As solar energy adoption grows, understanding solar efficiency has become a critical factor when selecting the right system for your home or business. But what exactly is solar efficiency, and why does it play such an essential role in your investment?
What is Solar Efficiency?
Solar efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight a solar module converts into usable electricity. In simple terms, the higher the efficiency, the more energy a solar module generates from the same amount of sunlight within a given surface area, making your system more productive. For example, a solar module with 18% efficiency converts 18% of the sunlight hitting its surface into electrical power.
How is Solar Module Efficiency Measured?
Solar module efficiency is measured under controlled laboratory conditions, using what's known as Standard Test Conditions (STC). This involves assessing the power output of the module at a standardised temperature (25°C) and solar irradiance (1,000 watts per square meter). These conditions create a consistent way to compare the efficiency of different solar modules, though actual performance may vary based on factors like temperature, shading, and the angle of sunlight.
Why Solar Efficiency is Critical for Your Solar Investment?
1. Maximising Energy Output for Limited Space
For homeowners, especially those with limited roof space, high-efficiency solar panels ensure you generate the most energy possible from your available area. You might also want to consider using modules that are smaller in size, like Volt Solar Tile. Their smaller size allows them to fit into tighter spaces and corners of your roof. This enables greater coverage, ensuring you make the most of your roof’s surface area, all while staying compliant with roofing and solar regulations.
2. Lowering Cost Over Time
High-efficiency solar modules reduce the number of modules needed to power your home, which in turn can lower installation costs. Though high-efficiency modules often come at a premium, the long-term savings on energy bills make the investment worthwhile. By producing more energy with fewer modules, you can see a faster return on investment and lower overall maintenance costs over time.
3. Lowering your Carbon Footprint
Aside from cost savings, higher module efficiency also contributes to higher environmental sustainability. With high-efficiency solar modules, you can generate more power using fewer materials, lowering the environmental impact of your system.
External Factors Affecting Solar Efficiency
In addition to the performance of individual modules, several external factors influence the efficiency of your solar system.
1. Temperature
Although it may seem counterintuitive, higher temperatures can actually reduce the efficiency of solar modules. To optimise system efficiency, especially in hotter climates, it's important to consider the temperature coefficient of your solar panels. Modules with a lower temperature coefficient maintain their efficiency better in warm conditions, leading to more consistent energy production. Therefore, choosing such modules is essential to mitigate efficiency losses.
2. Shading
Even small areas of shading can significantly impact solar panel performance, particularly for modules that employ older cell technologies, such as traditional monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. The design of these older technologies often means that shading on one cell can affect the entire string of connected cells, leading to substantial losses in energy production. This is why it's crucial to consider the shading tolerance of solar panels when selecting a system, especially in environments where shading might be a concern.
3. Module Orientation
The orientation of solar modules plays a crucial role in maximising the efficiency of your solar system. In Australia, a north-facing orientation is generally considered the most effective for optimising solar energy production. However, it's essential to consider other factors, such as your daily habits. For households where residents spend significant time away from home during the day, east and west-facing solar modules may be a more suitable option, as they can capture more energy from the morning and afternoon sun.
How Volt Solar Tile Measures up in the Solar Tile Market
If you’re considering high-efficiency integrated solar solutions, Volt Solar Tile offers a unique blend of performance and aesthetic appeal.
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Volt Solar Tile presents an impressive efficiency of 19.5% with our Lodge range and 18.8% for our planum range, making us the most efficient solar tiles globally and the only integrated solar tile system that achieves such high performance, catching up to the highest-performing conventional solar panels’ efficiency while offering the added benefit of being seamlessly integrated into the roof design.
Designed with a low thermal mass, Volt performs efficiently even in hot climates, minimising energy loss due to heat. Our solar tiles are also designed with high shading tolerance, ensuring optimal energy production even in partially shaded areas.
To help you maximise energy generation and ensure a solid return on your investment, our in-house team provides dedicated support in developing your initial design and cost estimates. Our nationwide installation partners, well-versed in the industry, will further refine this design, offering bespoke recommendations based on your unique circumstances. This ensures that you achieve the best value and performance from your Volt Solar Tile system.
Ready to make the switch to solar tiles? Talk to our team by submitting your details to our Volt Enquiry Form.