What causes energy production loss in solar PV systems?

In the final installment of Aurora’s PV System Losses Series we explain specific causes of energy production loss in solar PV systems — and explore solar panel angle efficiency losses, as well as losses from tilt and orientation, incident angle modifier, environmental conditions, and inverter clipping.

How much energy does a solar system lose a year?

The average solar panel system in the UK loses between 1% and 3% in its first year, then around 0.5% with each subsequent year. That means after 25 years, the average system will produce 14% less energy than it did on its first day.

Do solar panels degrade over time?

Like all electrical systems, solar panels degrade over time, which means they'll generate slightly less electricity as the years go by. The average solar panel system in the UK loses between 1% and 3% in its first year, then around 0.5% with each subsequent year.

How much energy do solar panels produce per hour?

Solar panels produce 0.4kWh per hour on average, but this includes the hours after the sun goes down, when your system won't generate any energy. Your solar panel system will be most productive at solar noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

How does a solar PV system generate electricity?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity via the photovoltaic effect — whenever sunlight knocks electrons loose in the silicon materials that make up solar PV cells. As such, whenever a solar cell or panel does not receive sunlight — due to shading or nearby obstructions — the entire installation generates less overall solar power.

How much power do solar panels provide?

Nearly 30% told us that their solar panels provided between a quarter and a half of the total electricity they needed over a year. There's a huge seasonal variation in how much of your power solar panels can provide. Read our buying advice for solar panels to see how much of your power solar panels could generate in summer.