Pacific Solar explains the ins and outs of commercial solar efficiency

Commercial solar installation gives you the power to put money back in your pocket. And with the increasing efficiency of solar panels, the amount of money your business stands to save is only increasing!

Solar panels are at the most efficient point they’ve ever been at, and that they’re only getting better.

But just how efficient are solar panels, anyway? And what can influence your panels’ efficiency?

While it’s a somewhat dry topic, it’s important that you carefully consider efficiency before committing to commercial solar in Melbourne. Today, the Pacific Solar team will explain

Solar power efficiency
What variables impact it
How we build you the most efficient system possible

What we mean when we say “efficient”

“Efficiency” with regards to solar panels simply refers to how much sunlight they’re able to convert into electricity for your business.

Assuming ideal conditions, most solar panels tend to hover between 15-20% efficiency, converting roughly that much of sunlight into usable energy.

While it may not sound like much, it’s a huge step up from the solar panels of old, which oftentimes would struggle to crack double-digits.

Thanks to breakthroughs in solar PV cells however, solar panel efficiency is soaring!

It’s important to note that today, we’re talking about panel efficiency, and not the efficiency of individual solar cells.

While these two are closely related, they are completely separate concepts – we may have to do another article in the near future explaining them (watch this space!)

Variables that influence efficiency

You’ll be pleased to know that solar panels are at the most efficient point they’ve ever been at, and that they’re only getting better!

Direct sunlight

Obviously, the amount of sunlight your solar panels receive will affect their efficiency!

If it’s an overcast day or your panels spend part of the day in the shade, their efficiency is naturally going to be impacted. While they’re capable of generating power using ambient light, the output is going to drop.

While we can’t control the weather, our team can certainly minimise the amount of time your panels spend in the shade!

During the design stage, your installer will take into consideration tree cover and other types of shade. We may suggest trimming overhanging branches, or install your panels in areas where they won’t be shaded by other buildings.

In addition to shade directly overhead, we’ll also consider shade throughout the day. Some sites are surrounded by tall trees that may block morning or afternoon sunlight.

Mounting angle

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about the importance of the pitch your solar panels are installed at. In case you missed it, here’s the link.

In summary however, the angle determines how much sunlight actually hits your solar panels, with the ideal angle being the one that maximises the amount of sunlight received during the day.

Here in Melbourne, that ideal angle is 37.8°, facing north.

When planning for commercial solar in Melbourne, our team first take into consideration the roof of your commercial and consider the pitch of the existing roof. We’ll then install mountings that put your panels at the ideal pitch and angle for maximum efficiency.

Temperature

There’s a reason solar is booming here in Australia, and not in, say, Scotland – namely, we have heaps of sun down here.

However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing!

Higher temperatures lead to hotter panels, which are less efficient and effective and which may suffer from degraded output.

Luckily, while Melbourne’s climate can be unpredictable, rarely does it climb to the point where you’ll see serious dents in solar efficiency. If you’re thinking of commercial solar installation in Melbourne, don’t let this worry stop you!

Panel age

While solar panels may not have many moving parts, it should go without saying that just as with other mechanical equipment, they can often wear out and degrade with time.

Just like your smartphone starts slowing down, your solar panels will lose some of their efficiency as they age.

Luckily for you:

Modern solar panels have considerably longer lives than before
The amount of efficiency lost is a lot lower than you’d expect

For example, LG solar panels (our preferred brand) are designed to maintain 90% of their rated efficiency even after 25 years of continued use and exposure to the elements.

The surprising role brands play in solar efficiency

Not all solar panels are made equal!

While there are many new solar brands that have sprung up in recent years in response to increased global demand for solar, not all of them are trustworthy enough to install at your business.

SImply put, a lot of the new brands simply aren’t very good. They may not have the experience of existing solar brands, may have defects in their manufacturing or QC processes, or lack the research and development budgets of larger brands.

Either way, the result is the same: their panels simply…

Don’t last as long
Aren’t as durable
Are inefficient

Luckily, you needn’t worry about dodgy panels from no-name brands when you choose Pacific Solar for your commercial solar in Melbourne.

We exclusively work with reputable names in the solar industry – one of which is LG Solar.

Our team are big proponents of the LG brand, for a number of reasons – they’re durable, backed by a 25-year warranty period, and developed world-class engineers and scientists.

Most importantly however, LG solar panels also offer some of the most energy-efficient solar panels on the market, sitting comfortably at the top of the efficiency charts.

Not just the panels, either…

While your panels may be responsible for capturing sunlight, they aren’t the only part of your commercial solar system.

Case in point: inverters.

All energy generated by your solar panels passes through an inverter, which converts it into usable electricity. An inefficient inverter can result in even more energy being lost before you have the opportunity to use it.

And that directly translates fewer savings for you.

Luckily, we don’t skimp on inverters, either – you can be confident that you’re being fitted out with durable and highly-efficient inverters on top of highly-efficient panels!

Thinking of commercial solar installation in Melbourne?

If so, Pacific Solar can help.

Based right here in Moorabbin, we’re specialists in commercial solar installation. From shops in small retail strips to huge factory and warehouse complexes, our team can easily scale our operations to match yours.

And it isn’t just Melbourne, either – our team can install commercial solar anywhere in Australia, including remote locations and regional towns.

Start saving money today – talk to Pacific Solar about commercial solar installation in Melbourne. Give our team a call on 1300 448 447, or click here to contact us online.