Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. It is usually expressed as a percentage, and it represents the amount of sunlight that is converted into usable electricity by the solar panel.
To calculate the efficiency of a solar panel, you will need to know the panel's peak wattage and the solar panel's size in square meters.
Here's the formula:
Efficiency = (Peak wattage / Solar panel size) x 100%
For example, if a solar panel has a peak wattage of 250 watts and a size of 1.5 square meters, the efficiency would be:
Efficiency = (250 watts / 1.5 sq m) x 100% = 166.67%
Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate of the solar panel's efficiency, as it does not take into account factors such as shading, temperature, and angle of incidence, which can all affect the amount of electricity that the panel generates.
To get a more accurate measure of a solar panel's efficiency, you can use specialized tools and equipment, such as a solar simulator or a spectroradiometer, to measure the panel's output under controlled conditions. These tools can provide a more precise measurement of the panel's efficiency and help identify any issues that may be affecting its performance.
