Determining the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems involves assessing the ratio of electricity generated to the solar energy received. For example, a system receiving 1000 watts of sunlight and producing 200 watts of electricity operates at 20% effectiveness. Numerous factors influence this metric, including the type of solar cells, the system’s orientation and tilt, temperature, and shading.
Accurate assessment of energy conversion is crucial for optimizing system design, predicting performance, and ensuring return on investment. Historically, improvements in materials science and manufacturing processes have driven significant gains in effectiveness, making solar energy a progressively more viable energy source. This progress has spurred broader adoption and contributed to a decrease in the cost of solar power.