Ask John

Q: How Much Electricity Can A Solar Panel Produce?

posted April 26th 2010 at 11:33AM

Unfortunately, this question is impossible to answer without the knowledge of more than a few specific factors as they relate to your solar panel array. A medium-sized solar panel, like the 36 cell unit constructed in our video, will probably yield anywhere from 50 to 200 watts, or more.

Why such a wide range in expected performance? Well, you could use either high-efficiency, or low-efficiency cells to build your solar panels. The limitations of lower-efficiency cells should be reflected in their price, but they connect and work in exactly the same way. In fact, there’s nothing to stop you from using a combination of both in the same panel, if that’s what you’ve got available.

The quality of your work, and your attention to detail when soldering will also affect your solar panel’s output (even badly soldered panels can produce some electricity, even if they never reach their maximum potential). But of far greater importance is the strength of the solar energy resource on your property.

Sincerely,

John Russel

Electrician, Researcher, Inventor, Home Energy Consultant, and Creator
of the Power4Home System