage systems.
#2. Are monocrystalline panels better for efficiency than other types?
Yes, monocrystalline panels are considered the most efficient solar panels. Comparing monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline panels and other panel types, monocrystalline shows the best performance, especially in low-light conditions. Plus, they require less space to produce the same amount of energy as other solar panel types.
#3. Can upgrading components increase my solar panel's efficiency?
Yes, upgrading components can significantly increase solar panels’ efficiency. For example, advanced batteries like those offered by Portable Sun help you reduce energy waste and ensure optimal energy storage. New models of solar inverters convert direct current to alternate current more efficiently, while advanced solar tracking systems increase energy capture.
Disclaimer: The content on Portable Sun is for informational purposes only. Electrical work can be dangerous—always consult a qualified professional. We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses from installation or use. Always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when handling electrical components.