On installing a solar panel, you are probably hoping for a reliable power supply in your residence. It is important to know that ultimately, the reliability of solar panels is determined by the life span and durability of your gadget. The longer it last, the higher guarantee that you will get back the investment you made when acquiring the device. However, there are other critical factors that influence the reliability of solar power. This article will discuss these factors in detail.
1. The Design and Type of Panel
The materials used in the manufacture of a panel have a great impact on the reliability of the gadget. For example, monocrystalline panels are made using the purest silicon and as such, they are more reliable and efficient in power supply.
They are closely followed by panels designed using polycrystalline silicon. Panels made using thin-film are the least efficient and reliable. When acquiring a solar panel, you should ensure that you know what is made of.
2. The Manufacturer and Cost of Solar Panels
Remember that different manufacturers have varying marks of quality. There are some manufacturers who create cheap solar panels using low-quality panels and there are others who focus on creating durable and highly efficient brands.
It is important to understand that there is a direct relation between the cost of a panel and its reliability. Solar panels that come at a heftier price are often more reliable because they are made using the best components. Panels made using low-quality materials come cheaper but they are also less reliable.
3. Your Location
Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate power. It therefore goes without saying that panels installed in areas that receive a lot of sunshine are more reliable. Panels installed in areas that rarely get sunshine such as Alaska may not be reliable due to inadequate exposure to the sun.
However, it is important to note that there are panels that have been specifically designed for use in areas that do not receive a lot of sunshine.
4. The Prevailing Temperatures and Climatic Conditions
You may probably be thinking that panels installed in areas with high temperatures such as deserts are more reliable. It may come as a shock that this not the case. Research has proven that high temperatures lower the efficiency of solar panels. Panels in areas with low temperatures that also receive a lot of sunshine are more reliable and effective when it comes to power supply.
The prevailing climatic conditions also affect the reliability of solar panels. For example, panels installed in dusty areas are less reliable and efficient. This is because dust usually covers the cells of the panels lowering their efficiency. Remember that for the cells of a panel to capture maximum energy from the sun, they should be unobstructed.
5. Installation Area
Panels are more reliable if they are installed in an area of the roof where they have direct access to sunlight for most of the day. Panels that are installed in areas where they are partially shaded at some point of the day will therefore be less reliable.
Remember that the entire solar panel does not have to be shaded for it to lower its efficiency. Even if it is only a small part of the panel that is shaded, the entire efficiency of the device will lower. It is therefore very important to pay special attention to where you are installing your panel.
6. Maintenance
On installing a solar panel, dust and other debris can settle on the surface of the device over time. The dust and debris will make it harder for the cells to collect and convert rays of sunshine to power. To ensure maximum efficiency, you have to clean your panels regularly. Uncleaned panels are less reliable since they provide less power.
How to Clean Your Solar Panels the Easy Way
In conclusion, the reliability of a solar panel can be gauged by its efficiency. The more efficient the panel, the more reliable it is. For maximum reliability, you should take all the necessary measures to ensure that your panels are operating at maximum efficiency.
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