Photovoltaics is experiencing significant growth around the world, which has led to massive use of solar panels in both businesses and homes. Solar panels offer us substantial savings in energy costs. However, it is essential to take into account a number of factors that can influence its performance and, consequently, in the return of the investment that we make.
Temperature
Temperature plays a very important role in the performance of solar panels. Spain is characterized by its temperate climate with several months of high temperatures, especially in the southern regions. For this reason, It is essential to pay special attention to the thermal efficiency of the solar panels that are installed and understand how they perform in conditions of intense heat.
To determine if temperatures will negatively affect the performance of our solar panel and increase its degradation, it is essential to know its temperature coefficient. A coefficient closer to zero implies that there will be less energy loss when temperatures exceed those recommended by the manufacturer.
Panel degradation
La degradation in solar panels can have a significant impact on the performance of our systems and, ultimately, on the return on investment. Despite carrying out the recommended maintenance, we will not be able to prevent this phenomenon from appearing, but we can reduce its negative effects by carefully choosing the solar panels for our facilities.
In many cases, this will mean making a higher initial investment in order to upgrade to better quality panels, which in the long run will result in a much better return on investment.
Panels such as the Recom Lion model, which provide a 30-year guarantee on both product and performance, backed by Anti PID and LID technology, ensure minimal degradation throughout its useful life. These panels can boast a 91.25% yield over the 30-year period.
Tilt and orientation of the panels
The inclination and orientation of the solar panels are essential factors to make the most of the collection of solar energy in a specific location, and its determination implies an exhaustive previous study. In addition, the use of panels with advanced technologies, such as bifaciality o back contact, you can further increase efficiency by making the most of the amount of sunlight reaching the panel, thus maximizing the benefits of proper tilt and orientation.
Inclination
The optimal inclination of solar panels in Spain varies according to the geographical location within the country, but in general, a slope between 30 and 40 degrees is recommended to maximize the capture of solar energy throughout the year. This inclination applies especially in the central and northern regions of Spain, where the latitude is higher and the sun is lower in the sky during winter.
In the southern regions of Spain, where the sun is highest in the sky throughout the year, a slightly lower tilt, around 25 to 30 degrees, may be effective. However, the exact choice of slope will depend on specific factors, such as the exact latitude of the location, the season, and the orientation of the panels.
Orientation
The optimal orientation of solar panels in Spain, as in many other areas of the northern hemisphere, is towards the south. This implies that the panels must be directed towards the south cardinal point to take full advantage of the collection of solar energy throughout the year.
However, the precise targeting may vary depending on the specific location within Spain. For example, in the north, in regions such as Galicia or the Basque Country, where the sun does not reach very high heights in the sky, it is recommended to orient the panels to the south, but with a slight adjustment to the southwest to make the most of the sunlight available.
In any case, we will need to carry out a previous study for both orientation and inclination to ensure the productivity of our panels.
Dirt on the panels
Dirt buildup on solar panels can cause a significant reduction in power production by hampering the solar cells' ability to effectively capture sunlight. Besides, this buildup of dirt can contribute to increased temperatures in the panel, which in turn further decreases power production.
Therefore, improper maintenance of solar panels that does not include regular cleaning can lead to faster degradation over time, thus reducing their useful life and generation efficiency.
Panel quality
The quality of solar panels is a critical factor in ensuring constant and reliable energy production throughout its useful life.. Plus, high-performance panels like the ones we work with at Pebblex have a long life and warranty, which means they continue to generate power for decades to come.
Aiko, for example, produces its own cells and performs the entire manufacturing process, which ensures superior quality.. In the case of its 620W All back contact panels, they achieve an efficiency of 24%, consolidating themselves as the leaders in efficiency in the current market.
When you invest in high-performance solar panels, you're making a smart decision that brings both short- and long-term benefits.
Include the most efficient modules in your installation
At Pebblex we distribute panels such as the 620W Aiko ABC White Hole Series that offer an efficiency of 24% (the highest on the market) with a temperature coefficient of -0,29% /ºC and a performance guarantee of 88,85% in 30 years.
