12 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Solar Panels

Solar panels have become a common sight on rooftops and in residential and commercial settings in recent years, but there is still so much that many people do not know about this technology. From their history and development to their current applications and future potential, solar panels have many interesting and surprising aspects.

In this article, we will explore 12 things you probably didn't know about solar panels, covering topics such as their efficiency, versatility, and environmental impact. We have tried to avoid the things that you probably already know. We don't need to tell you that they generate electricity or are eco-friendly. We want to take it a step further and talk about things that you might not know about solar energy.

Whether you are considering installing solar panels on your home, business, or simply want to learn more about this technology, this article will provide new insights and information about solar panels. With every new solar panel system installed, it brings us one step closer to the day that we'll be producing electricity fully from renewable sources. With that in mind, here are 12 things you probably didn't know about solar panels.

1. Space missions heavily rely on solar power

Solar panels are commonly used on space missions to provide a reliable source of electricity for spacecraft, satellites, and other spacecraft systems.

Solar panels have been used on a wide range of space missions, including the International Space Station, the Mars rovers, and many other spacecraft and satellites. They have proven to be a reliable and efficient source of power for spacecraft and have helped enable numerous scientific and exploration missions.

Solar panels on spacecraft are typically made from lightweight, durable materials, such as silicon, and are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and micrometeoroids.

Solar panels on spacecraft are typically mounted on the exterior of the spacecraft and are oriented towards the sun to maximise their exposure to sunlight. As the spacecraft orbits the Earth or travels through the solar system, the solar panels generate electricity from the sun's rays, which is used to power the spacecraft and its systems.

Solar panels are an attractive power source for spacecraft because they are lightweight, reliable, and able to generate electricity without the need for fuel. They are also able to generate electricity continuously as long as they are exposed to sunlight, making them well-suited for long-term space missions.

2. NASA researchers advanced solar power technology

While on the topic of space missions, you probably didn't realise how significant NASA's role in the development of solar technology was.

Solar panels today help us profit by allowing us to produce our own energy. But this wasn't always the case. In its early stages of development, solar panels were not very profitable because a lot more research was still needed.

And after the energy crisis in the 1970s, it made investing a difficult decision for many. However, NASA continued its investment in using solar panels in its endeavours. In fact, it came to fruition with the launch of the first artificial satellite powered by solar cells in 1958.

To this day, NASA and other space agencies still rely on solar cells on its missions and equipment. For instance, the International Space Station (ISS) is remarkably shadowed by the 35-metre-long solar array wings. Each wing contains 33,000 solar cells and has a conversion rate of 14%.

So, while NASA certainly didn't invent solar power technology, they did invest in it early to bring the profitable advancement we know today. And alongside the advancement of solar cells, we've benefited from many spinoff products such as solar-powered fridges, low-energy lighting, hot water heating, and more.

3. Solar panels can take as little as five years to pay for themselves

Another common question that appears on Google is "how long do solar panels take to pay for themselves?". The time for solar panels to pay for themselves, commonly referred to as the payback period, for solar panels might differ depending on a variety of variables.

The size of the solar panel system, the climate and location where the panels are installed, the local electricity costs, and any applicable incentives or rebates are some of the important factors that could impact the payback period.

In general, the payback period for solar panels is typically between 5 and 20 years. Considering that the average lifespan of a solar panel is 25 years, that sounds like a pretty good deal.

It's good to keep in mind that in some cases, the payback period can be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if you live in an area with high electricity rates and receive significant incentives or rebates, the payback period may be shorter. Or if the sunlight conditions in your area aren't optimal, then it'll increase your payback period.

It's important to note that while the payback period is an important consideration, it is not the only financial factor to consider when deciding whether to invest in solar panels. Solar panels can provide long-term financial benefits in the form of reduced electricity bills and may also increase the value of your home.

4. Solar panels are not 100% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity

Solar panel efficiency is a measure of the amount of sunlight that falls onto the surface of the panel and is converted into electricity. Solar panels, on average, have an efficiency of 15% to 20%. In 2021, the top-performing solar panels had efficiencies that reached just under 23%.

