Yes, I'm aware that modern solar cells are capable of 20% efficiency or
better but that's only if the incident rays are perpendicular to the
surface. Maintaining that efficiency throughout the entire day would
require a steerable array to keep it continually pointed at the sun.
So, given that I'm not likely to be steering my roof, I was assuming a
high efficiency cell but discounting its average efficiency over a 10
hour period as the sun angle changes. Whether my 10% guesstimate for
the average is reasonable or not I haven't a clue. But it's probably
close enough that the conclusion about not collecting enough power for
my two cars from the sunlight incident on my roof is probably still correct.
Chuck Norcutt
Tim Hughes wrote:
> It used to be that demonstration technology solar cells ran a bit over 20%
> efficient. But I think
> many new solar cell companies are talking about production level cells being
> around 20%, so the
> 10% is definitely on the pessimistic side. On the other hand the 10hrs/day
> etc Chuck used, are
> optimistic as pointed out. So maybe in the south of the US you could get
> something like 50% more
> than originally calculated?
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