Solar panels are a great way to help save energy, but the solar panel lifespan can depend on many factors. The most common factors are temperature, humidity, tilt angle, and wind speed. By understanding how these factors impact the lifespan of your panels, you can get the most out of your investment.
Wind Speed
Wind speed has little influence on the amount of solar radiation that hits the ground. However, it can increase the efficiency of solar panels. As the sun’s heat increases, the air temperature rises, and the solar panel becomes cooler, allowing more energy to pass through. This can lead to an increased lifespan of solar panels. However, there is a limit to the amount of electricity that can be generated by wind.
Depending on weather conditions, wind speeds can range from ten to 140 mph. When winds reach these levels, many turbines are designed to shut down. The relationship between wind speed and solar irradiance is complex, with many factors at play. For example, the tilt of the Earth’s rotation axis and astronomical factors such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are both known to affect solar irradiance. These factors have predictable patterns, but the direct relationship between wind and irradiance is less predictable.
Relative Humidity
The relative humidity in your locale plays a significant role in the performance of your solar panels. This is why you must ensure your materials are carefully chosen. A solar panel exposed to high humidity will deteriorate much faster than one subjected to a low AQ.
There are several ways that relative humidity impacts the lifespan of a solar panel. One is the aforementioned corrosion. Another is the soiling effect. To mitigate these effects, you must employ the right materials and technologies. You can do this by using pure water and a robotic spray device. Other techniques include using anti-static coatings and insulating the cell.
Tilt Angle
The optimal tilt angle of solar panels determines the performance of the system. There are several ways to calculate this. Some methods involve using measured data. Other methods use models. However, the optimal angle depends on your needs, location and climate conditions.
One technique uses a computer program to solve the equations for total solar radiation on a tilted surface. This equation starts with measured hourly global and diffuse radiation. Next, it searches for the maximum amount of radiation. If the panel is tilted to its optimal orientation, it will receive the most sunlight. It also slows down the degradation of the panel. Therefore, its lifespan is longer.
When determining the optimal tilt angle of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, you need to consider the area’s climate and seasons. You can use an online solar calculator or a ruler to measure the shadow length.
Soiling
Soiling affects the lifespan of solar panels. As it accumulates, it decreases the power generated by the panels. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain and clean the panels. To achieve optimal power output from PV modules, they should be cleaned regularly. The best way to clean them is through sprinkler systems. But it has to be done properly.
This is where a good company comes in. A study in 2006 showed a noticeable decline in the performance of PV modules after light rainfall. Furthermore, it was found that there is a correlation between the number of hours the PV modules are exposed to dust and the power produced by the PV system.
High Temperatures
If you live in a hot climate, you should not be surprised to hear that high temperatures can affect your solar panel’s lifespan. The reason is simple – the panels lose their power output as they get hot. However, high temperatures also damage the other materials in your system. First, there is a reduction in the voltage between the cells. This can affect your power production and add to a larger loss throughout a larger system.
Second, small water droplets can collect on the panels if the sun is shining. These droplets reflect sunlight away from the cells and lower their efficiency. Third, crystalline silicon cells degrade due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Over time, this can lead to a loss of up to 10% of the maximum power output.