For energy sources like fossil fuels, their environmental impact makes them inefficient. However, determining the efficiency of renewable energy sources is challenging, as several factors other than the environment are involved.
Every form of energy requires input to provide the intended output. So, the level of input a certain power source requires to produce a certain output determines its suitability. Hydroelectricity, geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass are the most efficient forms of renewable energy. Still, trade-offs abound in harnessing these energy sources.
Take solar, for example. It's considered both efficient and unlimited. However, to understand the extent of its efficiency, one must consider the source of power and how it’s harnessed. Understanding what production process of a solar panel is a good place to start. Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity.
Quartz silicon dioxide is used to manufacture photovoltaic cells. The process is energy-intensive. What’s more, it produces toxic waste. So, solar power as an alternative power source carries an environmental risk and a cost. Even so, the environmental and financial cost of solar power generation pales compared to that of sources like fossil fuels.
Efficiency is not only about the cost of production. Other factors play a role in determining the sustainability of an energy source. Wind, sun, and water are naturally occurring. And even though those wishing to harness them can go the extra mile to ensure efficient production, other factors beyond human control may affect their efficiency.
Solar power generation drops on cloudy days because of shading. Also, solar panels perform optimally at temperatures of 77°F. So, significantly high temperatures can hurt solar power generation. High temperatures increase the number of excited electrons, leading to a low voltage output, which hurts solar power efficiency. Other post-installation factors worth considering include operation and maintenance costs. Solar power is relatively low maintenance compared to wind and hydroelectric power.
Wind and hydroelectric power are highly mechanical. With several moving parts come high maintenance and operational cost. In wind and hydroelectric power plants, there are turbines to replace. Cleaning and inspection are the most frequent maintenance costs associated with solar power generation.
To improve solar power efficiency, use efficient solar panel models. Because the material used and the structures of a cell determine its effectiveness, some solar panels are less efficient than others.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient solar panels on the market. They are made of high-purity silicon, resulting in 15 percent to 22 percent more efficient than the standard, thin-film panel. However, they are relatively expensive. Even with the most sophisticated solar panel, one must ensure correct installation for optimum efficiency. South-facing panels will catch more sunlight than north-facing ones.
It's advisable to install solar panels in a sloping manner to keep them clean by reducing the amount of dust, leaves, and other foreign materials that might settle on the surfaces. It also makes cleaning solar panels easy. Clean solar panel surfaces increase efficiency by 21 percent.
Since high temperatures reduce solar power efficiency, one can counter this by leaving sufficient space between the roof and the solar panel. When wind passes between the roof and the solar panel, it cools the system and boosts solar power generation.
Ultimately, there are trade-offs in power generation. Therefore, in the quest for the most efficient power source, the one that requires acceptable trade-offs and promises significant efficiency and practicality carries the day.
