Engineering Community Blogs

Global warming poses a significant challenge to the efficiency of solar panels, directly impacting their performance compared to the industry standard test condition (STC) of 25 degrees Celsius.

As global temperatures rise, photovoltaic (PV) modules experience a decrease in efficiency. This is because semiconductors, the core material of solar cells, become less efficient at converting sunlight into electricity as their temperature increases. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide, this reduction in efficiency translates to substantial losses in potential renewable energy generation.

To mitigate these adverse effects and maximize PV output, a multi-pronged approach is essential.

Firstly, optimizing the efficient tilt angle of solar panels is crucial. This involves calculating and setting the angle at which the panels receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day and across seasons, accounting for the sun's path relative to the specific latitude.

Secondly, meticulous attention must be paid to the correct…

"Do you need to calculate the estimated annual energy production for your solar power project's feasibility, but your PV software license has expired and renewal isn't a priority due to other design software needs?

By using Excel, you can unlock vital solar irradiation data. Forget the "black box" of specialized software; you can demystify solar irradiation by using Excel.

Simply copy real-time data from weather satellites, apply some simple calculations, and with an understanding of solar photovoltaics, you can plot this data in Excel.

This empowers you to conduct your feasibility studies without breaking the bank, giving you the control and clarity you need for your solar power project.”