How Much Energy Can Be Generated Using Commercial Solar Panels?

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As businesses and organisations look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs, commercial solar panels have become a popular solution. But how much power can you get from a commercial solar panel?

What Are Commercial Solar Panels?

Commercial solar panels are predominantly installed on larger buildings, sometimes featuring significantly larger panel sizes or higher energy specifications, compared to domestic panels. The size and performance difference allows commercial solar panels to generate a higher amount of electricity compared to domestic panels. At East Yorkshire Solar, we install and maintain commercial solar panels on a variety of buildings, creating systems bespoke to you. In addition, we offer a variety of services, including pest protection and upgrades to existing Solar PV systems.

How Are Solar Panel Powers Rated?

The power output of a solar panel is typically measured in Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW), where 1kW equals 1,000 watts. This rating indicates the maximum power output the panel can produce under ideal conditions, usually measured under standard test conditions (STC) of 1000 watts per square meter of solar irradiance, a cell temperature of 25°C, and an air mass of 1.5.

Typical Power Ratings for Commercial Solar Panels

Commercial solar panels are generally larger and more powerful than domestic panels. Here are some common power ratings for commercial solar panels:

1. 250W-300W Panels: These are often used in smaller commercial installations or where space is limited.
2. 350W-400W Panels: A more common size for many commercial projects, providing a good balance of size and efficiency.
3. 400W-450W Panels: These panels offer higher efficiency and are often used in larger commercial installations.
4. 450W-500W Panels: These are some of the most powerful panels currently available, used in large-scale commercial and industrial projects.

Factors Affecting Power Output

The actual power output of a commercial solar panel can vary based on several factors:

• Location and Sunlight: The amount of sunlight a location receives will directly affect the power output. Areas with more sunlight hours will generate more electricity.
• Angle and Orientation: The angle at which the panels are installed and their orientation towards the sun can impact efficiency. Ideally, panels should face south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere
• Temperature: Solar panels are more efficient at cooler temperatures. High heat can reduce the efficiency of the panels.
• Shading and Obstructions: Shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly reduce the output of solar panels, as the solar panels are exposed to less sunlight.
• Panel Condition – When installed correctly, solar panels will work well for years with little maintenance. However, they do need some maintenance, as damage, dust or debris can reduce their efficiency and output.

Calculating the Total System Size

To determine the total size of a commercial solar power system, you can multiply the number of panels by their individual power rating. For example:

• 50 panes at 300W each: 500x300W= 15,000W or 15kW

As a guide this equates to approximately 73.5 – 82.5 kWh of energy generated per day.

• 100 panels at 350W each: 100×350W= 35,000W or 35kW

As a guide this equates to approximately 171.5 – 192.5 kWh of energy generated per day.

• 200 panels at 450W each: 200×450W = 90,000 = 90,000W or 90kW

As a guide this equates to approximately 441 – 495 kWh of energy generated per day.

Conclusion

The power rating of most commercial solar panels typically ranges from 250W to 500W. The total power output of a commercial solar installation will depend on the number of panels and their individual power ratings. By considering factors such as location, angle, temperature, and shading, businesses can optimise their solar panel systems to maximise energy production and savings.

Investing in commercial solar panels is a smart move towards sustainability and cost-efficiency. Contact East Yorkshire Solar today for more information on commercial solar panels or get an instant quote now. By understanding the power ratings and factors affecting output, businesses can make informed decisions to harness the full potential of solar energy.

Further support

We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact our solar experts today for further guidance and advice.

Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk

Telephone: 01482 230 422