The increasing demand for solar energy and the invention of solar-powered products create the necessity of establishing high-power solar stations. Consumers are moving to renewable energy and using solar power for their devices.
Commercial solar power stations produce electricity for the grid, and you may ask, how many solar panels do I need for 1mw?
In this article, we will disclose the answer to the question and present the efficiency point of solar panels.
Besides, we mention the energy-producing capacity of solar panels to clarify the production rate of each solar panel.
Contents
How Much Electricity Can a Solar Panel Generates?
It depends on three factors: the panel size, the solar cells’ efficiency, and the amount of sunlight the solar panel gets.
To find out the accurate calculation, we have to understand the average size of the solar panel.
When we say solar panels, we are talking about a solar panel that contains 60 silicon photovoltaic cells. Most manufacturers produce this type of panel for residential usage.
Nowadays, the average size of solar panels is 65 inches in height and 39 inches wide. You can compare it to five and a half feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Why does the solar panel size matter?
Solar panels produce energy from the sun with the help of silicon cells. A bigger solar panel contains more cells than a smaller one. So, the more cells they have inside, they will create more power.
The efficiency of the solar cells
The electricity production power depends on the efficiency of the solar cells. Solar panels are made with monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells.
The monocrystalline solar cells have higher efficiency and capability to perform in higher temperatures and shady weather.
On the contrary, polycrystalline solar cells have lower efficiency and produce less energy at a higher temperature.
So, a solar panel’s efficiency and energy production capacity depends on the type and material.
The amount of sunlight
The result will be zero if you have the most efficient solar panel but not enough sunlight. Sunlight is the source of solar power. So, you have to ensure sufficient sunlight to generate power.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for 1mw?
The answer to this question completely depends on whether you are talking about a 1MW AC or DC power system. To get the measurement, you have to know the wattage of the solar panel. One MW means 1000000 watts. If you use 300 watts solar panels, you need 3,333 panels for a 1MW power plant.
Besides, the number of solar panels is associated with the load of the inverter. If you use more powerful solar panels, the number of panels will be reduced.
The system requires huge solar panels and land. In general, a 300-watt solar panel is about 6 square feet. YOu can install 7200 panels into an acre. So you would need half an acre of land for a one MW power plant. You can increase and decrease the number of solar panels and land area by developing the wattage of the solar panel.
The Point of Inefficiency
As we discussed, the efficiency of solar panels depends on several factors, and there are some reasons for the solar panel’s inefficiency. Your solar panel will produce less energy due to some unwanted situations. But most of the reasons you will find on the internet are a myth because solar panels are designed to produce electricity in any weather condition.
Lightning will affect the solar panel.
The idea is completely wrong, and there is no chance to reduce the inefficiency of solar panels by lightning. Proper mounting and grounding will save your solar energy system against lightning. The lightning protection system is available for homes and businesses.
The “lost” of a system
System loss is available in every production sector, and the solar system has some system loss options. If you install a 100 watts solar panel, it doesn’t mention that you will get 100 watts of energy from the panel.
The system loss depends on many conditions. If you follow the standard installation system and your solar panels get proper sunlight, it will produce 70 percent to 80 percent of the efficiency.
On the contrary, the efficiency varies in the morning and afternoon because of less sunlight. In the morning and evening, a solar panel remains 50 percent efficient.
So, you will get the average power from the system at the end of the day. The loss of the system creates this difference.
How much ten MW Solar Power Plant Cost
A 10MW solar panel will cost approximately 10 million USD. The cost depends on the region where you live. The vat and duty will increase or decrease the cost of installing a 10MW solar power plant.
You can ask your local service provider or manufacturer to get an estimated budget. Please compare the budget with different manufacturers based on the quality and specifications of the solar panels.
Some countries offer subsidiaries if you install solar panels, and it is also applicable for commercial purposes. We hope your next solar power plant will be affordable and suitable for massive production.
Wrapping Up
So, it is clear to you how many solar panels you need for your power plant. It is important to calculate things based on the efficiency of solar panels.
You will get an efficient solar system if you understand the factors that may reduce the energy production rate.
Besides, lightning and system loss must be considered when you will measure the number of solar panels. It will help you to reveal the actual power of the system.
Remember, an inefficient solar panel can destroy your entire investment. So, you have to ensure the solar panel’s quality along with the number of panels. It will guide you to the right path.
It can be intimidating to go through the process of calculating the type of solar panel I ought to have for my solar power system.
I surely don’t want to waste money and time on solar panels that don’t give the electrical energy I was expecting. But what amount of power can a 300-watt solar panel produce?
Thank you.