How efficient are commercial solar panels?

Businesses can benefit from using commercial solar panel electricity in a number of ways. Reputation improvement is a significant advantage. Due to the current level of environmental concern, the demand for green services has drastically expanded.

By installing solar panels on your commercial property, you may reduce the environmental harm you create in one of the simplest and most cheap ways possible. You can initially reduce your carbon footprint thanks to it. By creating your own electricity, you can lessen the demand for commercial energy produced through unsustainable practises.

Solar panels on commercial buildings

Whether your business is big or small, commercial solar panels can be useful.

The majority of businesses operate during the day, making them excellent candidates for solar panel installation. Where there is excess generation i.e. when the solar panels are generating more than your business requires at any one point in time, then the excess generation is exported and sold to the grid.  This does require an export meter and associated contract to be in place.

The significant cost reductions are one of the main advantages; even small enterprises can make annual savings of several hundred pounds.

Can solar panels be 100% efficient?

Solar panels, as of current technology, cannot achieve 100% efficiency. The Shockley-Queisser limit, which for a single-junction solar cell is around 33.7%, places a cap on the potential maximum efficiency of solar panels. This restriction results from the way semiconductors absorb and transform solar energy into electricity. Commercial solar panels typically have efficiencies between 15% and 20% in real-world applications.

Understanding that obtaining 100% efficiency is not a realistic objective is crucial. However, the emphasis should be on increasing productivity while working within the limitations of the available technology.

Steps to maximize solar panel efficiency

While achieving 100% efficiency may be impossible, there are a number of steps you may take to raise your business solar panels' efficiency:

Eliminate shade

Shade can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Even partial shading of a solar module can lead to a substantial drop in electricity production. To maximize efficiency, ensure that your solar panels are installed in an area with minimal shade throughout the day. Trimming or removing trees and obstructions that cast shadows on your panels can make a noticeable difference in energy output.

Face the sun

The orientation of your solar panels is crucial for efficiency. Solar panels should ideally face south (in the Northern Hemisphere) to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Proper alignment ensures that the panels receive direct sunlight for an extended period, increasing overall efficiency.

Regular cleaning

Solar panels may become covered in dirt, dust, and other material, which hinders their capacity to efficiently absorb sunlight. To guarantee maximum effectiveness, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary.

Cleaning your solar panels with water and a soft brush can help remove dirt and grime, allowing them to operate at peak performance.

Experiment with Anti-Reflection Coatings

Anti-reflection coatings are designed to minimize the loss of sunlight due to reflection off the surface of solar panels. These coatings can boost efficiency and increase light absorption. To improve the efficiency of your commercial solar panels, look into the usage of anti-reflective coatings.

Explore commercial solar panels with Mypower

When it comes to choosing commercial solar panels, partnering with a reputable provider like Mypower can make a significant difference. Mypower is an expert at creating and installing commercial solar panel systems that are specifically suited to the requirements of businesses. You will get the most out of your investment thanks to their knowledge in efficiency maximisation and solar panel performance optimisation.

You can achieve more efficiency and better long-term returns by working with experts that comprehend the complexities of commercial solar installations. To ensure that your solar panels are working as efficiently as possible, Mypower can help you with the entire process, from your initial consultation to a full system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Businesses have a great chance to lower their energy expenses, lessen their carbon footprint, and support a sustainable future with the help of commercial solar panels. Even though achieving 100% efficiency is theoretically possible, there are practical steps you can do to make your solar panel system more effective.

Eliminating shade, proper orientation, regular cleaning, and considering anti-reflection coatings are essential practices to enhance performance.

Partnering with experienced professionals like Mypower can further optimize the efficiency and reliability of your commercial solar panels. Businesses can benefit from the economic and environmental advantages of clean, renewable energy by effectively utilising the sun's energy.