MT Solar panels can provide your home or business with an affordable alternative to fossil fuels. They can also help reduce your carbon footprint.
The panels produce electricity through the photovoltaic effect, in which sunlight excites electrons in a silicon-based semiconductor. The electrons are then funneled into wires, creating electric current.
The up-front costs of solar panels are still a significant barrier to many homeowners, but panel efficiency improvements and federal and local incentives have made going solar more affordable than ever. In addition, energy savings and reduced reliance on fossil fuels make the financial case for solar even stronger over time. Solar calculators and project cost averages can help you determine if it’s the right time for you to invest in renewables. A licensed installer can provide a detailed evaluation of your energy needs and competitive estimates for a complete system solution.
The installation process will account for 10-20% of your total solar panel system costs, and it’s important to leave this task to qualified professionals for safety and optimal performance. Professional installation also ensures that you’re eligible for all available incentives and rebates.
Other cost factors include the type and brand of panels, as well as the size and condition of your roof. A high-quality system will typically come with a warranty, and choosing a well-established manufacturer can reduce your initial investment.
Your annual energy usage will also influence your system size and thus its costs. Considering your energy consumption in terms of seasonal fluctuations and future usage changes is critical to avoid over or undersizing your system.
Whether you choose monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film panels will impact your cost and energy output. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but the most expensive, while polycrystalline and thin-film offer a balance of efficiency and cost.
Supporting equipment like inverters, racking systems and monitoring technology can also affect the overall cost of your system. Purchasing in bulk and leveraging incentives can help reduce these costs. Alternatively, you may be able to finance your solar panel purchase through an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM).
Efficiency
The efficiency of solar panels measures the percentage of solar irradiation that gets converted into electricity. The higher the solar panel efficiency, the more power it can generate. This is a key factor when choosing the right solar system for your home or business. The good news is that today’s dominant PV technologies can achieve up to 22-24% efficiency, with some next-generation technology pushing this figure even further.
Solar panel efficiency is determined by the design, materials, and positioning of the cells within each unit. The most efficient panels are monocrystalline, made from high-purity silicon and designed to withstand the elements. Polycrystalline and thin-film models are less expensive but not as effective. Orientation is also a crucial factor, with the best placement of the modules taking into account your latitude and the pitch of your roof.
Another key consideration is the amount of sun exposure your solar system will receive. A well-positioned system can maximize energy production, especially if the modules are tilted to match the sun’s movement throughout the day and year. Using special inverter technology, you can track and adjust the tilt of each module.
Lastly, the amount of heat generated by solar panels can affect their efficiency. This is because the semiconductors inside are sensitive to high temperatures. To avoid this, the panels are manufactured to operate at 25 degC or 77 degF – the optimum temperature for solar photovoltaic cells.
While solar panels can work in the rain, their performance may slightly decrease when clouds cover them. This is because the direct sunlight that reaches them will be scattered by particles in the clouds, but it will still reach the ground. Fortunately, PV manufacturers have been developing new technologies that can slow down this decline, making it easier for homeowners to enjoy a long-term, stable source of energy.
Despite these minor losses, years of research and real-world data confirm that solar panels can reliably produce energy for decades, frequently exceeding initial manufacturer projections. As a result, most solar savings estimates incorporate this small annual loss to provide a realistic expectation of energy savings over the life of your PV system.
Durability
The durability of solar panels is an important factor to consider when choosing a renewable energy system. This is because solar panels can experience degradation over time, affecting their efficiency and lifespan. It’s important to choose a high-quality panel that has passed rigorous IEC testing and industry standards, which ensures that it can perform reliably in a variety of climates.
In addition to passing standard tests, solar panels must also pass environmental impact and structural integrity assessments. These tests simulate real-world conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and humidity. Freeze-thaw cycles expose the panels to alternating extremes of cold and heat, while damp heat tests evaluate the panel’s resistance to moisture intrusion and corrosion. These tests help manufacturers identify any potential problems with thermal expansion and contraction, which can result in cracks and other damage over time.
Another important consideration when selecting a solar panel is its ability to resist weather events, such as hail storms. High-quality solar panels are designed to withstand these events, and many even undergo impact resistance tests to certify their durability. This demonstrates that the panels can withstand the effects of a hail storm without cracking or shattering.
Solar panels can also be tested for their resistance to other environmental factors, such as wind speed, rain, and snow. Moreover, they must meet stringent requirements for UV degradation and mechanical stress, as well as environmental ingress. The choice of backsheet materials, for example, impacts the performance and durability of the solar panels. Ideally, the backsheet should be resistant to UV ingress and have good moisture penetration resistance. In addition, the front glass must be able to protect the solar cells while maintaining transparency for maximum energy absorption.
Although PV solar panels can last up to 40 years, it’s important to conduct periodic maintenance and inspections to keep them in optimal condition. Routine cleaning removes dust and debris from the surface of the solar panels, preventing degradation and improving their performance. In addition, a professional technician can inspect your system for any loose connections or other signs of degradation, which should be addressed immediately to minimize the impact on the panels’ long-term durability.
Maintenance
Solar panels are significantly less maintenance-intensive than traditional household energy systems such as air conditioning units, which require regular filter replacements and cooling system inspections to keep running. However, they still need some ongoing maintenance. The most important task is to visually inspect the solar panel surface and ensure that there are no signs of failure or dirt build-up. Dirty panels can lose up to 30% of their performance, so keeping them clean is essential. In addition, it’s a good idea to check that nearby trees haven’t grown and are shading the solar panels.
Other common problems include faulty inverters, which can cause overvoltage or undervoltage issues, or poor cell conversion rates due to cracks within the cells. These problems can be difficult to diagnose, but a professional can help you diagnose and fix them. Another potential problem is a deteriorating back sheet or encapsulant, which can degrade over time. These parts are designed to protect the solar cells and the electrical components from external stresses and act as an insulator. Over time, exposure to UV rays can break down these layers, which can affect the photovoltaic cells.
During the initial phase of a solar power installation, it is essential to monitor your electricity consumption and energy production to ensure that everything is running smoothly. A smart inverter can make this process much easier by automatically optimizing energy use and detecting any problems. In addition, you can get real-time data on energy usage and production with online monitoring apps.
A comprehensive maintenance plan will help you minimize the costs of your solar panel installation, extending its lifespan and improving its performance. Routine maintenance, including cleaning and basic inspections, is relatively inexpensive, costing only $3-7 per kW annually. Preventive maintenance, which includes detailed technical inspections and minor repairs, costs an additional $5-8 per kW annually.
It is recommended to schedule annual professional inspections to detect any potential problems and ensure that the system is working at peak efficiency. This may include checking wiring connections, mounting hardware, and the inverter. In addition, the technician will examine the roof for any damage or leaks. If a problem is identified, the contractor can repair it before it becomes more expensive.