South Korean Scientists Find Real Efficiency of Solar Systems

Gavin Hudson — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:04:04 +0000

Manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels know the panel’s theoretical efficiency, but it’s much more difficult to tell the actual efficiency. For this, solar companies send their panels to a lab for testing under real weather conditions.

Recently, I visited such a solar testing lab — the Solar Power Research Lab at Chosun University in Gwangju, South Korea. I was greeted by Mr. Choi Jong-sik, an engineer and a graduate of the department.

Out front of this lab, a small field of solar panels soak up sunlight. The panel’s designs range from flat to arched and even rotating; some are varicolored polycrystalline, others are neatly lined monocrystalline. Rotating panels have tracking devices that follow the sun (pictured here). The panels can rotate 180° and swivel vertically 53°, following the sun’s path across the sky. The array and variety of panels is stunning.

Green Options » Chosun University

South Korean Scientists Find Real Efficiency of Solar Systems