The efficiency of your solar panels will depend on many factors such as the placement, weather conditions, type/quality of the panel, and the orientation. For instance, some regions struggle more with how to keep snow off solar panels while others have clear skies for the majority of the year.

In comparison to other heating systems, solar panels have a low efficiency. For instance, ground source heat pumps can reach efficiencies as high as 400% to 500%. However, considering that sunlight is free, the return of energy from the efficiency is considered significant.

Even so, if you're considering a solar panel system, there are other metrics that are just as important as efficiency, such as the installed cost per kilowatt (kW), the annual electricity output, and your rates.

5. Solar panels can work during a power outage

It's commonly assumed that solar panels will automatically work during a power outage. However, it's a bit more complicated than you might think.

In essence, yes, solar panels can generate electricity even during a power outage, as long as the panels are receiving sunlight. However, the electricity generated by the solar panels will not be able to power your home or business unless it is stored in a battery or used with a backup generator.

But the bigger question is now how to use solar panels during a power outage. Well, in order to use solar panels during a power outage, you will need to have a battery storage system or a backup generator. The battery storage system will store the excess electricity generated by the solar panels for use when the sun is not shining or during a power outage. A backup generator, on the other hand, will provide a source of electricity when the solar panels are not generating enough power or during a power outage.

It's important to note that solar panels alone will not be able to power your home or business during a power outage. If you want to use solar panels as a backup power source, you will need to have a battery storage system or a backup generator in place.

6. Solar panels can be used in combination with other renewable energy technologies

Solar panels can also be used in combination with other renewable energy technologies, such as geothermal heat pumps, to create a more diverse and reliable energy system. By using a combination of renewable energy technologies, it is possible to create a system that is able to meet a wide range of energy needs and provide a stable and sustainable source of heat and electricity.

It can also be a cost-effective way to reduce your energy consumption and save on energy costs. You will need to consider how many solar panels you need for a heat pump will depend on your household's energy consumption.

This is often done through the use of a solar thermal system, which uses solar panels to collect heat from the sun and transfer it to a fluid, such as water or glycol. The heated fluid is then used to heat water or air, which is circulated through a home or business using a heat pump or other heating system.

Overall, using solar panels with a heat pump can be a good way to reduce energy costs and increase the sustainability of your home.

7. China is the largest producer of solar energy in the world

It may surprise you to find out, but China produced a record staggering amount of 340 GW. That makes it the largest solar energy producer in the world. For reference, second place goes to the United States with 102 GW. That's more than half of China's capacity. Knowing this, you probably won't be as surprised to find out that China is home to some of the largest solar farms spanning over 564 acres.

China's solar panel journey is one that has quickly taken on the world by dropping the prices of solar panels by nearly 80% between 2008 and 2013. “They fundamentally changed the economics of solar all over the world,” said Amit Ronen, director of the Solar Institute of George Washington University.

However, China is also the largest carbon emissions emitter in the world. But it's clear the country has a growing commitment toward a greener future. In its 5-year plan, presented in June 2022, China announced a target of producing 33% of its electricity from renewables.

Solar energy is a rapidly growing source of electricity worldwide, and many countries are investing in solar power as a clean and renewable energy source. The cost of solar energy has also been decreasing in recent years, making it more accessible and attractive to consumers and businesses.

8. The most frequently googled question about solar panels isn’t what you’d expect

Year after year, the most frequently Googled question about solar panels remains to be "how much does a solar panel cost?". Homeowners want to know if they can afford solar panels and if it'll be worth the cost.

Well, with the push to develop and transition to renewables, the cost in solar panels has seen significant decreases. In 2010, the price per Watt was USD 7.53. But in the first quarter of 2021, it dropped by 65% to USD 2.65 per watt. These declines were largely caused by cheaper and more efficient modules. But it's also due to the demand for solar panels increasing. And they're forecasted to continue to drop as solar panel efficiency increases.

