If you are considering getting solar panels for your home or business, then this question might have popped up in your mind – “How Does Solar Energy Save Money?”.
Most people try to calculate their solar energy savings before they invest in solar panels, despite solar technology becoming more affordable in the last few years.
The Philippines is a tropical archipelago, and the sun is up almost every day of the year. This is the reason more Filipinos are switching to solar panels, and the nation’s solar energy capacity is at 1.62 thousand megawatts. Thus, switching to solar may just be a practical and eco-friendly solution here.
But, how efficient are these solar panels? How much power do they really help you save? How does solar energy save money?
Let’s figure it out.
Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to understand the concept of solar panel efficiency. Efficiency refers to the ability of the solar panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity.
High-efficiency panels can convert a greater percentage of sunlight into electricity, meaning they require fewer panels to generate the same amount of power compared to lower-efficiency ones.
Now, let’s take a look at the factors that affect solar panel efficiency and solar energy savings in the Philippines.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency in the Philippines
Several factors influence solar panel efficiency in the Philippines like
1. Orientation and tilt
Panels facing the equator (south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere) receive maximum sunlight. For the Philippines, this means positioning panels to face south to maximize efficiency.
2. Shading
Any kind of obstruction, like nearby buildings or even trees, can reduce a solar panel’s efficiency and cast shadows. Thus, it’s essential to ensure the panels are installed in areas that receive direct sunlight.
3. Temperature
Solar panels may become less efficient as they get hotter. Thus, the tropical climate of the Philippines means that the panels may operate slightly below their peak efficiency due to the elevated temperatures.
Moving on, let’s take a look at the power savings of solar panels in the Philippines.
How Does Solar Energy Save Money ?
How much electricity does solar panels save?
On average, a high-quality solar panel in the Philippines can produce between 14-20 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per square meter annually. For a typical Filipino household consuming around 200 kWh per month, this translates to significant savings.
Let’s break it down further.
- Monthly Consumption: 200 kWh
- Daily Consumption: Approximately 6.7 kWh (assuming 30 days in a month)
If a household installs a 3 kW solar panel system, which is common for many residential solar setups, it can produce around 10-14 kWh daily. Given the daily consumption of 6.7 kWh, the household can potentially offset its entire monthly electricity bill with a bit of energy to spare. Over a year, this can lead to substantial savings and also a reduced carbon footprint.
However, although there is evidently an increase in savings, solar energy can benefit the nation as a whole. By switching to solar, Filipinos can contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce their greenhouse emissions and also boost the nation’s energy security.
The Philippines government has also been proactive in promoting the use of solar energy. The government has laid out incentives like net metering, where excess energy produced by solar panels can be sold back to the grid.
Final Thoughts
Solar panel efficiency isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about empowerment and empowering citizens to take control of their energy consumption, reduce their power bills and play a critical role in shaping the country’s renewable energy future. Thus, for Filipinos, the future is bright, and it’s powered by the sun.
Looking to go solar? Look no further than Nativ Techniks for all your solar energy needs. Call us at +639176310032, or mail us at wecare@nativtechniks.com for pricing and other details.
Comment (1)
How many megawatts can a one square kilometer of solar panel generate?
What is the installation cost?