Types of losses in the solar system

There are 9 types of losses in the solar modules/solar solution that impact the power generation by the solar panel. In this blog, we will understand each of them individually. The objective is to understand how we can enhance the efficiency of the solar solution by lowering these losses.

Shading loss: Restricting a solar panel's surface from getting sunlight will reduce its efficiency. The maximum output of a photovoltaic system can considerably decrease under partial shadowing, which lowers the system's energy yield. Because of this, the problem is assigned a top priority at the chart's top.

Dust loss: It is impossible to overlook how dust affects solar photovoltaic performance. Dust accounts for a total of 2% loss in solar power generation. This percentage may easily reach 6% or 7% for areas near industrial activity and lengthy, dusty seasons; this energy loss is not insignificant.

On panels positioned at a lower tilt angle, dust accumulates, but bird poop—another foe of panel efficiency—is an excellent sunlight blocker. Over time, it quickly builds up and hardens, making it incredibly challenging to remove.

Thermal Loss? A solar cell loses 0.5% of its output for every 1 degree C above the STC-rated temperature of 25 degrees C, making this one of the largest losses in energy. This loss is due to an intrinsic feature of the solar cell construction.

Solar Inverter Losses Efficiency for the most popular type of inverter, the string inverter, is at 97%, which means that for every 100kWh produced, 3kWh are lost.

?Solar Panel Mismatch Losses When two or more solar panels in an array produce differing amounts of energy, there is a mismatch between the solar modules. Two factors may contribute to this: the partial shade already mentioned, or variations in the electrical properties of the solar cells.

DC Cable Losses Losses in DC connections cannot be eliminated because whenever a current flows, energy is lost. The loss can only be reduced as much as feasible, and that is all we can do.

When current flows through the cables, their electrical resistance causes a voltage drop as well as power loss in the form of heating. The heating effect is a factor across connections and gets worse the higher the current.

AC Cable Losses Regulations allow for a voltage drop of up to 3% in both DC and AC cables. In actuality, the only ways we can reduce AC losses are by using a cable with the right cross-sections.

Losses in solar PV lines, DC losses in solar panel strings, and AC losses at the output of inverters all need to be kept to a minimum. Minimizing the voltage drop in cables is one approach to keep these losses under control. It is OK to have a drop voltage of less than 1%, and it should never go over 3%.

Low radiation loss This shows the reduction in efficiency when the irradiance is decreased from the STC rating (Standard test Conditions) of 1000W/m2 to a low irradiance of 200W/m2. It is averaged out for practical reasons at 1.5 percent.

Energy production is not linear; as efficiency decreases, it impacts overall power generation by the solar solution.

When you are installing a solar panel, make sure you are using the right solar panel. Make sure the manufacturer of the solar panel meets all of the requirements and criteria set by the govt.

Many of the above-mentioned losses can be reduced by choosing the right solar module. DC and AC cable loss, solar module mismatch loss, inverter loss, shading, and, dust losses can easily be lowered by the consumers themselves.?

With a focus on creating Solar PV Modules, Solar Kits, Intelligent Solar Lighting, Pumping Solutions, and Solar Power Storage Solutions, Navitas Solar is the top-tier solar panel manufacturer in India.

Forward integration allows us to offer EPC solutions for all energy demand levels, from modest residences to commercial and industrial. Also, We offer various on-grid and off-grid solutions.?