Energy Yield (Solar)

Definition: Energy yield is a normalized measure of energy production that takes into account the size or rated power of the solar panel or system. It's typically expressed in kWh/kWp (kilowatt-hours per kilowatt-peak) or sometimes as a percentage referred to as the performance ratio..

• kWp (kilowatt-peak): Refers to the rated power of the panel or system under STC.

Analogy: Think of it like the fuel efficiency of a car (miles per gallon or kilometers per liter). It tells you how much energy is produced per unit of installed capacity.

Purpose: Energy yield allows for a fair comparison of the performance of different solar panels or systems, regardless of their size. It helps to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the system in converting sunlight into usable electricity.

Example: If a 1 kWp system produces 1500 kWh in a year, its energy yield is 1500 kWh/kWp.

Factors Affecting Energy Yield: Energy yield is influenced by factors like:

• Climate (sunlight hours, temperature)

• Panel orientation and tilt

• Shading

• System losses (wiring, inverter efficiency)

• Panel degradation over time

• In the case of bifacial panels, the albedo of the ground surface will also have a significant impact on energy yield.