What percentage of the rated power? Panels would go in the northeast. I mean just in general I know that panels are generally about 11-19% efficient but of the rated power what should I actually get on average given average conditions? If I had a 200W panel would I get 100W? 50W? 150W? Thx in advance.
Panels are rated at a standard test condition (STC). The rated output has nothing to do with efficiency. A more efficient panel is physically smaller than a less efficient panel, a 200W panel outputs 200W at the STC, regardless of its efficiency. You’ll generally pay more for a more efficient panel, so if space isn’t an issue, you may be better off getting a less efficient panel, you’ll get the same output, but it will take up more space.
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#1 by billrussell42 at July 20th, 2010
Depends on the manufacturer and on how sleazy their marketing department is.
Usually the power rating is for noon-day sun with the panel at right angles to the sun’s rays. The 11-19% is a percent of the theoretical maximum power delivered to the panel, and is not part of the specifications.
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References :
#2 by Juana Inés de la Cruz at July 20th, 2010
Have you read through this article?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel
References :
#3 by Amy at July 20th, 2010
Panels are rated at a standard test condition (STC). The rated output has nothing to do with efficiency. A more efficient panel is physically smaller than a less efficient panel, a 200W panel outputs 200W at the STC, regardless of its efficiency. You’ll generally pay more for a more efficient panel, so if space isn’t an issue, you may be better off getting a less efficient panel, you’ll get the same output, but it will take up more space.
References :
AltE Store – http://www.altestore.com