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Calculating Solar Panel Efficiency

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  • Calculating Solar Panel Efficiency

    I am currently doing a project concerning the efficiency of a solar panel array. I have data concerning the power (kW), energy (kWh), and solar radiation (W/m^2). My problem is that I am not sure exactly how to calculate the efficiency of the panels. I can't seem to find a standard way to do this. Could someone please help me out?

    Appreciate it

  • #2
    Originally posted by whitehouse431 View Post
    ... the efficiency of a solar panel array. I have data concerning the power (kW), energy (kWh), and solar radiation (W/m^2). ... how to calculate the efficiency of the panels.
    Last edited by MarineLiner; 06-06-2009, 09:38 AM. Reason: delete blank spaces

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    • #3
      Efficiency is around 13%.
      Take a panel of mine for example.
      It is 1 meter x 600millimeters (0.6 square meter)
      It is rated at 80 watts peak in 1000 watts per square meter radiation
      80 watts divided by 0.6 gives 133 watts per square meter .
      133 watts at 1000 watts radiation is 13.3%.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Mosesbbhhh View Post
        Efficiency is around 13%.
        .....
        133 watts at 1000 watts radiation is 13.3%.
        Last edited by MarineLiner; 06-06-2009, 10:15 AM. Reason: this post:

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        • #5
          The way a solar panel efficency on earth is determined is by how many watts of power is produced in a square meter. 100% on earth is 1,000 watts per square meter. If a solar panel sizes is 2 square meters and the output of the solar panel at 68 degrees F. is 160 watts the solar panel's efficiency is 8%. Temp. and size is always a factor and the output of the panel. Now for the big question. Yes in space the math is different. The formular is 1,500 watts a meter because there is nothing to weaken the sun's energy in space. But Temp is also a factor always to consider.

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          • #6
            Solar panel efficiency

            Originally posted by Mosesbbhhh View Post
            Efficiency is around 13%.
            Take a panel of mine for example.
            It is 1 meter x 600millimeters (0.6 square meter)
            It is rated at 80 watts peak in 1000 watts per square meter radiation
            80 watts divided by 0.6 gives 133 watts per square meter .
            133 watts at 1000 watts radiation is 13.3%.
            Im requesting anyone to suggest which type of equipment or setup I need to measure the actual solar panel efficiency, for example a 120W silicon solar panel

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            • #7
              Test Question on calulating solar panel efficiency

              I am trying to write a test question related to a brief course on pv. I have the following information, can someone help me understand the calculation?
              The question reads: What is the efficiency of a panel that measures 1m x 1.5m and is rated at 222P max?

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              • #8
                Panel efficency is generally rated by exposure to a known source.
                Look up words like INSOLATION sq meter
                Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

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                • #9
                  hey guys last time I have 12.25kw mounted on my roof facing slightly south of east. Conditions such as temperature and weather affect your output. I can say that in NJ at a lattitude of 41 degrees averaged over the year each one KW of panels produced 1400-1480 KW-hours/year. The longest days have 16 hours and the shortest have 6 hours. My bill has been zero for the year.
                  Last edited by russ; 09-16-2011, 09:32 AM. Reason: removed link
                  Carrie.T
                  [url=http://www.solar-panels-power-energy.com]Solar Energy[/url]

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by whitehouse431 View Post
                    I am currently doing a project concerning the efficiency of a solar panel array. I have data concerning the power (kW), energy (kWh), and solar radiation (W/m^2). My problem is that I am not sure exactly how to calculate the efficiency of the panels. I can't seem to find a standard way to do this. Could someone please help me out?

                    Appreciate it
                    how we calculaitng solar panels efficiency

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by whitehouse431 View Post
                      I am currently doing a project concerning the efficiency of a solar panel array. I have data concerning the power (kW), energy (kWh), and solar radiation (W/m^2). My problem is that I am not sure exactly how to calculate the efficiency of the panels. I can't seem to find a standard way to do this. Could someone please help me out?

                      Appreciate it
                      Easy
                      Subject your panel to 1000W per square meter irradiation with a special light as in the factory.
                      Measure Vmp on the module to come up with watts produced.
                      Measure the overall size of the module including the frame.
                      Say it is 1 square meter and is producing 150 watts.
                      That module is 15% efficient.
                      Now the bad news. The equipment to do this will cost > 10K
                      NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

                      [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

                      [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

                      [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Amarjee65
                        Good post !!!!!!!1
                        If you are posting nonsense, to try to spam here, forget it.
                        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                        Comment

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