In the sunny states of Georgia and Florida, homeowners have a golden opportunity to harness the sun's power to light up their lives sustainably and affordably. Solar energy isn't just for your home's...
Sep / 26 / 2023
Florida homeowners can significantly reduce their energy bills with solar panel installation. But how much energy does a solar panel produce in Florida? And how does it work? Let’s get into it!
Solar energy is increasingly popular as a power source, and there’s no question why. With simple installation and long-term lifespan, the savings solar can bring to your residence are notable and easy. So, how can you determine exactly how many solar panels you’ll need to power your home? It depends a lot on your roof design and overall monthly energy consumption. There are great opportunities for energy solutions in Florida! This article will explain how solar panels work and how much energy you can get to power your home.
Understanding Solar Panel Energy Production in Florida
Of course, we think solar panel energy production is super cool, but that’s because we geek out on it constantly! Here’s a primer for those who may not constantly think about the sun.
Energy solutions Florida: PV technology used in solar panels
Solar panels normally operate using photovoltaic (PV) technology, which uses small cells that produce about 1 or 2 watts of power. There are three types of PV technology (at the moment): monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin film.
The first type of cells that were commercially available were monocrystalline silicon. These cells are produced by taking a seed crystal from molten silicon to create a lattice structure that can be sawn into thin wafers, polished, and doped to create the necessary p-n junction for the solar panel. These panels are incredibly efficient, but the production can be quite laborious, making them more expensive.
Then we have the polycrystalline silicon cells. These cells have lots of tiny grains of crystals and can be made by casting a simple cube-shaped ingot from molten silicon and then solar awning and packaging similar to the monocrystalline solution. These panels currently dominate the market since they are cheaper and less labor-intensive.
Finally, there are film panels, which are great for roofing with less traditional shapes. These cells are very thin and flexible and use much less silicon than the more traditional styles of cells. However, given that the silicon is not organized in a crystalline structure, their productivity and efficiency are slightly lower.
Panel size and capacity
There are three main sizes of solar panels to know: 60-cell, 72-cell, and 96-cell. For commercial and residential solar panels, the 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels size are most commonly used as the 96-cell measures 17.5 square feet – which can make for a challenging fit on your roof.
Recent developments have led to half-cut cells. This means that while the modules are similar in dimensions to their 60 and 72-cell counterparts, they actually contain 120 cells and 144 cells, respectively, making them more efficient.
Florida's sunlight intensity and duration
The efficiency and effectiveness of solar panels are closely tied to the intensity and duration of sunlight they receive. Solar panels function optimally when exposed to direct sunlight with high intensity. Intensity refers to the amount of sunlight energy per unit area, and it is typically at its peak during clear, sunny days. The more intense the sunlight, the more electricity a solar panel can generate. So if you’re in Florida and it’s not hurricane season, you can harvest mother nature’s energy for continued use year-round.
Angle and orientation of the solar panel
The angle and orientation of a solar panel play a pivotal role in determining its energy production efficiency. The angle at which a solar panel is tilted relative to the sun's position in the sky, known as the tilt angle or tilt pitch, significantly impacts its ability to capture sunlight. In general, panels should be tilted to match the latitude of the installation location to maximize energy production. Panels facing south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere tend to receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
The orientation may vary depending on specific factors, such as shading, surrounding structures, and the desired energy production profile. For example, east-facing panels capture more morning sunlight, while west-facing panels capture more in the afternoon. Finding the optimal angle and orientation is crucial for achieving the highest energy yield from solar panels, ensuring they are aligned to receive the maximum amount of sunlight over the course of a day and throughout the year.
Temperature and shade factors
Temperature is another important factor that can affect the energy production of solar panels. Solar panels are most efficient at converting sunlight into electricity when they operate at cooler temperatures. High temperatures can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of solar panels.
Solar panels have a temperature coefficient, which indicates how their efficiency decreases as the temperature rises. This coefficient is typically expressed as a percentage per degree Celsius. When temperatures rise above the panel's optimal operating range (usually around 25°C or 77°F), the panel's efficiency decreases. This means that on hot summer days, solar panels may produce less electricity compared to cooler days.
Related Content: What Are the Financial Benefits of Solar Energy? The Florida Experience
Calculating Solar Panel Energy Output for Floridians
Solar panel wattage is the amount of power a solar panel produces in a given time. This amount is normally measured in watts and can be calculated by multiplying the panel voltage, amperes, and the number of cells in the solar panel. The amount varies quite a bit, between 40 and 480.
Total power generation depends on the solar panels' wattage. However, power production will vary depending on the weather and sun conditions, such as shading. Modules produce less energy when temperatures exceed 25° C (77° F). Accurately estimating actual solar power output is critical for generating electricity bill cost savings estimates. This is great news for Floridians because the sun usually shines, making your solar investment all the more lucrative!
Energy Solutions Florida: How Much Are You Saving?
Florida was recently ranked 8th for highest electric bills across the U.S. in 2022, according to a study, which we find crazy given the natural resources available. According to the University of Florida, the Floridians’ average monthly energy bill in 2022 was $150, a 15% increase from 2021. And that’s all without any add-ons that energy companies may charge! It’s clear that energy cost in Florida is high, and given the volatility of the weather lately, it makes sense to investigate alternative sources of energy that can be stored and used in an emergency.
So how much would you save? To provide a specific savings amount, one would need to consider all the variables described above and perform a detailed analysis based on the property’s circumstances. Generally, homeowners with solar panels in Florida can expect to save a substantial amount on their electricity bills over the life of a well-designed and properly maintained solar panel system. It's advisable to consult with a local solar installer or use online solar calculators to estimate potential savings based on your specific situation.
CKR Solar is your trusted partner in creating enduring solar solutions for your Florida home. With our deep-rooted commitment to quality and years of expertise in the solar industry, we're here to make sure your solar installation stands the test of time. We understand the unique challenges of Florida's climate, and that's why we use top-notch materials and craftsmanship to ensure the longevity of your solar system.
But our commitment doesn't end with installation. We're dedicated to providing you with worry-free solar ownership. Our proactive maintenance programs are designed to keep your solar panels at peak performance. We're always just a call away, ready to swiftly address any concerns and ensure your solar investment continues to save you money on your energy bills.
By choosing CKR Solar, you're embracing clean, sustainable energy and securing a long-lasting and hassle-free solar solution for your Florida home. We're here to help you harness the power of the sun for years to come.
