SOLAR PANELS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS.
Solar panels , often mounted on roofs, use the sun’s rays in one of two ways
- To heat water OR
- To generate electricity
This site does not offer advice on the suitability of solar panels for a particular application but it is suggested intending purchasers of panels using silicon photovoltaic cells to generate electricity, look at the panel efficiency. The average efficiency of traditional silicon-based cells are 20%, some are 24% and others are only 15% – added to which panel efficiency may fall by 15% over time. A further point to note is that so-called Tandem Cells are becoming available which have an efficiency level of 29% and it is claimed 40% is eventually achievable. Such Tandem Cells have Silicon and Perovskite Cells to capture different characteristics of sunlight. The technology is new and should be evaluated with caution.
For those wishing to develop their understanding of solar cells, both to heat water or generate electricity, the following “Which” articles on-line will prove useful :
www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/guides
www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/solar-panels/buying-advice-for-solar-panels-avuN963Tapz
