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where do pv panels lose their efficiency

  • 30-12-2011 11:22pm
    #1
    pdmac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 ✭


    i read some where that PV panels are average 12% efficiency.
    where is the 88% lost??


Comments

  • #2
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    The other 88% is reflected or radiated away from the panel as heat.


  • #3
    brophis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 142 ✭✭brophis


    pdmac wrote: »
    i read some where that PV panels are average 12% efficiency.
    where is the 88% lost??
    A more detailed explanation can be found at http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell_efficiency


  • #4
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    Most PVs are now in the range of 14 to 18% efficiency, and many high end modules are way higher.

    But loss of efficiency shouldn't be confused with losses. If you get a 240W panel, then in bright sunlight it will produce 240W.

    By the way, plants are only about 9% efficient at turning light into sugars, so PVs are really quite efficient.


  • #5
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    ^^^^
    Agree,the biggest inefficiencies of all is allowing 100% of free energy to go to waste by not having something installed to capture even a fraction of it.
    It comes down to cost and payback really.


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