9. Solar panels can be used to power a camper van with solar panels

Solar panels are not just for your home. They can be used to generate electricity to power a variety of electrical appliances and devices, including a camper van with solar panels—or at least help out with electricity when you're off-grid for camping trips or road trips.

Solar panels for your camper van can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on fuel costs. To use solar panels to power a camper van, you will need to install a solar panel system on the roof or exterior of the van. While it may be possible to fully run your vehicle off of solar panels, you will require many high power solar panels and lots of surface area.

How big your solar panel is and the number of solar panels needed will depend on the amount of electricity you want to generate and the appliances and devices you want to power. Also, keep in mind that the size of your camper van will determine how much electrical capacity it can provide.

10. Not all roof types work well with solar panels.

Not all roofs are built equal and some are more suitable for solar panels than others. For example, flat or low-sloped roofs provide one of the best candidates for solar panel installation because they provide the most surface area. But it's also common to install solar panels on steep or pitched roofs. To get the most out of this though, your roof should be facing in the direction the sun rises or sets.

But it's not just the shape of the roof you need to consider. Another factor is the material of the roof. As expected, old or damaged roofs can be a safety hazard to install solar panels on as solar panel systems can weigh anywhere from 40kg to more than 200kg. The most common roofing materials that solar panels are installed on are asphalt shingles and tile roofs.

In general, it's important to make sure that the roof is in good condition and has enough structural integrity to support the weight of the solar panel system. It's also a good idea to have a professional assess the suitability of your roof for a solar panel installation.

11. Some solar panels are designed to be flexible

Solar panels are designed to be flexible in order to increase their potential applications and make them more adaptable to different types of surfaces and structures.

Flexible solar panels are thin and lightweight, and are great in situations where you may be worried about how much a solar panel weighs. Also they can be easily bent or curved to fit onto curved or irregular surfaces, such as rooftops or building facades. These solar panels are usually crystalline silicon made with very thin silicon wafers that have some bendability.

Flexible solar panels are typically less efficient and durable than traditional rigid solar panels, but they can still be a useful and cost-effective way to generate electricity, especially when there are specific installation requirements.

Overall, the main differences between regular and flexible solar panels are in their materials, size, weight, efficiency, and cost. Both types of solar panels can be used to generate electricity, but the best choice for a particular application will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the project.

12. Airplanes can fly while running entirely on solar power

Solar-powered airplanes have been built and flown successfully, but they are generally small and can only carry a few people or a small amount of cargo.

The main challenge of using solar power for aviation is the amount of energy required to power an aircraft. Airplanes need a lot of energy to lift off the ground and fly, and solar panels alone are not capable of providing enough energy to power a traditional-sized airplane.

To overcome this challenge, some solar-powered airplanes have been designed to be very lightweight and have large surface areas covered in solar panels to maximise their ability to collect solar energy.

These airplanes typically fly slowly and at relatively low altitudes, and they rely on batteries to store the energy they collect from the sun so that they can continue to fly at night or on cloudy days.

It is likely that solar power will continue to play a role in the development of more sustainable aviation technologies, but it is unlikely that solar power will be able to completely replace traditional fossil fuels for powering commercial air travel in the foreseeable future.

Moving forward more sustainably and efficiently

Solar panels have come a long way since their invention in the 1950s. From powering small devices to large-scale electrical grids, solar panels have proven to be a reliable and renewable energy source.

They have become a mainstream source of renewable energy in recent years, and there is still so much to learn about this technology. From their history and development to their current applications and future potential, solar panels have many fascinating aspects that may surprise you.

But it's not just solar panels that can help us save on energy while benefiting the environment. We've mentioned how efficient heat pumps are, but one of the barriers to more heat pump installations is that people don't know enough about how they work and how they can benefit us as a planet. If you're interested in learning more, here are 12 things you probably didn't know about heat pumps .

Whether you are considering installing solar panels or another low carbon heating system in your home or simply want to learn more about this kind of technology, there is always more to discover. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of solar panels can help you make informed decisions about how to use solar energy in your life.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!