Tampa Solar Panels – How Much Power do Solar Panels Make?
Solar panel mathematics explained, and how solar is the beacon of sustainable energy under the Tampa sun.
Tampa Bay homeowners want to know what kind of energy or how much electricity their solar panels will produce on an average day before heading to Google and searching for “solar near me” to start scheduling your appointments with the best solar companies you can find.
Most homeowners are looking for a free “solar calculator” that will help them get a better understanding of how much energy a solar panel can produce.
For many Tampa residents, the allure of solar energy isn’t just its sustainability, but its financial and economic advantages that are made available to people in the state of Florida.
Being a homeowner in the Tampa Bay area means you are in a prime location for solar energy. As traditional energy sources become scarcer and more expensive, the shift towards solar energy is not just an environmental decision but a financially prudent one. To truly appreciate the value that you can get from your home solar panels, it can be insightful to learn about the science and math behind it yourself.
Let Expert Solar, a leading name in Tampa solar installations take you deep into the science and math behind solar panels to help you understand their true potential.
Bonus Material: Get an inside look at how other homes went solar with Expert Solar and see how much electricity each home is making by itself! Real projects. Real homes. Real results.
How To Calculate a Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel can convert sunlight into usable electricity. This conversion rate is influenced by several factors. Before we get to the formula, let’s look at what is involved.
Type of Solar Cell
Solar cells come in various types, with monocrystalline cells leading the pack in efficiency. They’re followed by polycrystalline and thin-film cells. Each type has its unique structure and properties, influencing its ability to convert sunlight. The reference image above is by the Department of Energy, an official government entity.
Material Quality
The quality of materials used in a solar panel play a pivotal role in its performance. Premium materials, like those used by Expert Solar, ensure optimal conversion rates and improved life-spans.
Panel Orientation
For maximum efficiency, solar panels must be oriented to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. In Tampa, this means panels should predominantly face south.
Solar Panel Power Production Math Explained
- Solar Panel Rating (in Watts): This is the maximum power a solar panel can produce under ideal sunlight conditions. It’s usually provided by the manufacturer.
- Solar Irradiance: This is the amount of sunlight received per square meter. On average, the Earth’s surface receives about 1000W/m^2 of solar irradiance during peak sunlight hours. However, this value can vary based on location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions.
Reference: Solar and Moon Position Algorithm (SAMPA) – This article discusses the algorithms for calculating the solar zenith and azimuth angles in the period from the year -2000 to 6000, with uncertainties of ﾱ0.0003ﾰ.
- Peak Sunlight Hours: This is the number of hours in a day when solar irradiance averages 1000W/m^2. It varies based on location and time of year. For instance, Florida might average around 5.5 peak sunlight hours per day over the course of a year.
Reference: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – NREL provides solar resource data and tools, including maps that show average daily solar potential for different regions.
4. Efficiency of the Solar Panel: Solar panels convert only a fraction of the sunlight they receive into electricity. This efficiency can range from 15% to 22% for most commercial panels.
Reference: Progress in Photovoltaics – This journal often publishes advancements in solar panel efficiency, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of photovoltaic technology.
5. Losses Due to Inefficiencies: No system is perfect. There are losses due to inefficiencies in inverters, temperature losses, and other system inefficiencies. On average, these losses can account for about 20% of the energy produced.
Reference: Energy losses in photovoltaic systems – This paper from the IEEE Xplore digital library discusses the various energy losses in PV systems.
The Equation
Given the factors above, the average daily kWh output of a solar panel can be calculated as:
Average kWh Output = Solar Panel Rating × Peak Sunlight Hours × Efficiency × ( 1 − Losses Due to Inefficiencies )
Average kWh Output = Solar Panel Rating × Peak Sunlight Hours × Efficiency × (1−Losses Due to Inefficiencies)
For a 300W panel in Florida with an efficiency of 18%:
Average kWh Output = 300W × 5.5 hours × 0.18 × 0.8 = 237.6 Wh or 0.2376 kWh
Average kWh Output = 300W × 5.5 hours × 0.18 × 0.8 = 237.6 Wh or 0.2376 kWh
This means, on average, this panel would produce about 0.2376 kWh per day in Florida.
Solar Panel KWh Output Calculator
This calculator allows you to adjust the efficiency of your solar panels and provides an estimate of their energy production per hour, day, and month (30 days) for both summer and winter daylight averages.
Important Note About This FREE Calculator: Your solar panels output production depends on several factors, including your home's size, shape, location, and surroundings. For the most accurate calculations for your home, get your 100% risk-free, no-money-down solar consultation. You will get a free 3D solar project design by the most trusted name in Tampa solar installations customized to your home energy needs and a complete understanding of what your Tampa Bay solar home can do for you!
The Future of Solar Energy in Tampa Bay
Solar energy, with its dual benefits of environmental sustainability and cost savings, is poised to be the future of energy in Tampa Bay. Expert Solar, with its commitment to quality and innovation, is at the forefront of this revolution. By understanding the science and math behind solar panels, residents of Tampa can make informed decisions, ensuring they harness the sun’s power to its fullest potential.
