Efficiency Of A Solar Heating Panel

Solar energy factors range from 1 0 to 11.

Efficiency of a solar heating panel.

If a solar panel has 20 percent efficiency that means it s capable of converting 20 percent of the sunshine hitting it into electricity. Photovoltaic modules are tested at a temperature of 25 degrees c stc about 77 degrees f and depending on their installed location heat can reduce output efficiency by 10 25. That means the solar thermal system contributes more to water heating so less conventional energy is required. The values range from 1 to 11 with most residential systems having a water heater efficiency of 2 or 3.

The solar energy factor is defined as the energy delivered by the system divided by the electrical or gas energy put into the system. The efficiency and effectiveness of a solar water heating system will depend on the size and type of panels used and on positioning them to maximise absorption of solar radiation. As the temperature of the solar panel increases its output current increases exponentially while the voltage output is reduced linearly. The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today can reach almost 23 percent efficiency.

The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range. Use the solar energy factor sef and solar fraction sf to determine a solar water heater s energy efficiency. The higher the value the more energy efficient the system. It may seem counter intuitive but solar panel efficiency is affected negatively by temperature increases.