As energy prices continue to rise and concerns about climate change grow, more homeowners in Ireland are turning to solar panels to power their homes. However, one of the most common questions people have is how much electricity solar panels can generate.
While the amount of electricity generated can vary based on factors such as panel size, location, and weather conditions, understanding the basics of solar panel electricity generation can help homeowners make informed decisions about switching to solar power. This article will explore how much electricity solar panels can generate in Ireland and what factors can impact their performance.
What factors affect the amount of electricity generated by solar panels?
The amount of electricity that solar panels generate in Ireland depends on several factors, including:
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight a panel can convert into electricity. The more efficient a panel is, the more electricity it can generate. In Ireland, the average efficiency of solar panels ranges from 14% to 22%.
Weather Conditions
In Ireland, solar panels can still generate electricity on overcast days, but their output will be lower than on sunny days. The amount of sunlight that reaches the panels is the main determinant of electricity generation.
Solar Panel Orientation
The orientation of solar panels affects their electricity generation. Panels should be installed facing south to maximise electricity generation. However, panels facing east or west can still generate significant electricity.
Solar Panel Tilt
The tilt of solar panels affects their electricity generation. Panels should be tilted at an angle equal to your location’s latitude. In Ireland, the ideal tilt angle is around 36 degrees.
How much electricity do solar panels generate per square metre?
One square meter of silicon solar panels can generate approximately 150 watts of power on a clear, sunny day. However, the actual electricity generation will be lower than this figure due to the weather conditions.
How much electricity do solar panels generate in a day?
The amount of electricity generated by solar panels in a day depends on several factors, including the size of the panels, efficiency, and weather conditions. On an average sunny day in Ireland, a home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) can generate around 10-15 kWh of electricity per day.
How much electricity do solar panels generate in winter?
In winter, the amount of sunlight that reaches the panels is lower than in summer, so the electricity generation of solar panels will be lower. However, solar panels can still generate electricity in winter, and their output will depend on the weather conditions. On an average winter day in Ireland, a home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) can generate around 2-3 kWh of electricity per day.
How to Maximize Solar Panel Electricity Generation?
To ensure that your solar panels are generating the most electricity possible, here are some tips:
Optimise panel placement
Solar panels should be installed in an area that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day. Panels should also be angled correctly to capture sunlight as it changes throughout the day.
Keep panels clean
Dirt, dust, and debris can reduce the sunlight that reaches the solar panels, reducing their energy generation. Regularly cleaning the panels with water and a soft brush can help maintain efficiency.
Minimise shading
Shading from nearby trees or buildings can significantly reduce the sunlight that reaches the solar panels. Trim trees and remove any shading obstacles to maximise energy generation.
Monitor performance
Keep track of your solar panel system’s performance to ensure it generates the expected electricity. If you notice significant drops in energy production, it may be time to schedule maintenance or cleaning.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances can further reduce your electricity consumption, allowing your solar panels to generate a higher percentage of your energy needs.
Switch to Solar with Going Solar!
Switching to solar power is an excellent way to reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint. Solar panels can generate varying amounts of electricity depending on factors such as panel size, location, and weather conditions. At Going Solar, our experts can evaluate your energy needs, recommend the ideal solar panel system, and install the panels quickly and efficiently.
Choose Going Solar for significant savings on your electricity bills and a more environmentally-friendly energy source. Contact us today to learn more about how much electricity solar panels can generate and how we can help you switch to solar power.
