The demand for solar energy has soared over the years, topping the 100 gigawatts energy count. Solar energy accounts to more than 20% of total energy generation in Victoria. Harnessed through solar panels, there are a lot of factors that determine the solar output at your property. To make sure which panels will work the best to meet your needs, you should know everything about the efficiency and costs.
What Actually Is Solar Panel Output?
The amount of energy generated by solar panels is known as solar panel output. The ratings are generally based on the energy wattage they produce.
Energy consumption is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Translating the solar panel power output from watts to kWh tells us what capacity of energy they can produce.
Factors To Consider Based On Solar Panel Output
- Your Energy Usage
Almost every homeowner can give a brief idea of how much energy they consume per month by reviewing their electricity bills. By determining the approximate kWh that your residence uses annually, you can figure out which capacity of solar panels will work the right for you.
- Your Environmental Footprint
Based on your residential usage, you can easily determine if you should reduce your footprint or just go off the grid. By calculating the upfront costs, you can choose rooftop solar panels or off the grid ones. The latter are comparatively costly.
- Your Energy Efficiency
To reduce your energy dependency, you can consider investing in energy efficient appliances. This will decrease your energy usage and lower the number of solar panels needed, thereby minimizing the costs.
Is There Any Reduction In Solar Panel Output Over Time?
In most cases, solar panel output decreases over time with an annual drop of 0.5 percent. There are many reasons that contribute to this, including degradation, extreme weather conditions and soaring temperatures. Rooftop solar panels go through harsher conditions compared to the ground ones.
Though typical solar panels offer warranties that last for around 20-30 years, it’s better to maintain them every year to prevent efficiency reduction.
Now that you know what solar panel output is and the factors associated with it, it’s the best time to make up your mind about going solar. Online Air and Solar is a trusted solar panel installation company in Melbourne proudly assisting households and businesses in going solar.