The efficiency of solar panels can decrease over time. Weather conditions are the main factors that can lead to this degradation. The panels are constantly under strain from the effects of heat and cold. In addition to weather, the slope of the roof can have an effect on solar panels as well.
Weather affects solar panels' efficiency.
The ambient temperature will affect the efficiency of a solar panel. One percent of the panel's peak output will be lost for every degree of temperature rise. The temperature coefficient is a measure of the effect temperature has on your panel. High summer temperatures (such as those in California) will lead to a lower efficiency.
Snow and ice can also reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Solar panels are not ice-resistant but can take some time to warm up after a night of freezing temperatures. In addition, the snow will block some of the sun's rays, which reduces efficiency. Similar to the winter months, solar panels will produce less energy because of the less daylight they receive.
Effects of color
Solar panels that harness the sun's light are more efficient that those that don't. Photovoltaic production requires only a small percentage of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. This is because the shorter the wavelength, a solar cell's efficiency will decrease. The second law in thermodynamics says that the energy absorbed must be equal to the energy emitted.
You can choose from a variety of colors for your solar panels. It is important to choose the right color as it will affect the amount light that panels reflect. Contrary to this, panels with lighter colors will reflect less light. This will result in a decrease in light transmission, which will affect the panel's current and overall power output. The extent of the loss will depend on which color you choose. But, the darker the color the better. An interference coating is a good option to reduce the effect. This will help reduce reflection and improve performance.
Chemical buildup has adverse effects
Over time, solar panels are likely to lose some of their efficiency. This is known to be degradation. This is a natural process that occurs when panels are exposed to sunlight and other elements. It can cause significant reductions in panel production. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar panel capacity can drop anywhere from 0.5 percent to 0.8 per year. Although it isn't usually significant enough for most home-owners, this is something to keep in mind.
Many chemicals are used in the manufacture of solar panels. These chemicals can pose a threat to the environment. Some manufacturers of solar panels may simply dump these chemicals, rather than recycling them. Some solar panel manufacturers might try to reduce costs by using nonrecyclable materials and byproducts that could degrade panels.
The effects of roof slope
The slope of your roof might not be as crucial as you think. In fact, slope has less of an effect on solar panel efficiency than direction. The highest energy production will be achieved by solar panels on steep roofs that face east at a 15 degree angle. The energy production will be reduced by about ten percent if the tilt is reduced to five degrees. Flat roofs on the other side will be covered by leaves, windborne particles, and dust. They don't need to be cleaned.
Depending on your location, your orientation for your solar panels is important. Ideally, they should be facing the true south. According to Aurora Solar, the loss of energy from solar panels orientated north or south will be around eight percent. Solar panels on a north-facing rooftop may also be partially obscured in morning and evening.
Temperature and its effects
The efficiency of solar panels is affected by the temperature. The temperature at which the most efficient panels perform is around 25 degrees Celsius, or 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the industry norm for best performance. Manufacturers evaluate their panels based upon the amount they can produce energy at each temperature. The temperature coefficient describes how much of that energy is reduced by increasing the temperature beyond this standard. This number is found on the panel's specification sheet.
The effects of temperature on solar panels are obvious. During the summer, solar panels generate more energy than they would in the winter. This effect will however balance in most climates. It is therefore important to pay attention to the temperature in your local area to ensure optimal performance.