Are Solar Panels Efficient?

That all depends on what one considers sufficiently efficient and what kind of solar panel (photovoltaic, thermal, algae).

ok thanks but grid station can also b used.

I'd think the efficiency would suffer at night.

It's getting better all the time.

Is efficiency really the issue? I think the question you really want answered is:

"Can I use solar photovoltaic panels to get cheaper electricity than from the local power utility?"

This question cannot be answered without more data.

The answer depends on many factors, some of which are specific to the region where you live. Can you provide details about your power requirements, local utility costs, and regional insolation (or your approximate latitude) ?

i live in pakistan in lahore.the local climate is hot.the duration of summer season is from May to october and winter is from november to febr.and the total power value is 3.162KW 4 which i require a solar panel which is economical enough.

You might analyze it this way:

Suppose you buy $10,000 worth of solar panels, and they produce $1,000 worth of electricity each year.

That's like an investment that yields a return of 10%/year. Compare your particular results with the other investments you might make. Then choose accordingly.

Review this graphic...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PVeff%28rev100414%29.png

Solar panels are as efficient as the design, and user. In the south west the "solar" window is as good as it gets. P V panels only give back a 10% or so on the investment. Hot water panels, installed on a solar green house which is part of the south side of the house and using a 450 gal. non pressure storage tank, and an "in-floor" heating system, is a very good way the home can use quite a bit of the solar energy to heat, and enjoy the benefits of growing/gardening.

about 30 to 40 %

http://cr4.globalspec.com/search/sitesearch?do=show&sort=textmatchrank&srch=solar%20panels&srchobjs=t%2Cbe%2Cc%2Ctg%2Cu&order=asc

Yes Dear,

I am repeating your question " Are Solar Panels Efficient ?"

I presume you are talking about Solar PV Panels not Solar Thermal energy pannels.

Pl clarify if you want to know whether high efficiency Solar PV panels are available in the market

Or you basically want to know if solar PV panels are deployed they will work efficiently or not.

As such in the market Solar PV Panels are available in a range of efficiency varying from 15 to 42%, it depends on how much input money one want to spend and on the application type.

For normal house applications, a PV panel with 22 to 25% efficiency should be Ok, but for space applications in satellite definitely a solar PV panel of higher efficiency will be preferred though the cost may be prohibitively high compared to PV panel normally used for house applications.

Solar Thermal energy panels are available in market have range of efficiency varying from 50 to 80%.

Regards-

Dr N P singh