Solar Panel Performance Over Time

Monocrystalline solar panels are known in the solar industry as panels with the highest efficiency rating. Although all solar panels naturally produce less power over time because of degradation, there are a few strategies you can implement to help mitigate the loss. Read more to learn more about solar energy efficiency and how to properly care for your system to keep it performing at peak levels. 

What is solar panel efficiency? 

Solar panel efficiency refers to the rate at which solar panels produce energy. Solar panel manufacturers use the efficiency rating to measure how effectively solar panels generate power for your home. For example, solar panel efficiency could tell you how many watts of solar energy that your solar panels produce in one hour of sunlight. You can normally find the efficiency rating in the product specifications or on the back of your solar panels. 

What is the best type of solar panels for efficiency? 

Among the three types of solar panels, monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency rating. On average, monocrystalline panels have around a 20% efficiency rating. When you compare that rating to a 15-17% efficiency rating for polycrystalline and a 10-13% rating for thin film, you can see why monocrystalline is the best choice. Ultimately, since monocrystalline solar panels are the highest rated in terms of efficiency, you can expect them to retain more of their efficiency over the years. 

Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency Over Time?

Unfortunately, solar panels do lose some of their efficiency over time. Solar panels endure extreme weather conditions, including absorbing heat from those hot Raleigh summers and strong winds during the Triangle’s hurricane season. So, you can naturally expect panel production to decrease as they age. Fortunately, there are a few steps you could take to potentially help limit production losses:

1. Purchase monocrystalline solar panels

When you go solar, be sure to choose monocrystalline solar panels so that you can get the most out of your investment. Monocrystalline solar panels have the lowest degradation rate among all types of solar panels, so don’t settle for anything less. Monocrystalline solar panels are also black, which help them blend in much better to your roof, as compared to polycrystalline panels that are blue. 

2. Clean your solar panels twice a year

Solar panels naturally accumulate dirt. For example, all Raleigh residents are familiar with the yellow glow of pollen on spring days. Dirt can cause solar panels to produce less energy (not as much sunlight may get through), so it’s a good idea to clean them once or twice a year. Not only could maintenance potentially help your solar panels last longer, but it will help your panels perform at peak levels throughout the year. 

3. Ensure your panels come with a warranty

When you purchase your solar system, be sure that your panels come with a warranty that will ensure coverage in the event of a premature breakdown in performance. Solar panels are an important investment, and you want to feel confident that your solar panels will last. At Pink Energy, the panels we install come with a minimum 25-year product warranty, providing peace of mind for your investment. 

Go solar with Pink Energy today

When you choose Pink Energy for your solar installation company, you could experience the long-lasting benefits of our high-efficiency solar panels. We only offer monocrystalline solar panels so we can ensure that our customers are getting the best of the best. Talk to one of our solar experts today to see how you could start living a green lifestyle and experience the potential financial benefits of solar energy.